It’s official, we are honored to announce Sharonna Ray as the recipient of our first $1,000 Savannah Rising Scholarship.
Sharonna’s story stood out because it reflects the heart of what this scholarship was created to support: vision, perseverance, creativity, and a commitment to uplifting others through meaningful community impact.
What makes Sharonna’s journey especially powerful is the way she is combining her gifts, education, and lived purpose to create something larger than herself. Through her initiative, Anchored in Arts, she is developing a creative program that integrates visual art, fashion design, and STEM concepts to help students explore creative careers, strengthen their confidence, and see new possibilities for their future.
Her vision is especially meaningful in Savannah, a city known for its art, culture, and creativity, yet one where many students, particularly in Title I schools, do not always have equal exposure to creative pathways or artistic career opportunities. Sharonna is working to help close that gap by building a stronger pipeline for young creatives, so they can discover their talents and imagine what is possible.
The $1,000 Savannah Rising Scholarship will help support the tuition and fees connected to Sharonna’s final internship course at Georgia Southern University, which is the last step needed for her to complete her degree. More than helping her finish a personal milestone, this support also helps fuel the broader impact of the work she is building for her students and community.
Sharonna represents exactly what the Savannah Rising Scholarship is all about, not only personal advancement, but using growth, opportunity, and education as tools to serve others.
We are proud to recognize Sharonna Ray as our first Savannah Rising Scholarship recipient and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work in Savannah.
