A Walk to Remember Savannah hosted its 2019 Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, May 4 at the Courtyard by Marriot in Pooler. During this annual banquet, A Walk to Remember presented $1,000 scholarships to nine deserving students who have suffered the loss of a parent or guardian. A Walk to Remember is committed to supporting the education and future of these students. 

During this event, attendees enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Texas Roadhouse of Pooler with friends and family before observing the touching scholarship presentation ceremony. Scholarships were presented to the following individuals:

• D’ante Bass (Bethesda Academy)

• Aniyah Green (Savannah Early College)

• Nicholas Fields (Savannah Early College)

• Gracie Stephens (Toombs County High School)

• Roberto Griffin (Bethesda Academy)

• Fernando Paler (Savannah Early College)

• Ronald Bryant (A. E. Beach High School)

• Jonathan Speaks (A. E. Beach High School)

• Adam Aguilar (Richmond Hill High School)

Former NFL defensive end and current Cincinnati Bengals defensive line coach, Nick Eason, and former NFL Atlanta Falcons player, Bobby Butler, attended this event as special guests.

After his commemorative speech, Eason presented a football signed by the Cincinnati Bengals to the grandmother of a little boy who warmed his heart during the organization’s fundraising Memory Walk in March, Forrest, who lost his father earlier this year. A Walk to Remember coordinator Judy Blackston later announced that A Walk to Remember and Nick Eason will be starting a college fund for Forrest.

“A Walk to Remember sincerely appreciates the support of community members. Our efforts are making a huge difference in the lives of students who need to feel a sense of hope and support during this time,” said Blackston. “The grief of losing a parent never goes away, but at least we can help them return to a sense of normalcy and inspire them to have faith in their futures.”

Studies have found that one in 15 children will experience the death of a parent/guardian or sibling by age 18. A Walk to Remember recognizes the effect that losing a loved one can have on a student’s academic performance. The scholarship program supports, motivates, and rewards the academic achievements of bereaved students.