Oconeefest supports student scholarships

The scholarships help students gain momentum toward their careers. Eavan Clayton, a freshman from Watkinsville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology, said she was excited to start her time as a college student at the Oconee Campus after taking dual enrollment courses with UNG.

"It's a great option for me because I'm able to stay at home and save money," Clayton said. "The campus is close, and everything is so convenient. The professors are great."

Her goal is to eventually study speech pathology and become a children's speech therapist.

Clayton earned the Oconee County Resident Scholarship and the Dual Enrollment Scholarship, which is awarded to students who enroll at UNG after taking dual enrollment courses at the university.

"It was incredibly helpful because all of my schooling this year was paid for," Clayton said. "I can focus on my academics, and I have access to everything I need. It gave me a good opportunity to get my foot in the door without the stress of the financial burden."

Admission to Oconeefest is free, and donations of any amount are welcome.

Peach State Federal Credit Union and Georgia Power are the presenting sponsors of Oconeefest.

The event will include food and raffle items donated by local, regional and national businesses, chambers of commerce, faculty and staff, and the many friends of UNG's Oconee Campus. Food and drink vendors include Holy Crepes, Funky Funnel Cakes, Jojo's Gourmet Lemonade, Biggum's BBQ, and South Main Brewing.

"My favorite part is watching the whole surrounding community come together for this cause. What they're really doing is showing how they love UNG Oconee," Russell Willis, executive director of the Oconee Campus, said. "The outpouring of love and support for this campus and our students is on full display during Oconeefest."

Oconee Collision is a Platinum Sponsor. Allied Paving, Piedmont Athens Regional and Rotary Club of Oconee are Silver Sponsors. BankSouth, Chad Day, Chastain and Associates, Dustin Chitwood, Evergreen Nursery, Frank and Rosemary Stancil, John Quackenbush, Laura Ng, and Oconee State Bank are Friend Sponsors.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the Oconee scholarships but is unable to attend the event may donate on the Oconeefest webpage.