Fourteen South Georgia Technical College students receive automotive scholarship established in memory of Eric Scannavino – Americus Times-Recorder

By Su Ann Bird

Fourteen South Georgia Technical College students have been awarded the Eric Scannavino Scholarship for students enrolled in the Automotive Technology, Auto Collision and Repair Technology and High-Performance Engines Motorsports programs. This is the second time the scholarship has been awarded by the SGTC Foundation, with a total of 32 students recognized this year.

Bud and Mary Scannavino of Kennesaw, GA, established the Erica Scannavino Skilled Trades Scholarship at South Georgia Technical College in memory of their daughter, Erica Scannavino. The scholarship is available to students in SGTC’s Automotive Technology, Auto Collision and Repair Technology, and High-Performance Engines Motorsports programs. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5 GPA, have a GED or high school diploma, and have completed at least 50% of their program.

The 14 students who qualified for the scholarship for the spring semester included Automotive Technology students Jaquavius ​​Howard of Americus, Verniecia Johnson of Cordele, Uriah Scott of Conley, Seth Thomas of Leesburg, Jesus Morales Hernandez and Troyavian Smith of Montezuma, and Jalen Pasos of Columbus. Auto Collision and Repair students who were awarded the scholarship were Jermonta Bell of Port Wentworth and David Battle, Jr. of Americus. Recipients of the High-Performance Engines Motorsports scholarship were Adrian Barredo of Morrow, Karl Wiggins of Albany, Luke Hodgins of Cobb, Ethan Vazquez of Douglasville, and Solomon Upshaw of Dallas, Georgia.

Each eligible student was eligible to receive $500 or more for educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and utilities that were not covered by financial aid. Most students choose utilities that will help them start a career or continue working in their chosen fields.

Seven of the scholarship recipients are in their final semester or nearing their final semester. Jesus Morales Hernandez of Montezuma thanked the Scannavino family and shared his goals for the future. “I would like to thank the Scannavino family for these tools. I am beyond words for helping my dreams become closer to reality. I plan to use as much of what I have learned from this program and my future jobs as possible so that I can eventually open my own store.”

Luke Hodgins of Cobb is in the motorsports program and is a second-generation SGTC student. “My dad came to South Georgia Tech to be an aircraft mechanic. I chose the motorsports program because I wanted to learn how to rebuild engines. These tools will help me in my career.”

David Battle, Jr. of Americus graduated from the Automotive Technology program and is currently working on completing the Auto Collision program at SGTC to become a more well-rounded mechanic. “My ultimate goal is to open my own shop. These tools will help me achieve that goal.”

Verniecia Johnson is one of the first-time scholarship recipients. She came to SGTC to pursue her goal of becoming an automotive technology technician. “I plan to start my own shop and help others who need car repairs. As an automotive technician, I will be able to take care of my family and make others happy by helping them have reliable transportation. I will be graduating soon and these tools will help me move forward and start my career.”

Karl Wiggins III of Albany enrolled in the Motorsports program. This was his first time receiving a tool scholarship, but he has big plans, and this program is helping him move forward. “First, I want to finish college because if I don’t, my other goals won’t matter. Second, I’ll move back home to work at a dealership and get my A&E certificate. Then I plan to get my commercial driver’s license and open my own shop.”

Erica Scannavino of Kennesaw passed away July 29, 2017. She is survived by her parents, Bud and Mary Scannavino of Kennesaw, as well as several cousins. She touched many lives through her energetic volunteer work, and this scholarship helps continue her legacy.

Erica studied history at Kennesaw State University. She was a lifetime Girl Scout and Silver Award winner, and a member of the Trefoil Guild. She fostered at Dream Dachshund Rescue and volunteered at the Root House in downtown Marietta. She crocheted blankets for the Linus Project for many years. She is greatly missed, but the good she did lives on in the hearts of everyone she touched.

The Scannavino family wanted to honor their daughter’s memory by continuing to help others. Bud Scannavino learned to be an auto mechanic after high school. He earned his Certified Master Automotive Technician degree, earning his advanced ASE license with an L-1. As an entrepreneur, Bud owned a repair shop. His daughter was fascinated by his early career and very proud of her father’s work ethic and skills. Bud eventually changed careers, earning an MBA from Yale University and working in financial services.

“On behalf of South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, I would like to thank Bud and Mary Scannavino for their generosity toward our students and these valuable career skills programs,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “Their willingness to partner with our college and foundation serves two very important purposes. First, they have the opportunity to honor their daughter, and second, they have the opportunity to help other students realize their dreams of earning a great education in a field that is sought after by business and industry partners and our communities.”

“This scholarship is a wonderful way for the Scannavino family to honor their daughter’s memory,” said South Georgia Technical College Vice President of Institutional Advancement and SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird. “We are honored that Bud and Mary wanted to provide additional assistance to deserving young people who are pursuing an education at South Georgia Technical College. We are saddened by their loss, but they have chosen to honor their daughter’s memory by helping other young adults achieve their dreams. This says a lot about the Scanavino family and their family.”

Those wishing to support scholarships in memory of or in honor of loved ones may make a donation to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, PO Box 6102, Americus, GA. For more information about this or other scholarship opportunities, contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110 or [email protected].