Sea Island Property Owners Association Recognizes Scholarship Recipients

The Sea Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) recently recognized the 2020 College of Coastal Georgia student recipients of their organization’s scholarship during a special reception at The Cloister.

The SIPOA scholarship is awarded to employees or family members of employees attending the College of Coastal Georgia. SIPOA members formed the scholarship as a way to express their gratitude for employees who work hard and contribute to the success of Sea Island. This year’s scholarship recipients are Brandon Boudreau, Chase Cody, Jacob Williams, Gage Strickland, and Rubi Calix-Ortiz. Calix-Ortiz and Cody were part of the inaugural group of recipients last year and were awarded the scholarship again.

SIPOA President of the Board of Directors Linda Heagy expressed how everyone in attendance was proud of the scholars’ goals of attaining a college education.

“You have set sail on rather rough seas and indeed the winds seem at times to be against you. But you are a particularly hardy and determined group of individuals, and we have selected you because of your persistence, your perseverance, and your discipline,” Heagy said. “Life often throws us some obstacles, but each of you, in your own way, has demonstrated that you know how to overcome the barriers to success.

College of Coastal Georgia President Michelle Johnston talked about the long-standing partnership between the College and Sea Island. She described how SIPOA members formed the scholarship with thoughtfulness, creativity in the plans for implementation, and unwavering determination.

“The College of Coastal Georgia is educating the next generation of leaders, but we’re not doing it alone,” Johnston said. “It’s with the support of community partners and donors—those people that love the College and love the opportunity to help students.” 

Along with receiving the scholarship, the students are now part of a mentorship program. Bob Guido, SIPOA board member, talked about the mentorship program and how it is designed to supplement the College’s efforts of student success. He introduced scholars to their SIPOA mentors, who will provide personal and career advice. Guido also gave an update on the progress of the first cohort of scholars. Some scholars have graduated and are already launching their careers within Glynn County, while others are still in the mentorship program and have jobs related to their major.

In attendance at the reception were members of SIPOA, SIPOA mentors, scholar recipients and their families, members of the first cohort of scholars, and College representatives.