C-MREA Scholarship Guidelines

C-MREA Scholarship Application

History of C-MREA Scholarships

The Peggy Whitfield Scholarship was at one time called the C-MREA Scholarship Fund, but was changed to honor Peggy (a C-MREA member and leader) upon her death. This scholarship is funded by donations made by members when paying dues and from monies collected at our monthly “Dollars for Scholars” book sales and “Joe’s Brag Jar”. It is important for lifetime members to contribute annually when renewing their information for the Yearbook/Directory.

The Ruby Sewell Wright Scholarship was established by an endowment left to C-MREA by Mrs. Wright, president of C-MREA 1983- 85. The endowment of approximately $43,916 is for scholarships. There is no stipulation to the amount awarded, but we try to keep the principle at $40,000 and award only the interest.

The Fannie B. and Charlotte McClure Scholarship was established by an endowment from the McClure sisters. They were retired educators of Cobb County, and members of C-MREA. The fund was established for students studying education, either on the undergraduate or graduate level. The C-MREA Board of Directors will determine the amount awarded from this fund.

Interesting Facts about the Scholarships which cease to exist:

Katherine Turner (president 1976-78) Scholarship was a sum of money saved by a group of retired teachers to build a retirement home. Unfortunately, this was never realized. Year later, Sam Whitfield, a C-MREA member, consulted a lawyer to have the money changed into a scholarship fund. The only stipulation was that the principle must remain at $21,500. This fund was later donated to GREA for the planned museum in Gainesville, GA. The Georgia Retired Educators Museum has been completed (2015) in Flowery Branch, GA, and houses the offices of GREA plus the museum. A room has been dedicated to the members of C-MREA for their donation.

James Bailey Scholarship was a donation to C-MREA by MACO (now Credit Union of Georgia). Mr. Bailey was a founding father of MACO and $5,000 was donated upon his retirement. The scholarship committee awarded this scholarship as they saw fit. When the money was gone, the scholarship ceased to exist.

Currently we award 5 scholarships for $2000 each. All scholarship applications are due by October 31.