Lake Oconee Youth Alliance (LOYA) has announced its largest class of scholarship recipients to date.
In 2022, eight local high school graduates were awarded scholarships to continue their educational plans.
Two current scholarship recipients had their scholarship value increased based on collegiate performance. Four college assistance program students were awarded scholarships based on their college academic performance.
This year, a new program for graduates attending community college was begun with one scholarship awarded to a deserving graduate attending Georgia Military College. The total scholarship pledged by LOYA to these 2022 Scholars is $68,000, bringing the total sold for student college undergraduate education since 2018 to $270,000.
LOYA is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 organization serving Putnam and Greene counties. All students are PELL eligible (indicating need) and HOPE eligible (indicating academic excellence). This 2022 class brings the total number of LOYA scholars to 42.
LOYA scholars receive not only recurring scholarships but also mentoring and support throughout their undergraduate careers. The LOYA scholarship program students maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
LOYA scholars have a 98 percent college retention rate. By 2022’s year-end, LOYA reports 11 scholarship graduates. Of these, five graduated summa cum laude, one magna cum laude and two cum laude. The average year to graduation is 3.5.
The 2022 scholars excel in academics, leadership, community service, essay, character and interview. The following is a brief synopsis of the high school achievements and future plans of these impressive young adults in the Class of 2022.
Tayla Merritt is a 2022 Honor graduate of LOA. She plans to attend Georgia College and State University and pursue a Bachelor of Nursing degree. She will continue her educational path pursuing a master’s in nursing and serve her community as a Nurse Practitioner. During her years at LOA, Tayla was a cheerleading captain, member of Beta Club, Thespian Honor Society, Youth Leadership Greene County and Skills USA. Tayla was involved in service to her community through the Christmas Toy Drive, Letters for Rose, Camp Invention, Putnam Christian Outreach and a Leader at Youth Cheer Camp. The faculty at LOA describe Tayla as one with a smile on her face that serves others with joy. She is a dedicated worker both in the classroom and on the field.
Ke’Asia Waller is a 2022 honor graduate of PCHS. She plans to attend Kennesaw State University in the Fall and major in architecture. During her years at PCHS, she was a Junior Board Member at Farmers and Merchants Bank. She served on the yearbook staff. The Georgia College Early College Program provided Ke’Asia an opportunity to challenge herself with full-time college classes from freshman year through senior year. She earned a certificate in Logistics from CGTC as well. Ke’Asia served her community throughout her years in high school through assisting with food drives, volunteering at Agape Hospice, helping with the Children’s Miracle Network Cookout, and volunteering at the Eatonton Police Station and the Eatonton Nursing Home.
Breydaysia Nasir is a 2022 honor graduate of PCHS. She plans to attend Middle Georgia State University in the Fall with a major in biology. During high school, Bredaysia was the director and editor for the school's visual film department. She was active as an actress as well as a screenplay writer in high school musicals, one of which was Alice in Wonderland.
Ashleigh Johnston is a 2022 honor graduate of PCHS. She will be attending UGA this fall, majoring in biology. During high school, she was a member of Beta Club and National Honor Society. She served on the Watson Brown Junior Board of Trustees. Ashley volunteered in her community through her work at Crossroads Baptist Church in the concession stand and with community food distribution and work in the local soup kitchen, serving hot meals to others. Ashley placed third in the regional track meet 4x400-meter and competed at state.
Neveah Allen is a 2022 graduate with honors from PCHS. She plans to attend Berry College and major in sociology to pursue a career in criminal justice. During high school, she served as captain of the varsity soccer team, secretary of the National Honor Society, Junior Board Member of the Georgia Writers Museum and secretary of Eatonton Youth Leadership. She served her community by helping organize the Mistletoe Ball for special needs children, mentoring third graders and assisting with monthly food drives.
Breyshyia Farley is a 2022 graduate of PCHS. She plans to attend Georgia Military College (on a soccer scholarship) this fall and major in business. During high school, she was active in soccer, softball and wrestling. Theater was important to Breshyia. She received Best Supporting Actress in One Act Play competition. She serves her community through mentoring third graders and delivering food during COVID. Her teachers describe her as a shining light within the halls of PCHS.
William Dietrich is a 2022 honor graduate of PCHS. He plans to attend Mercer University and major in industrial design. During high school, William participated in Beta Club, and he competed each year at convention state and nation in the areas of problem-solving, technology and Quiz Bowl. As a freshman, he placed first in the Young Georgia Writers Competition. William was awarded the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit. He serves his community through Wreaths Across America and helping with the Foster Child Christmas party.
Ka’Niyah Robertson graduated with honors from PCHS 2022 and will be attending Paine College on a softball scholarship this fall, majoring in criminal justice, hoping to be a GBI or FBI agent. During high school, she was active in softball, track and field and basketball. She was a member of Beta Club and FCA. K’Niyah serves her community through volunteering with the food bank, read across America, and assisting residents in nursing homes.
Tyler Wallace is the PCHS valedictorian for 2022. He will be attending Georgia Tech this fall with a major in computer science. During high school, Tyler was Beta Club secretary, founder and leader of the math team and on the junior boards of the Georgia Writers Museum and Farmers and Merchants Bank. He was state champion in mathematical applications at Ga Skills USA State Competition. Tyler was a commended student by the National Merit Scholarship Program. He serves his community through the laying of wreaths, volunteers with monthly food distribution and appears as PCHS mascot at football games.
The four students below all have experienced success during college with a 3.5 or greater GPA.
They have been a part of the College Assistance Program since high school and received scholarships this spring to complete their college career.
• Bryce Vinson, 2021 PCHS, KSU, major in history
• Jordyn Burke, 2020 PCHS, KSU, major in psychology
• Mattie Stewart, 2019 LOA, GCSU, major in education
• MaKayla Nesbitt, GCHS 2021, GSoU, major in accounting
LOYA is excited for these students and eager to observe their growth throughout their educational course.
For anyone interested in volunteering with LOYA or needing additional information, contact LOYA at LakeOconeeYouth Alliance@outlook.com or call 706-383-9333.