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Brandy Pierce Surprised in Class
As Brandy Pierce paid close attention during Jim East's Friday morning Senior Literature class on April 30, she didn't know she was about to get the surprise of her life.
At 8:20, the door opened and a group of teachers, counselors and community leaders poured in, carrying candy and flowers. As she recognized the faces, she must have known instantly: she'd been selected as this year's J. Henry and Gladys M. Smith Scholar. (watch the surprise presentation.)
For Brandy, a graduating Brookstone senior who was wondering how she would possibly afford college, the news couldn't have come at a better time. And it was mighty good news: she'll get $7,200 in assistance next year and $6,000-$7,200 each year after that, for all four years of college.
All because of the generosity of a Bibb City fireman and his wife, a mill worker, who saved for years until they were able to purchase the AFLAC stock that eventually made them millionaires. But rather than use their windfall to improve their own lifestyles, Henry and Gladys Smith continued their frugality and spent their fortunes after their deaths -- to help needy students from Muscogee County attend college.
The Smiths left half of their estate to Columbus State University to provide scholarships and gave half to create the James Henry Smith & Gladys Manning Smith Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation.
In their bequest documents, they told the Community Foundation that they wanted the money to help students with "financial need, high character, and average and above scholastic merit achieve a college education."
This year, Brandy was a great choice from a field of outstanding applicants. The daughter of Dwayne and Vernell Pierce, she is a determined and tireless worker who dreams of becoming a lawyer or working in criminal justice. She's been very involved during her four years at Brookstone, which have been funded by a combination of family sacrifice, summer housekeeping work, and Brookstone scholarships. Her membership in the National Honor Society and on the Academic Team testifies to her outstanding scholarship. But she finds her wings at Galilee Baptist Church, where she's president of the dance team and vice president of the youth choir.
In the fall she plans to attend Valdosta State University where she will continue, as she puts it, her "intense belief in the value of education." After that? We at the Community Foundation believe that this investment in Brandy will pay off: she'll one day make the community in which she lives a better place. All because of the generosity of a couple whom she will never know... but will now carry in her heart forever.
To download the news release on Brandy's selection, click below.
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