Two High School Graduates, Sponsored by Pineland Telephone, Receive National FRS Scholarship Awards

Founded in 1994, The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is the philanthropic arm of NTCA –The Rural Broadband Association. FRS has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since its inception; empowering rural students throughout the country to advance their communities with invaluable skill sets and experiences. The FRS College Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from rural America for their first year of college, university, or vocationaltechnical school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company.

Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. sponsored 28 students from its service area and is proud to announce that two of those students were chosen as FRS Scholarship recipients: Ellen Hendrix from Metter and Jordan Powell of Vidalia. This is the first time that two Pineland sponsored applicants have been awarded scholarships.

Ellen graduated from Metter High School and is the daughter of Kevin and Amy Hendrix. During her high school career, Ellen was active with the Kiwanis Key Club, Y-Club, volunteered with the Second Harvest Food Bank and Metter United Methodist Church, served on the Pineland Bank Junior Board, was a Certified Teen Leader of the Candler County 4-H Club, and a graduate of Candler Youth Leadership. Ellen served as class president each year of high school and was an active member of the MHS Science Club, Debate Team, and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). In addition to these accomplishments, she has competed as a member of Studio South Dance Academy, MHS Varsity Football Sideline Cheer, and is currently employed at Hendrix Produce and Candler Pharmacy. Ellen plans to major in Pharmacy at the University of Georgia and was awarded the JSI Staurulakis Family Scholarship Award of $5,000. Jordan is a Vidalia Heritage Academy graduate and the son of Jeremy and Joni Powell. He has received recognition for his outstanding academic performance throughout his high school career, including Highest Overall GPA, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Jordan competed in GAPPS Academic Competitions, avidly served on the Harvard Model Congress since his freshman year, and participated in varsity football, and track and field. Jordan has served his community through his volunteer work with multiple organizations, including The Salvation Army and Master’s Closet, and his tutoring at Vidalia Heritage Academy. Jordan excelled in academics and community service while fostering his aspiration of becoming an attorney through his full-time internship at The Tillery Law Firm. Jordan plans to continue his education at Georgia Southern University and was awarded the FRS Scholarship Award of $2,500.

“We are very excited and pleased to learn that two of our sponsored students were selected as FRS Scholarship winners”, says General Manager, Dustin Durden. “Ellen and Jordan are exceptionally motivated individuals with bright futures ahead. We wish them the best of luck in their next endeavors.”

“FRS is honored to be able to help the students served by NTCA member companies as they head off to their first year of school,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “Congratulations to Ellen Hendrix and Jordan Powell for receiving scholarships and thank you to Pineland Telephone Cooperative and all our donors who make the FRS scholarship program possible each year.”

Pineland serves over 1,300 square miles with its traditional Phone and Internet services in all or parts of ten-counties in South Georgia. Beginning its 70th year, 100% of Pineland’s Phone and Internet customers receive their services via a dedicated Fiber- to-the-Home network offering Gigabit enabled Broadband connections. Pineland’s mission is to offer an outstanding customer experience through the efficient delivery of progressive technology solutions in the markets served. We will achieve this mission by applying our Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and a Servant’s Heart in everything we do.

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and its members, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Through scholarships, grants, and a variety of educational programs, FRS focuses on educating rural youth, encouraging community development, and introducing policymakers to challenges unique to rural communities. Visit us at www.frs.org.

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, communitybased telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. In an era of transformative technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and marketplace competition, NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture, and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at https://www.ntca.org.

SECCA DRONE STUDENT COMPLETES PATHWAY — Congratulations to Vidalia High School Student Jackson Crawley (right) for completing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pathway and becoming the first student to become eligible for FAA Part 107 license. According to Instructor Amy Gillies (left), 'Jackson worked diligently to pass the knowledge test. He is a hard worker with an impeccable work ethic.'

Ellen Hendrix, right, Metter High School Senior 2021 and FRS Scholarship Recipient, and Dustin Durden, Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc.’s General Manager.