Leo H. Brooks Scholarship Fund
Background
Leo H. Brooks was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, on September 13, 1932. He graduated from Bainbridge High School then attended Florida State University and Troy State University majoring in physical education. He graduated from Troy State University in 1959 and in 1966 was awarded his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Mississippi College. After completing his undergraduate education, he taught social studies and coached athletics at Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia, and then Mark Smith High School in Macon, Georgia for nine years. He then began more than twenty-four years of work as a school administrator in the Coffee County School System.
After retiring with thirty-three years of service, Mr. Brooks was elected and served two four-year terms as a member of the Coffee County Board of Education. He served as Chairman for five of his eight years as a board member. Mr. Brooks passed away in 2014 at the age of 81.
Mr. Brooks was married to Beth Childs Brooks. They have one daughter, Lunday, who is married to Kevin Buffington of Columbus, Georgia, and three grandchildren, Brooks, Lillie and Eva Buffington.
Mr. Brooks had a life-long interest in supporting educational activities for young people. His longstanding interest led to the establishment of this scholarship fund which is intended to support the educational pursuits of students in the Coffee County Public School System.
Purpose
To provide college scholarships for graduates of the public school system of Coffee County, Georgia. The scholarship may be used to pay for a student’s tuition, books, fees, supplies, and room and board.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates of Coffee High School or of any other public high school as may in the future be operated by the Coffee County Board of Education. An initial scholarship will only be awarded to graduating seniors and current graduates who will matriculate to a college or university for the fall semester or quarter immediately following their high school graduation. The recipient of an initial scholarship will continue to receive the scholarship while they continue in attendance at a college or university of their choice provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements hereafter set out.
- Enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited two or four-year college or university is required.
- Students who have begun their college or university education must be making satisfactory progress as defined by their college or university and must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher to be considered. The GPA will be tested annually at of the end of spring semester or quarter. Satisfactory progress will also be deemed to mean that a student may only miss one semester or quarter each academic year; provided, however, that the Foundation may waive this requirement if it determines to its reasonable satisfaction that their failure to attend is due to an unusual hardship, illness, or disability which is not expected to prevent their return to school for more than one additional semester or quarter. Eligibility for continuation of the scholarship will end on graduation from a college or university or the completion of four and one-half academic years of college or university education, whichever arrives sooner.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on the following:
- Scholastic merit—meaning that the student is average to above-average scholastically
- Personal character
- Financial need (Priority in selection for an initial scholarship award will be given to those students who are not eligible for the HOPE scholarship).
- Potential to succeed – indicators include grades, evidence of having overcome adversity, and participation in school, community, or religious organizations.
Additional Short Answer Questions and Attachments
On the last page, you will select the Leo H. Brooks Scholarship Fund and complete the following additional information:
- Provide the names and email addresses of two references who have agreed to submit a letter of recommendation for you. One must come from a teacher, school personnel, or other adult who can attest to your academic abilities, and the other must be from a community member, volunteer advisor, or other influential adult who can attest to your community spirit. These people will receive an email from our system allowing them to submit your recommendation. Please ask them before submitting their email address and let them know when you have submitted your application because that is when they will receive the email.
- A resume listing your school and community activities, athletics, awards, offices held, and other relevant experience.
- Your most recent high school transcript – you must request this from your current school.
- A current, submitted FAFSA Student Aid Report that indicates the value of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the upper right hand corner. If this value is not shown, your application will be considered incomplete.
Awards
Amount of Award: Varies. Up to $2,500 annually
Number of Awards: One per year. Preference is given to renewal applicants
Renewal for Prior Recipients: A prior recipient of this scholarship fund is eligible to renew the award each subsequent year of his/her undergraduate education career for up to four years. In order to renew, he/she must:
- Complete the online renewal application by March 15th of each year.
- Submit an unofficial transcript scholar@cfcga.org at the end of each fall and spring semester for which he/she receives the scholarship.
- Maintain full-time enrollment, completing 12 or more credit hours each fall and spring semester he/she receives the scholarship.
- Maintain the eligibility criteria as defined in the scholarship’s guidelines.
If a prior recipient does not maintain the eligibility criteria or faces unique circumstances that require him/her to take time off or take a reduced course load for a semester, the student should contact the Community Foundation to determine if he/she is eligible for continued funding.