OFTC Foundation, Inc. Announces Fall 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) Foundation, Inc. has awarded scholarships to several students for the 2026 fall semester. These scholarships, made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners, provide financial support that helps students pursue their education and reach their career goals.

Randy Helton Family Scholarship

Emily Currie was named recipient of the Fall 2026 Randy Helton Family Scholarship. A resident of Cochran, Currie is pursuing an associate’s degree in respiratory care on the Dublin Campus and will graduate from her program in June. This scholarship is made possible through the generous donations of the Randy Helton Family. Currie would like to thank the OFTC Foundation and the Randy Helton Family for the scholarship opportunity.

Schrader Vision of Hope Imaging & Nursing Scholarship

Ra’Shonda Thomas was named the recipient of the Fall 2026 Schrader Vision of Hope Scholarship. Thomas, a resident of Dublin, is enrolled in the radiologic technology program on the Dublin Campus and will graduate in June. This scholarship is made possible through generous donations by the Schrader/Rizzardi family. Thomas would like to thank the Schrader/Rizzardi family and the OFTC Foundation for the scholarship opportunity.

Pictured, L-R: Lottie Rizzardi (Schrader family), Ra’Shonda (recipient) and Christina Wilson (Schrader family)

Hancock Strong Dual Enrollment Scholarship

Taylor Logue Kennedy, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bridge program student and a resident of Hancock County, was named recipient of the Fall 2026 Hancock Strong Dual Enrollment Scholarship. Kennedy attends class one day a week on the Sandersville Campus while continuing to work in the healthcare field. As a former OFTC high school dual enrollment student, Kennedy was eligible to apply for this scholarship. The Hancock Strong Dual Enrollment Scholarship is made possible through the generous donation of a former resident of Hancock County whose wish is to see students succeed in their educational goals and return to the community to make it stronger. Kennedy would like to thank the OFTC Foundation and the Hancock Strong Dual Enrollment Scholarship donor who made the scholarship possible.

Hancock Strong Health Care Scholarship

Sharnika Winkfield, a student enrolled in OFTC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bridge program, and a resident of Hancock County, was named recipient of the Fall 2026 Hancock Strong Health Care Scholarship. Winkfield, a full-time mother, attends the Sandersville campus one day a week while continuing to work. The Hancock Strong Health Care Scholarship is made possible through the generous donation of a former resident of Hancock County whose wish is to see students succeed in their educational goals and return to the community to make it stronger. Winkfield would like to thank the OFTC Foundation and the Hancock Strong Health Care Scholarship Donor who made the scholarship possible.

Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship

The OFTC Foundation is proud to announce Latoya Austin, Paula Esien, Ellis Freeman (np), and Kathleen Stevens as recipients of the Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship.

This new scholarship was established to recognize veterans who were disabled during their military service and provides recipients with an opportunity to learn a new trade or skill, reinvent themselves, and pursue a new and different path through education.

Established by the Georgia Legislature through the Georgia Department of Revenue, funds have been allocated to support disabled veterans pursuing an education at Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions. TCSG administers the funds and distributes awarded funds, as needed, to each college foundation within the system.

The OFTC Foundation and each of the scholarship recipients extend their sincere appreciation to TCSG and the Georgia Legislature for recognizing the unique needs of veteran students and investing in their futures.

“We are honored to support these veterans as they take the next step toward new opportunities, new skills, and new beginnings,” shared Kathy Aaron, Executive Director of the OFTC Foundation.

Pictured, L-R: Latoya Austin, Paula Esien, and Kathleen Stevens

Bill & Vickie Cheek Scholarship

Ms. Ariyonna Jones was named recipient of the Fall 2026 Bill and Vickie Cheek Scholarship. Jones, a resident of Dublin, is enrolled in OFTC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program on the Dublin Campus. The purpose of the scholarship is to award a student who has a genuine desire to complete a diploma or degree in an Allied Health program. Students must demonstrate academic excellence while exhibiting outstanding moral character and a determination to succeed in life. This scholarship is made possible through the generous donations of the Bill & Vickie Cheek Family. Jones would like to thank the OFTC Foundation and the Bill & Vickie Cheek Family for the scholarship opportunity.

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