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

South Georgia Technical College

Twenty South Georgia Technical College students received the Erica Scannavino Scholarship for students enrolled in the Automotive Technology, Auto Collision and Repair Technology, and High-Performance Engines Motorsports programs. This is the fourth time this scholarship has been awarded by the SGTC Foundation and a total of 68 students have been recognized since the scholarship began.

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 open to students in the SGTC 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 completed at least 50% of their program.

The 20 students who qualified for the scholarship for Spring semester included Automotive Technology students: Donovan Robertson of Albany, Jonathan Soper of Warner Robins, Gabrielle Wade of Dawson, Greg Hester of Cuthbert, Kevin Ray of Cordele, Devin Dexter of Cordele, Brandon Ford of Americus, Ann Elise Little of Americus, and Abel Zunan of Vienna. The Auto Collision and Repair students awarded the scholarship are: Corey Fulks of Oglethorpe, Dominique Dillard of Bainbridge, Douglas E. Jones of Perry, and Tracey Lamar of Americus. The High-Performance Engines Motorsports scholarship recipients included: James Naegele of Americus, Jarriel K. Early of Columbus, Brian Edward Jordan of Cordele, Kentravis McCrary of Reynolds, Keshaun Myrick of Lithonia, Troytayian L. Smith of Montezuma, and Edgar Andres Jimenez Garcia of DeSoto.

Each of the qualified students were eligible to receive $500 for tools or educational expenses such as tuition and fees that were not covered by financial aid. Most students opted for tools to help them as they begin their careers or continue working in their chosen fields.

Nine of the scholarship recipients are in their final semester or next to final semester. Automotive Technology student Donovan Robertson is nearing the end of his program and elected to use his second scholarship funds for tuition. “As a young man, I have always wanted to be the best mechanic I could be. Recently, I was doing poorly financially and was unable to pay my tuition completely. However, because of the Scannavino family, I was able to make it. So, thank you dearly for this scholarship.”

Gregory Hester, another second scholarship recipient Automotive student, revealed, “I grew up in an automotive repair shop, Hester’s Garage. It was in business for 66 years. When my dad passed away I wanted to continue the legacy of Hester’s Garage by finishing school and getting ASE certified so I could build Hester’s Garage number two. Thank you for the first set of tools and this set also. I have used the first set everyday rebuilding the legacy of the family business of being the number one garage in Randolph County, GA. My dad started running the shop at the age of 18. He ran the shop for 40 years before his unexpected death at 58. He passed it down to me to continue the legacy of the best garage in town. I will use these tools and my knowledge to return the shop back to its former glory. I am the third generation of mechanics out of the same shop.”

Kevin Ray of Cordele was another second time recipient of the Erica Scannavino Scholarship. He is also a graduate of the Auto Collision Program. He has worked in that field for four years but decided to return and continue his education and enroll in the Automotive Technology program. “Since Auto Collision and Repair and Automotive Technology go hand in hand, I wanted to graduate from both programs so that I could expand my knowledge and skills. With the help of this scholarship, I can focus more on the work part and work ethics instead of worrying about purchasing tools. Receiving this scholarship is an honor and I am highly grateful for this wonderful blessing. Thanks for the jumpstart on this new journey,” said Ray.

The other second time recipients from Automotive Technology included: Jonathan Soper and Gabreille Wade. The first-time recipients in Automotive are: Devin Dexter, Brandon Ford, Ann Little and Abel Zunan-Reyes. “My parents came from another country to give me and my siblings a better life,” explained Zunan-Reyes. “My first goal is to be successful and make my parents proud. My plan is to graduate from South Georgia Tech, get a job in the automotive industry and gain as much experience as possible before opening my own shop. I also plan to enroll in the welding program at night to expand my skills. These tools are helping those dreams become reality. Thank you.”
Ann Little is a non-traditional student who describes herself as a “very hands-on and motivated individual, always figuring out a solution to any problem, whether in life or a more professional application. My goals are to reach my full capabilities/potential. I love anything to do with mechanics and I have been doing it with my dad since I was a kid. I did it while in the navy, and now for school, never losing that passion and that motivation. As a female, I would like to show others that women can be just as good if not better, in a male dominate field, and that no matter the goal, you can strive for it and be successful, while helping or inspiring others.”

All seven of the Motorsports students were first time recipients of the Erica Scannavino scholarship. Almost all of the students talked about their passion for cars and the thrill of speed and competition. They realized they needed additional knowledge about the engineering of cars as well as the high-performance engines.
“I personally chose Motorsports as my career because I grew up around classic old school cars,” said James Naegele. “My family got me into sports racing and Formula One. Being in these classes has increased my love and passion for this sport even more. I can’t wait to jump into my career in motorsports and bring my own style and taste into this community. This scholarship is helping me reach my goal.”

All four of the Auto Collision and Repair students in Starlyn Sampson’s classes are second-time tool scholarship recipients. Dominque Dillard of Americus thanked the Scannavino family for their support. “Thank you for the Skilled Trades Scholarship. I am thankful and excited to put my new tools to work. These tools will help me to continue my education on my way to becoming a great technician. Once again thanks!” Corey Fulks added, “thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. Grateful for the chance to pursue my dreams because of your generous support.”

Erica Scannavino of Kennesaw passed away on July 29, 2017. She was survived by her parents, Bud and Mary Scannavino of Kennesaw along with several cousins. She touched many lives with her vigorous volunteer efforts and this scholarship helps continue her legacy.

Erica was a history major at Kennesaw State University. She was a lifetime Girl Scout and Silver Award recipient, as well as a member of the Trefoil Guild. She was a foster parent for Dream Dachshund Rescue and volunteered at the Root House in downtown Marietta. For many years she worked crocheting blankets for the Linus Project. She is sorely missed, but the good she did, continues to live on in the hearts of every life she touched.

The Scannavino’s wanted to honor their daughter’s memory by continuing to give back to others. Bud Scannavino learned the trade of automotive mechanics after high school. He achieved the rank of Certified Master Automotive Technician, earning the A.S.E. advanced credentials with L-1. As an entrepreneur, Bud, owned a repair shop. His daughter was fascinated by his first career and very proud of her father’s work ethic and skills. Bud eventually changed careers, earned an MBA from Yale and worked 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 to our students and these valuable skills trades 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 then, they have the opportunity to help other students pursue their dreams of getting a great education in a career field that is in demand 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 seeking an education at South Georgia Technical College. We are saddened by their loss, but they have chosen to honor the memory of their daughter by helping other young adults realize their dreams. That speaks volumes about the Scanavino’s and their family.”

Individuals who would like to support scholarships in memory or in honor of loved ones, may contribute to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, P.O. 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].