Retired educators award EREA Scholarship at final meeting of year

The May meeting of the Emanuel Retired Educators Association (EREA) was held last week at the Sudie A. Fulford Community Learning Center on the campus of East Georgia State College (EGSC). President Verdell Brinson called the meeting to order and welcomed members. Program Chair Elease Turner welcomed and introduced Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA) District 6 Director, Dr. Gwen Yarborough. Yarborough praised President Brinson for her leadership this year and commended members for their efforts throughout the year. She expressed her appreciation for the invitation to attend the May meeting, and announced that Johnny Smith will be assuming the role of GREA Executive Director following the retirement of Dr. Bill Sloan.

Dr. John Derden provided an inspiring devotion, and members enjoyed a delicious picnic meal provided by EGSC Dining Services. Following the meal, Derden made the EREA Scholarship presentation. Bailey Arnold was recognized as the 2025 scholarship recipient and received $1000 from the organization. During high school, Arnold participated in three years of dual enrollment at East Georgia State College and graduated with honors from EGSC. While at EGSC, Arnold was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. After graduation, she transferred to The University of Georgia where she was accepted into the Mary Frances Early College of Education. In her scholarship application, Arnold shared, “Ultimately, my goal as a future educator is to cultivate a sense of belonging, build confidence, and empower students to believe they can succeed academically.”

District Director Yarborough then installed the 2025-26 EREA officers. New officers include President, Toney Golden; President-elect, Teresa Bright; Treasurer, Jean Schwabe; and Secretary, Huddie Culbreth. The next EREA meeting will be held in September.