ATLAS Ministry is proud to announce the establishment of the ATLAS Greg Lawton Scholarship, a meaningful tribute to the life, legacy, and lasting impact of Greg Lawton and his wife, Anna.
In 2016, the Lawton Family partnered with ATAS to establish the Lawton Family Scholarship with the heart to INSPIRE Greene County students to ASPIRE to greater college or technical education pathways without undue financial burden. Through their 10-year commitment, they empowered over 30 Greene County students to pursue their postsecondary goals.
When Greg passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer, ATLAS enthusiastically set out to honor his and Anna’s unwavering dedication to inspiring young people by formally establishing the ATLAS Greg Lawton Scholarship.
Ryan Gibadlo, ATLAS Ministry’s Executive Director, spoke about the next steps, stating, “It’s incredibly exciting to build off of the legacy begun by Greg and the Lawton family to ensure their commitment continues to shape future generations for many years to come.”
Over the past decade, scholarship recipients have excelled, collectively maintaining an average GPA of 3.5 or higher while attending colleges and universities across the region and beyond. In addition to financial support, each student has received personalized mentoring through the Lawton family.
Moving forward, ATLAS will continue to mentor new recipients of the scholarship through their partnership with the Lake Oconee Youth Alliance to help them navigate academic milestones, career planning, and personal growth as they pursue their college degree.
The scholarship supports students pursuing technical certifications and those enrolling in four-year degree programs, broadening opportunities across a wide range of career paths.
The ATLAS Greg Lawton Scholarship is open to graduating seniors who have been active participants in ATLAS programs through their educational journey. Applicants must have participated in the ATLAS Continuum for a minimum of three consecutive years between seventh grade and senior year, or for at least two years during high school. Deeper involvement strengthens their eligibility to receive the scholarship.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through Feb. 28. Students may apply online atatlasministry.org/ atlas-scholarship.
For questions or additional information, please contact Mariah Burger at ATLAS Ministry by phone at 706-453-0581 or email mburger@atlasministry.org.
Founded in 2006, ATLAS Ministry is a 501(c)(3) Christ-centered ministry that educates, disciples, and trains students and families to become change agents in their community. Through literacy education, leadership, and character-development programs, ATLAS seeks to serve and impact 20 percent of all children in Greene County.