Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarships Awarded to Students

ATHENS, Ga. —  American Pest Control, Athens, Ga., introduced the Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship this May. Higginbotham founded American Pest Control in 1971. He valued family, education and community as top priorities for his company.

Higginbotham passed away in 2015, and the scholarship was created in his honor by family and employees to continue his legacy. For American Pest Control’s 45th anniversary year, the scholarship was awarded to children of American Pest Control employees who graduated in May 2016. 

Five students received the scholarship this year. Colby Chance, son of Kitty and Donald Chance is an advanced placement scholar and graduated in the top 5% of his class at North Oconee High School. He will be attending Georgia Tech University. Michael Miller, son of John and Kelly Miller graduated from Oconee High School and will be attending the University of North Georgia in the fall. Michael excelled in many extracurricular activities while in high school including a track-discus, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Young Life. Maggie Payne, daughter of Bobby and Jennifer Payne also graduated from Oconee High School and will be attending the University of North Georgia in the fall. Maggie participated in cross country, debate team, and is a language arts and advanced placement scholar. McKay Higginbotham, daughter of Scott and Angela Higginbotham graduated from Prince Avenue Christian School and will be attending Shorter University. McKay received many accolades while in school for her academic success and artwork. She was also a football cheerleader and played singles for the tennis team while in high school. Ansley Brooke Miner, daughter of Keven and Stacey Miner graduated one year early with honors from Faith Academy. She will be attending Georgia Perimeter College in the fall. 

American Pest Control will continue to offer this scholarship through schools in their wide service area across Northeast Georgia, the St. Simons Island area, and parts of South Carolina.