The Abbie DeLoach Foundation (ADF) today announced its 2020 Scholarship Class. Five years ago, on April 22, Abbie DeLoach died as the result of a tragic accident that took the lives of four of her fellow Georgia Southern University students. The nursing students were in a seven-vehicle accident on I-16.

Abbie’s family and friends founded the Abbie DeLoach Foundation to give back to others with a focus on Abbie’s main interests: Education, Athletics, World Missions, and Nursing. “Abbie had a big heart and she loved God. With her foundation, our family and friends are honoring Abbie’s memory and the impact she was making on other people’s lives,” said Jimmy DeLoach, Abbie’s father.

“The ADF seeks young adults who have the desire and the ability to push themselves and achieve what others might consider impossible. That’s why one of our top priorities is to recognize students and athletes who strive to do better and make a positive impact.” DeLoach noted that the April 24 scholarship luncheon was postponed due to COVID-19.

“While we will celebrate our 2020 class at a special event in the fall, we wanted to announce these deserving recipients today. We are also announcing the kick-off of our new fundraising campaign, LIVE INSPIRED.,” DeLoach explained, “Abbie lived her life inspired and was devoted to good works. The donations that the Abbie DeLoach Foundation receives from individuals, businesses and other organizations help us to continue the good works that Abbie cherished.”

This year’s class includes future medical professionals and a nationally ranked athlete. From Africa to Missouri and Georgia, the recipients are truly a diverse group. Eleven of the 2020 scholarship class come from Georgia, Abbie’s home state.

The 2020 winners are:

Female Student Athlete Scholarships

Lacy Robins – Statesboro High School, for Georgia Southern University Athletics

Sadrea Mabry – Savannah State University

Gracelyn Cobb – Savannah Christian Preparatory School

 Male Student Athlete Scholarships

Trevon Locke – Benedictine Military, for Georgia Southern University Athletics

Dylan McCloud – Savannah State University

Justin McInnis – Savannah Christian Preparatory School

 Nurses for Nations / Compassion GO Medical

Maria Kayondo - Zimbabwe

Becky Battle -Zimbabwe

Caroline Gilbert – Ecuador

Courtney Schilling – Ecuador

 World Missions/ Compassion Christian Church

The India Project Home for Women

 Georgia Southern University Nursing

Jerral Mayes – Calvary Baptist

Monica Dutson – Savannah Arts Academy

Allison Miller. -  Dallas, GA

Georgia Southern University School of Nursing, Abigail Miller, Dallas, GA

University of Georgia

Faith Henry

 Alumni Spotlight

Reed Ely

In the weeks leading up to today’s announcement, the ADF honored local nurses who are working harder than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. ADF partnered with St. Joseph’s/Candler and delivered 24 flower arrangements to each Nurses Station at the two hospital campuses in Savannah. “We are also working with Memorial Health to build morale and meet any need that their nurses may have,” DeLoach added.