The BankSouth Foundation presented three local high school graduates with the BankSouth Foundation Citizenship Award & Scholarship. Idania Gabriela Padilla of Greene County High School, Alexander Blake Williams of Nathanael Greene Academy, and Sarah Grace Ingle of Lake Oconee Academy were nominated and selected by their teachers and peers to receive the annual award and scholarship based on their demonstration of leadership and citizenship inside and outside of the classroom.

During her four years at GCHS, Idania Gabriela “Gabby” Padilla garnered the Spanish Scholar, Pathway Completer, Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Top Ten, and Thillen Education Foundation awards. As part of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, she served as a volunteer for both the school Blood Drive and a UGA football game concession stand. After graduation, she plans on attending the University of North Georgia at the Oconee Campus, where she will major in General Studies, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing specialization.

“I am honored to be selected as this year’s recipient from Greene County High School of the BankSouth Foundation Citizenship Award,” says Gabby. “Thanks to this donation, I will be able to continue my education. This scholarship is crucial to helping me achieve my goals, because it will help by lowering the costs of college, and the number of hours I will need to work throughout my studies.”

Alexander Blake Williams spent four extremely productive years at Nathanael Greene Academy, as the founder and leader of the school's Robotics Club, a member of the Fine Arts Department (where he worked lighting and sound for their One Act Competitions), a member of Youth Leadership Greene, as well as a member of the Beta Club and yearbook committee. He received a service award from the 202 EOD Unit of the Georgia National Guard for his part in producing “Ear Savers” for area military personnel. He was named Rotary Student of the Year for Nathanael Greene Academy, awarded the Pamela Carstens Scholarship in 2020, and the Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship last year. He plans to attend the University of North Georgia in the fall, where he will pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.  

"I was extremely shocked when I received this award," says Alexander. "I didn't realize how many of my teachers and peers were watching me, and thought that I was deserving of this; I was only doing things to help my school and my community. This scholarship will reduce the stress of tuition for me and my family, which will allow them to focus on putting my sister through high school as well. I'm proud to accept the BankSouth Scholarship in memory of my classmate and friend, Ethan Yearwood."  

While attending Lake Oconee Academy, Sarah Grace Ingle involved herself in Youth Leadership Greene, the Atlas Thrive Program, community volleyball camps, and acting as a mentor to three LOA middle schoolers. She herself played volleyball and competed in Literary Meet for all four of her years there. She also garnered a slew of awards and nominations, being named Region 8 A/AA Volleyball Player of the Year, LOA Varsity Volleyball's Most Valuable Player, and the Most Positive Volleyball Player for East Atlanta. She also won the Mary Lou Noonan Award for Service, the LOA Cornerstone Awards in Community and Citizenship, and was part of the One-Act Play state champion team. After graduation, Sarah Grace will attend Toccoa Falls College, where she plans to major in special education and continue her athletic career as a member of the Toccoa Falls volleyball team.  

"Having my friends and teachers recognize my character is truly an honor and is also very humbling," enthuses Sarah. "I am extremely grateful. This scholarship will definitely help to fund my tuition at Toccoa Falls. One of my goals is to graduate college and eventually work with people who have special needs. My classes at TFC will prepare me for achieving that goal."

The BankSouth Foundation Citizenship Award and Scholarship were presented to each recipient during their schools’ award ceremonies by Frances Strickland, a member of the Foundation’s board and a local retired teacher. The BankSouth Foundation was founded in 1985 to serve and support its local communities.

For locations and more information on BankSouth, visit www.banksouth.com.