Graduating senior Alexas Foster of South Paulding High School has been selected to represent Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) as a semifinalist for the Walter Harrison Scholarship, a competitive statewide program administered by Georgia EMC. This year, 19 scholarships valued at $1,000 each will be awarded to outstanding students across Georgia.
The Walter Harrison Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, meaningful community involvement and financial need. The program is open to students who are beginning or continuing their education at any two‑ or four‑year college, university or technical institute in Georgia. Eligible applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and apply through their local electric cooperative.
Each participating electric cooperative selects one or more semifinalists, whose applications are then forwarded to Georgia EMC. Final scholarship recipients are chosen by the Walter Harrison Scholarship Executive Committee.
“Alexas represents the heart for service and dedication to others that this scholarship was created to honor,” said Rolando Benitez, Member Advocate and Community Relations Representative for Carroll EMC. “We’re proud to have her represent Carroll EMC and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make.”
Alexas was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy as an infant and has used a wheelchair since early childhood. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated resilience, determination and a strong commitment to personal growth. Despite the challenges she has faced, Alexas has excelled both academically and socially, earning the Spartan Award her junior year.
She is actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities including Distributive Education Clubs of America, National Beta Club, SkillsUSA, Sources of Strength and the National Honor Society. Alexas plans to attend Kennesaw State University where she hopes to pursue a degree in psychology. Her goal is to support young adults by helping them find their voice, confidence and strength.
“I have dreamt of going to college for as long as I can remember,” said Alexas. “Although my career aspirations have changed over the years, my desire to help people has always been constant. Recently, I discovered my passion for psychology, and it feels like my true calling.”
Scholarship winners will be announced on or before April 1.