May 17, 2017
New Scholarships Established in Memory of PACS Employees and Graduate
Three new scholarships were awarded at this year’s PACS Honors Day ceremonies. These scholarships honor the memory of two PACS staff employees and one PACS graduate. All were very special to the PACS community.
The Melissa Stokes Tyler Memorial Scholarship was lovingly established by her family in her memory after Melissa was tragically killed in a car accident. Melissa was an energetic, hardworking, intelligent individual whose laugh was contagious. Her love for the Lord and her family was evident.
Melissa’s dedication to PACS, as Director of Finance, was shown daily in her desire to achieve excellence. She could often be found in the school’s cafeteria sharing a few moments with her precious daughter, Amelia.
The recipient of this award is a senior who will be attending the University of Georgia, Melissa’s Alma Mater. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually. Melissa’s husband Mike Tyler and her mother Barbara Stokes presented this year’s scholarship to senior Baylee Rogers.
The Candace Coles Todd “Climb Every Mountain” Scholarship was established by PACS to honor long time and admired teacher Candy Todd. Candy passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She expressed her love well to her family, students, and friends. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded each year to a student that has shown a spirit of joy through trials and has persevered. Mrs. Todd was known for her abiding faith, servant’s heart, and tenacity for overcoming adversity while serving as an inspiration to all who knew her. This year’s scholarship was presented to sophomore Patrick Brannen by Candy’s husband Garry Todd and son Adam Yelton.
The Megan Twist Memorial Scholarship was established to remember and honor the life of Megan Twist who died this year in a tragic accident. Megan was a 2011 National Honor Society PACS graduate and winner of numerous academic and extra-curricular awards. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Public Relations. However, that is not what endeared her to so many. Megan was vivacious, conscientious, smart, empathetic, gracious toward others, full of life, and kind. Her smile lit up the room when she walked in. Megan was described as giving on hundred percent to every class, every task, and every relationship. Even in death, Megan was generous as she had signed up for organ donation on her 23rd birthday. Her organs have given five other families new hope for life.
It was the Megan Twist Scholarship committee’s desire to choose a recipient for this scholarship that best exemplifies the following attributes that were characteristic of Megan: 3.5 GPA, strong work ethic, perseverance through trials, love for people, sensitivity to others’ needs, forgiveness, a team spirit, and communication skills.
The PACS faculty submitted nominees, and many students were outstanding finalists. However, senior Jasmine Hawkins emerged as the one nominee that was most reflective of Megan’s heart for people and family. Jasmine was described by her teachers as a hard worker, always smiling, overcoming difficulties with grace, extremely bright, having a joyous spirit, and extending kindness to all.
It is the hope of the Megan Twist Scholarship committee that this yearly $10,000 college scholarship will bring glory to Christ and encourage others to love more intentionally as God has shown his love. The founding donors of this memorial gift wish to remain anonymous.
The Melissa Stokes Tyler Memorial Scholarship The Candace Cole Todd “Climb Every Mountain” Scholarship
Mike Tyler, Amelia Tyler, senior Baylee Rogers, Garry Todd, Patrick Brannen, and Adam Yelton
and Barbara Stokes
The Megan Twist Memorial Scholarship
Front row: Luke Hixson (6th) and Collin Hixson (4th), PACS students & Megan's nephews
Back row: Lenny Bernotas, Barbara Bernotas (Megan's mother), senior Jasmine Hawkins,
Jane Hixon (Megan's sister), and Roy Twist (Megan's father)