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Pictured, top left, Woody Barks; bottom, Jim Baynes (branch manager) and Madison Gunter. Right photo (l to r) Caleb MacArthur, Gabriella Rice, Laurie Higginbotham, Cadence Hadden, Anneston Curles.

ATHENS, Ga. —  American Pest Control, Athens, Ga., recently presented Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarships to local high school seniors.

Gene Higginbotham founder of American Pest Control in 1971. He passed away in 2015 and the scholarship was created in 2016 in his honor by family and employees to continue his legacy.

“American Pest Control is a local family-owned pest management company founded by my grandfather, Gene Higginbotham, in 1971. He built his company on the core values of honesty, integrity, family, community, and quality service. I am honored to receive this scholarship,” said Gabriella Rice, 2020 scholarship recipient and daughter of Laurie Higginbotham, the company’s current president, and CEO.

Since the inception of the scholarship, American Pest Control has awarded $124,000 in total scholarship funds to 94 students. This Spring, for the fourth year, the scholarship was offered to all local students. Throughout Georgia and South Carolina, 28 total scholarships in the total amount of $31,000 were awarded this year. 2020 Recipients included: 

• 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 a 

• 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  

All of these 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. American Pest Control will continue to offer this scholarship to high school seniors throughout their wide service area across Northeast Georgia and parts of South Carolina. The family-owned and operated business looks forward to continuing their support of local communities and education.