On May 9, Stephan Young graduated from the University of West Georgia, becoming the first Correll Scholar to do so in the program’s history. Founded in 2015 by A.D “Pete” and Ada Lee Correll, the Correll Scholars Program provides scholarships to talented Glynn County high school graduates who are members of the Elizabeth F. Correll Teen Center and are pursuing a post-secondary degree through one of Georgia’s public academic or technical colleges. The scholarship is managed by the Coastal Georgia Foundation.
Stephan, a graduate of Glynn Academy, cites the determination and hard work that got him through college. “A lot of people don’t see the all-nighters, major tests and hard work. Hard work helped me get this scholarship and it has helped me stay on track to graduate.” He also credits the Boys and Girls Club, its staff, and the Corrells for giving him the tools to succeed in college. “The Boys and Girls Club gave me the opportunity to work and grow, do activities and pursue the Correll scholarship. It kept me busy after school in a positive environment. My experiences with Mr. Dayton and Mr. Brian and my peers helped to build the desire to make this happen,” Stephan says.
“I’ve known Stephan a long time,” says Brian Dolan, director of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia. “You could always tell he was going to be a leader in whatever community he ends up in. So many of our kids look up to him.”
“We are excited and proud of Stephan’s graduation,” says Pete and Ada Lee Correll. “This was our dream when we established the scholarship program.”
Stephan is most excited to see what the world will bring after college. He is considering a master’s degree or finding a job in information systems management. “It’s been an honor to be part of the program during my four years of college,” Stephan says. “I want other Boys and Girls Club members to know about the scholarship and my experience so they know they can do it too.” For more information about the Coastal Georgia Foundation’s scholarship opportunities, click here.