COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Fountain City Classic (FCC) Host Committee held their fourth annual Fountain City Classic Scholarship Luncheon at the Columbus Museum on Saturday afternoon.
Family and friends gathered to support their loved ones receiving a scholarship, helping fund their college education.
According to FCC officials, the luncheon celebrated 29 high school graduates across several counties within a 100-mile radius of Columbus as they prepare to begin their college journey in the fall.
“These students are in need of education, it’s an expensive ordeal. Education is the escalator to upward mobility. It’s the key to all keys to being a more productive citizen. So, our goal is to continue to try to inspire, try to encourage these young people,” said Chair of FCC Calvin Smyre.
More than $35,000 worth of scholarships were awarded at the luncheon with each scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, according to FCC. The FCC Committee presented two kinds of scholarships:
- Host Committee: For students attending Albany State or Fort Valley
- Community Scholarship: For students attending any university certified university in the U.S.
“I feel like it’s a good opportunity because tuition is high and student debt can get detrimental. So, I feel like it’s a good steppingstone,” said FCC scholarship recipient who graduated from Kendrick High School, Jhryan James.
The FCC Committee is comprised of alumni from rival schools Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, according to officials. The organization is known for their annual rival football game held at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium…