NORCROSS, Ga. - More than 28 years ago, the Georgia Pest Control Association established a scholarship program for members’ children. It was a way to enhance the value of being a member of GPCA and also emphasize the importance of family which has been a mainstay throughout our Association’s history. Since 1986 we have awarded 108 scholarships. Funding for the Burnett Scholarship comes from a portion of the revenue collected at the GPCA Annual Charity Golf Tournament.
Each of the winners will receive a $1000 scholarship to use toward their college education:
Connor Buchanan, son of Tom Buchanan, regional manager for Allgood Pest Solutions. Connor will attend Georgia Southern. Connor said: "I am extremely honored to have been a recipient of the Glen Burnett Scholarship. My dad has been in the industry for 30 years and I have had the opportunity to attend NPMA, FPMA and of course GPCA conferences. I have literally grown up in the pest control industry and have developed many friendships along the way. The obvious benefit of the scholarship is that it will help offset some of my college expenses. The deeper impact is the pride and responsibility that I will carry knowing that in some way I am a representative of the industry. Knowing this I believe will help me stay focused on my studies and hopefully down the road give me the opportunity to let people know of the importance of the pest control industry."
Madison Curl, daughter of Anthony Curl, route manager for Orkin Pest Control, Dublin. Madison will attend Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, pursuing a chemistry degree. Madison said: “I would like to thank the committee who approved my being selected to receive the GPCA Burnett Scholarship. This will allow me to be more financially free to purchase supplies that I would not be able to otherwise. This is an honor and one that I will uphold to the best of my ability. Words cannot express how grateful I am to be given this scholarship and it will be used wisely. The extra support through this scholarship that you have provided me in this first year of college will allow more focus on my studies and not stress over extra expenses. Thank you for this investment and your support in my future.”
Keeli Jackson, daughter of Renee Jackson, office manager, Astro Exterminating Services, Valdosta. Keeli will attend Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia where she will pursue a medical education. Keeli said: “Thank you for selecting me for the Burnett Scholarship Fund. This is a very exciting time for me and I can definitely use the financial assistance. I have loved and played softball since I was four years old. Being given the opportunity to play in college is a dream come true! Thomas University is offering me a partial scholarship too play; however, being a private college the tuition is higher. That’s where the scholarship is of great assistance. I have not decided on a specific major, but my two top choices are sports medicine and orthopedic physician’s assistant.”
Mary Kate Martin, daughter of Randy Martin, manager, HomeTec Exterminating, Cumming. Mary Kate will attend Georgia State University with plans to become a missionary nurse. Mary Kate said: “I will be attending Georgia State University this fall pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. I am very excited about starting college and beginning a new chapter of my life. I plan to use the scholarship to pay for my textbooks and a portion of my housing fee. I am so blessed to be receiving this scholarship and I cannot thank GPCA enough for choosing me as a recipient of the GPCA Burnett Scholarship.”
Colby Pepple, son of Barbara Pepple, accounting manager at Northwest Exterminating in Marietta. Colby will attend the University of West Georgia pursuring a career in business administration and sports management. Colby said: “I am honored to be one of the recipients of the GPCA Burnett Scholarship. I will be attending the University of West Georgia, where I plan to pursue dual degrees in sports management and Business Management. The generous financial assistance, for which I am very thankful, will help pay for books and other expenses.”
Jeremiah Piggott, son of Randall Piggott, administrator at Allgood Pest Solutions, Lawrenceville. Jeremiah plans to attend Georgia Tech majoring in mechanical engineering. Jeremiah said: “I will be attending Georgia Tech, which isn’t cheap. The scholarship money will considerably help my family and me pay for textbooks, meals, and loans. I will be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Afterwards, I hope to design structures that relate to audio and sound, like concert halls or sound systems.”
Emilie Warren, daughter of Joan Warren, customer service representative for Northwest Exterminating, Marietta. Emilie will attend the University of North Georgia where she plans to pursue a career in nursing. Emilie said: “I've been very fortunate to receive the GPCA Burnett Scholarship. This scholarship will help me with all the college funds I have to pay for my first semester. I will be attending the University of North Georgia to major in nursing. “
