Charles H. Williamson Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Community Foundation of Central Georgia

History of the Award

History: Established as a trust in 1925, the Charles H. Williamson Scholarship was created by Mrs. W. W. Williamson and Mrs. Walter A. Harris, the mother and sister of Charles H. Williamson. The original trust supported graduates of Lanier High School for Boys, which Mr. Williamson attended, who planned to attend the University of Georgia, his alma mater. In 1974, the scholarship began awarding multiple four-year college scholarships to boys and girls graduating from what is now Central High School.

• The scholarship was established in 1925.
• Since 1974, it has supported Central High School graduates.

Purpose

Purpose: The scholarship provides support for graduates of Central High School in Macon, Georgia. Recipients must attend the University of Georgia. The award is intended to support college study for up to four years.

• For Central High School graduates in Macon, Georgia.
• Recipients attend the University of Georgia.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating seniors at Central High School who have been accepted to and plan to attend the University of Georgia. Candidates must demonstrate a caring attitude, high moral character, and positive leadership and citizenship. Applicants must have and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

• Applicants must be accepted to the University of Georgia.
• A minimum 2.5 GPA is required and must be maintained.
• Character, leadership, and citizenship are considered.

Selection Criteria

Selection: Applicants are evaluated on scholastic merit and personal character. Financial need is also considered, including work ethic and the number of dependents. The selection process considers each applicant’s potential to succeed, using factors such as grades, overcoming adversity, and participation in school, community, or religious organizations.

• Scholastic merit and personal character.
• Financial need, work ethic, and number of dependents.
• Grades, resilience, and organizational involvement as indicators of potential.

Recommendation Requirement

Reference: Applicants must provide the name and email address of one reference who has agreed to submit a recommendation letter. The reference should be a teacher or counselor and will receive an email with instructions for submitting the letter. Applicants should obtain the reference’s permission before providing their email address and notify them when the application is submitted.

• One recommendation from a teacher or counselor is required.
• Ask the reference for permission before entering their email address.
• Notify the reference after submitting the application.

Award and Renewal

Award value: The scholarship provides $10,000 per year for up to four years. One new recipient is selected annually. Previous recipients may renew the award for each subsequent year of their education, up to a total of four years, provided they complete required follow-ups assigned by the CFCG Scholarship Director and continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Recipients facing unique circumstances, such as taking time off or reducing their course load for a semester, should contact the Community Foundation to discuss continued funding.

• $10,000 per year for up to four years.
• One new recipient is selected each year.
• Renewal depends on completing required follow-ups and meeting eligibility criteria.
• Contact the Community Foundation about continued funding if circumstances change.