The Dawson County School System has created a new scholarship in honor of Betty Long, a longtime high school employee who passed away on Aug. 21 after battling an extended illness.
The Betty Long Memorial Scholarship will fund Dawson County students’ college tuition. The amount awarded eligible students will depend on the amount of funds donated to the scholarship from the community.
“We are hoping that the scholarship is endowed well enough to become a lasting scholarship,” said Wayne Chelf, principal of Dawson County High School. “We have mechanisms in place to allow those who are not affiliated with the school system to contribute donations to the Betty Long scholarships,” he added.
Friends and colleagues of Long believe that forming a scholarship to help high school students pay for college is a true testament to her legacy.
“She always pulled and fought for the underdog. She wanted to see every student who walked through these doors succeed,” said Marjorie Poss, the Dawson County High School counselor.
“She just had the sweetest spirit about her. She was quiet, but a strong presence in this school. She cared about kids and made sure help came to them when they needed it, “ added Poss.
Long served the Dawson County School System for 33 years until she retired in 2007. Throughout her career, she filled a number of positions, but she spent the last years of her service to the high school as the records clerk. Long was also a dedicated member of Juno Baptist Church.
Applications for the Betty Long Memorial Scholarship are open to graduating Dawson County High School seniors. The high school anticipates applications to be ready by January. Contributions to the scholarship can be donated as of now.
All donations will be handled by Beth Swafford, the bookkeeper for the Dawson County School System. Checks can be made out to the DCHS Betty Long Memorial Scholarship.
“I hope this scholarship will allow her sweet memory and love of education to live on for many years to come, “ said Poss.
For more information about the Betty Long Memorial Scholarship, contact Beth Swafford or Marjorie Poss at (706) 265- 6555.