The West Georgia Technical College Foundation and the White Oak Golden K Kiwanis Club of Newnan recently awarded three scholarships in the name of Dr. Mel T. Hayden, who passed away last December.

The Dr. Mel T. Hayden GED/Adult Education Scholarship was given to three students from Coweta County: Samantha Tan, Maricruz Gilley and Leesa Gore.

The White Oak Golden K Kiwanis Club of Newnan together with Dr. Hayden’s widow, Lucy Hayden, developed the Hayden Scholarship program for adults who have earned a GED and are planning to continue their education at West Georgia Technical College.

Dr. Hayden was the first Director of CLICK. Lucy Hayden and scholarship recipient Leesa Gore currently serve on the CLICK Board of Directors.

The scholarships were officially awarded at the White Oak Golden K Kiwanis Club meeting held on Thursday, August 18, at Sprayberry’s Barbeque in Newnan.

Leesa Gore spoke to the club. Gore is currently in the Electronics and Telecommunications Technology program at West Georgia Tech.

“We are delighted to establish this scholarship program to honor hardworking GED graduates,” said Kim Learnard, WGTC Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. “The three students who were awarded the scholarships are all very deserving and we are proud to partner with the White Oak Golden K Kiwanis Club to keep Dr. Mel Hayden’s memory alive.”

Hayden Scholarship recipients Samantha Tan, Maricruz Gilley and Leesa Gore will be honored at the upcoming WGTC GED Graduation, which will be held at the Newnan Centre on Thursday September 29, at 7 p.m.