The Oglethorpe Echo
The Oglethorpe Echo's Ralph Maxwell Jr. Scholarship will award three selected students with a one-time financial grant to be used towards tuition, books or other academic-related expenses for the upcoming college academic year. The scholarship is open to Oglethorpe County residents who are high school seniors who demonstrate both academic aspirations and gratitude to Oglethorpe County.
“Through this scholarship, we hope to honor Mr. Maxwell as well as alleviate a small financial burdens such as textbooks, fees, etc. students face while empowering them to reach their full potential," said Trisha Bearden, business manager of The Echo. "It is our way of investing in the future generations of the Oglethorpe community.”
LINK TO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Key Features of The Oglethorpe Echo Scholarship Program:
Eligibility: High school seniors residing in Oglethorpe County
Award Amount: $1,000 one-time scholarship to three different students
Application Window and Deadline: March 9 to April 9, 2026
Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated based on academic performance, an essay detailing their educational goals, aspirations, and gratitude toward their community of Oglethorpe County. Students must already be accepted to the college of their choice.
"The only way to succeed is by working together," said Dink NeSmith, chairman of The Oglethorpe Echo.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by downloading this form from The Oglethorpe Echo website. In addition to the application form, students will be required to submit a personal essay (less than 500 words) addressing their academic college and career goals and how they are grateful for their Oglethorpe community.
Students can email the completed application materials (in PDF form) to lourdest.echo@gmail.com or turn it in at The Oglethorpe Echo office, 121 N. Main St. in Lexington.
The Oglethorpe Echo invites students, educators, and community members to share this scholarship opportunity with eligible individuals. The organization is committed to supporting students from all backgrounds and helping them navigate their educational journeys to success.
About The Oglethorpe Echo
The Oglethorpe Echo's mission is to serve as the legal organ of Oglethorpe County and provide accurate, quality reporting about the people, events and places within the county for our audience. The Echo is nonpartisan, editorially independent and adheres to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. The Echo is funded through community-based advertising, individual donors and some support from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, none of which influence news coverage or editorial decision-making. We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.