By Jordan Beach
The Cherokee Scholars for Reinhardt committee is fortunate to include many community leaders to serve students like Aaron Mitchell, who performed “Beautiful Reinhardt” at this year’s Cherokee Scholars Luncheon.
As the committee enjoyed lunch in Simms I & II of the Gordy Dining Center, Mitchell spoke of the many ways his scholarship from Cherokee Scholars allows him to attend Reinhardt and pursue his passions. The Aug. 22 event kicks off the program’s efforts every year, as they begin advocating support for students of Reinhardt University who reside in Cherokee County.
“Cherokee Scholars is so much more than a scholarship program, it is a way to invest in the future of Reinhardt’s students, who we hope will come back to their community to live, work and play,” said Dale Morrissey, senior director of constituent engagement.
This year’s committee chair is Katie Wise, branch manager of LGE Community Credit Union in Woodstock, and she is honored to lead the efforts to raise scholarship money for Cherokee County students this year.
The program, which raised more than $100,000 last year, not only offers students the chance to build the foundation for their life goals, but additionally offers opportunity for a well-rounded, whole experience in higher education.
“You may have been recruited to be in musical theatre or you may have been recruited to be the pitcher of the baseball team, but what we want these students to do is not just think of themselves as a musical theatre major or a pitcher of the Reinhardt baseball team, we want them to think of themselves in multiple roles, because when they get out into the community, as you know, as you are community leaders, they will take on multiple roles,” Provost Mark Roberts said, addressing the committee.
One of the many ways community members can get involved with Cherokee Scholars is to participate in the annual 5K in downtown Canton. The 5th Annual Born to Run 5K Run/Walk takes place Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 a.m. in downtown Canton’s Cannon Park. Registration for the race begins at 7 a.m. Pre-registered runners may pick up race supplies Friday, Nov. 1 from 3-6 p.m. at Northside Hospital Cherokee. Register at Reinhardt.edu/5k or www.Active.com.
Cherokee Scholars is an annual community initiative that generates grants for Cherokee County students attending Reinhardt University. Since its inception in 1988, more than $5 million has been raised for student scholarships.
