The Clifton Whitehead Scholarship Fund
The late Edward Whitehead was a kind man, despite a lonely life of severe physical disabilities. Frugal and wise, he invested an inheritance and told friends Horace and Gloria McSwain he wished to reward deserving students through college scholarships. “Horace drew up the original trust,” said Gloria McSwain, a former trustee. The original trust was converted to a Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia awards scholarships each year to students from Central Georgia. Recipients who maintain good grades continue receiving funds for four years. For many years, Mrs. McSwain handled the piles of paperwork, including applications, marketing materials and letters and checks to the colleges each semester. In 2005 fellow trustee Albert Reichert suggested easing that burden by placing the Scholarship Fund with the Community Foundation.
“Now all I do is go to a meeting once a year. The Community Foundation handles all the details, and they’re so nice to work with.” — Mrs. Gloria McSwain