A cosmetology instructor at West Georgia Technical College has started a scholarship in memory of her former mentor to which she hopes others will contribute.

Jennifer Meacham, who teaches at the college’s Franklin Instructional Site, donated funds to start the Raymond Van Sensing Jr. Memorial Scholarship in memory of her former teacher and mentor who passed away in 1996.

The scholarship will be managed by the WGTC Foundation and awarded to a qualifying student enrolled in the cosmetology diploma program at WGTC’s Franklin Instructional Site.

Meacham said she was inspired to create the scholarship fund in Sensing’s memory after speaking with former co-workers who also learned from him.

“There’s a group in this area who all worked together when we started off about 30 years ago, and we’re all still friends and still doing hair,” Meacham said. “We’ve found great success because of what he taught us, and I wanted to start this scholarship just to honor him because of the gift he gave me.”

Sensing, who lived in Newnan, served as vice president of California Concept Corporation, a nationally recognized institution known for its precision hair-cutting techniques and high quality hair-care products.

“First and foremost, though, Raymond Sensing was a teacher,” Meacham said. “The investment he made through his dedication in educating those desiring to learn, accompanied by his vast knowledge of the hairdressing industry, has served as the cornerstone of success for numerous hairdressers across our country.”

Meacham said the invitation to make a donation to this scholarship fund extends to include anyone who “feels moved to make an investment into the life of another person.”

To donate to the Raymond Van Sensing Jr. Memorial Scholarship, email Kim Learnard at [email protected].

“There are many people who reap benefits from his training, and people still get haircuts from salon owners he trained,” Meacham said. “There are thriving businesses in our area that are booked for a month in advance, and I’d love for those owners to be able to join in on this effort to keep his legacy going.”