Since 2017, the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro has annually evaluated and awarded college scholarships to deserving graduating seniors in the district’s school system.
These $2,000 scholarships, named in honor of Adora Mills-Powers, who used to be the church’s musician, are awarded to students who have excelled in the performing arts at their school.
This year, the Adora Mills-Powers Scholarships were awarded to Serenity Jackson, a Lake Oconee Academy graduate, and Marisa Williams, a Nathanael Green Academy student.
Serenity Jackson says she has “a deep passion and dedication to the world of music and loves it with all my heart.” Although she has learned to play various musical instruments, her main interest is the flute. She has competed in district and state competitions.
Serenity will attend Piedmont University to earn a Doctorate in Music Education and a Master's in Psychology. After college, she plans to use her knowledge of music appreciation and culture in her work.
Marisa Williams participated in the theater program at Nathanael Greene Academy throughout high school. She performed leading roles in one-act competitions and received All-Star Cast awards for her performances.
Marisa also excels at interpretative speaking and, during competitions this year, won first place for a dramatic reading. She will attend Georgia College and State University this fall, majoring in chemistry. She aspires to become a forensics scientist.
The First Presbyterian Church is located in downtown Greensboro at 117 South Main St. (next to the Post Office). Sunday services are at 10 a.m. during the summer.