Gene Higginbotham founded American Pest Control, Athens, Ga., in 1971. After his death in 2015, the family-owned firm created a scholarship program in his honor.

Since the program’s inception four years ago, American Pest Control has awarded a total of $124,000 to 94 students. This year, throughout Georgia and South Carolina, the company awarded 28 scholarships totaling $31,000. Recipients include:

• Maggie DeMaria – Clarke Central High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Caleb McArthur – North Oconee High School attending University of Michigan
• Anneston Curles – North Oconee High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Woody Barks – North Oconee High School graduate attending Louisiana State University
• Gabriella Rice – North Oconee High School graduate attending Augusta University
• Emma Sutton – North Oconee High School graduate attending Georgia Southern University
• Cadence Hadden – Oconee County High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Taylor Bond – Prince Avenue Christian School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Angelia Thomas – Apalachee High School attending University of North Georgia
• Katelyn Darnell – 2020 Monroe Area High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Jonathan Howell – Hebron Christian Academy graduate attending University of North Georgia
• Morgan Roberts – Banks County High School graduate attending Brenau University
• Jacob Myler – East Jackson Comprehensive High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Connor Gillespie – Cherokee Bluff High School graduate attending Point University
• Samuel Garland – Gatewood School graduate attending University of Alabama
• Michael Peters- Morgan County High School graduate attending Stanford University
• Madison Gunter – Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Jerry Worthy – Grovetown High School graduate attending Duke University
• Mary Shaw – East Paulding High School graduate attending Louisiana State University
• Daijah Buggs – Rockdale County High School graduate attending Howard University
• Gracie Patterson – White County High School graduate attending Augusta University
• Mackenzie Batson – Stephens County High School Graduate attending Ogeechee Technical College
• Savannah Gary – Habersham Central High School graduate attending University of North Georgia
• Delta Cartwright – Stephens County High School graduate attending North Georgia Technical College
• Carlie Owens – Rabun County High School graduate attending Georgia State University
• Jamison Wood – Towns County High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Emilee Williams – Hart County High School graduate attending University of Georgia
• Mackenzie Richey – Crescent High School graduate attending Anderson University

The company notes that all recipients “boasted academic, athletic, fine arts or community service-oriented accomplishments throughout their high school careers, and reflected the values held by the Higginbotham family. The company is proud to support them as they begin their college careers and further their education.”