This fall, 24 outstanding college freshmen will receive scholarships through the Georgia Baptist Student Achievement Award program. These young men and women were chosen from among 158 nominees and 40 applicants as a result of their scholastic achievement and outstanding involvement in both their churches and communities. The scholarships - amounting to $4,000 each and paid over four years - are funded through the Cooperative Program and provided jointly by Georgia Baptist colleges and the Georgia Baptist Convention.

Current high school seniors are eligible for consideration and nominations are now being received for the 2006 awards. Recipients must be active members in churches cooperating with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Students must be nominated by their pastors or other staff members, after which application packets are sent to the nominees. Pastors may also write letters of recommendation for students they wish to nominate.

The scholarship committee of the Education Commission chooses award winners in January. Awards are based primarily on academic achievement, but church and community involvement also plays a significant role in how winners are chosen by the committee.

Nomination forms were included in the June issue of VantagePoint and can be returned by mailing or faxing the forms to the Education Commission office. Nominations may also be made through the GBC website, www.gabaptist.org. For more information call (800) RING-GBC, ext. 240, or (770) 936-5240.

This year's scholarship recipients are pictured.