Family’s legacy helps two Savannah students with $10,000 in scholarships

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Two students received a combined $10,000 in scholarships during a Savannah church celebration honoring a couple whose family is helping others access the education they never had.

Nyanna Saunders and Charlotte Smart received the awards during Scholarship Sunday on Oct. 25 at New Beginning Community Christian Church.

Saunders, a graduate student studying social work at the University of Georgia, received $6,000 through the Maggie Lee & John B. Henley Scholarship. Smart received $4,000 toward her associate degree at Savannah Technical College.

The scholarship honors Maggie Lee Henley and John B. Henley Sr., who were not afforded the opportunity to receive an education. Their children and extended family established the awards to honor their memory by helping others pursue their educational goals.

“May this celebration encourage each of us to honor those who came before us by investing in those who will come after us,” Pastor Eric Henley Sr. wrote in a statement shared ahead of the event.

The celebration brought together family, friends, New Beginning Community Christian Church and New Beginning Community Development Center for worship, remembrance and the scholarship presentation.

Held at the church on Causton Bluff Road, the event centered on the message: “Honoring a Legacy. Investing in the Future.”