Savannah River Site College Night Attracts Over 4,700 Attendees

Over 4,700 attendees visited the Augusta Convention Center to meet with representatives of hundreds of colleges and universities.

Fox Creek High School senior Elijah Byers accepts a $1,000 scholarship presented by Dawn Haygood, director, Office of the President and Corporate Communications, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, at this year's Central Savannah River Area College Night.

This year, 177 SRS volunteers, seven sponsors, 114 colleges and universities, all branches of military and many local technical colleges came together for the event.

"Over the last three years, our school has transported students here to experience this incredible opportunity and to interact with counselors and colleges throughout the Southeast and beyond," said Gregory Thompson, principal, South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, McCormick, South Carolina. "Some of my students are shocked to find what local schools can offer, especially in agriculture."

Elyse Morrow, a senior at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, Augusta, attended College Night with her mother, Karen Morrow, director of the Remediation, Deactivation, and Decommissioning Division for the DOE-Savannah River Operations Office (DOE-SR).

"I can't believe they pulled my name," Elyse Morrow explained after being randomly selected for a $1,000 scholarship. "This is such a blessing as I look for nuclear engineering opportunities at my favorite universities."

Karen Morrow said it has been heartwarming to see her youngest child experience College Night and take the lead on her college preparation.

"Some students are not aware of all the opportunities available or need extra guidance, so I hope College Night continues to take off and spark interest in students who need it most," Karen Morrow said.

Students and parents obtained information on educational opportunities and college admission requirements, and participated in seminars on scholarships, including HOPE, or Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally, and LIFE, or Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence.

In addition, DOE-SR, SRNS, SRS Apprenticeship School, Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility, Fluor, Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Mission Completion, Centerra, U.S. Forest Service, and SRS Fire Department shared potential career opportunities and mission scopes with attendees.

"This is my second year as a greeter and college and university representative volunteer," said LaQunia Bush, SRNS Site Services senior training specialist. "The SRNS Education Outreach Program plays a vital role in our community by offering these opportunities to young adults. I'm grateful to have been a part of such a positive and impactful event."

Central Savannah River Area College Night volunteers greet local students. Over 177 volunteers participated in this year's event.

North Augusta City Administrator Jim Clifford attended College Night with his son, Jimmy, a freshman at Westminster Schools of Augusta, in search of military and technical school opportunities.

"I'm so appreciative of SRNS and the key sponsors for making this a regional event for kids to get a great cluster of schools from across the nation," said Clifford. "We spoke to SUNY Cortland from New York, Florida Institute of Technology and local schools in South Carolina. I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend with my son and determine his college prep in high school."

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-Contributor: Mackenzie McNabb