Nonprofit Presents Scholarships to Cherokee County Student Athletes

A local nonprofit, Building Fires, recently presented $2,500 scholarships to Cherokee County graduating high school seniors.

Addie English received the Brandon English Memorial Scholarship , and Garrett Smith received the Jamie Horton Memorial Scholarship , the nonprofit announced.

Addie English, Brandon English’s daughter, plans to attend Samford University, where she will study exercise science.

Garrett Smith plans to attend Tusculum University, where he looks to pursue a major in sports management and a minor in coaching.

The Brandon English Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a deserving graduate of the Cherokee County School District who intends to pursue a career in physical education and/or a health and wellness related field.

The Jamie Horton Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a deserving graduate of Cherokee High School who intends to pursue a degree in coaching, physical education and/or special education.

In addition to the scholarships, Building Fires helped start an Athletic Excellence Honor Cord program this year for Cherokee High School graduates who earned a varsity letter for three consecutive years while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Eighty-two of Cherokee’s graduating seniors received the cord, and the organization hopes to bring the program to other CCSD high schools next year.

Building Fires provides scholarships to local student athletes, as well as offering help with varsity jackets, life coaching, mentoring and financial aid. For more information, visit https://buildingfires.com.