This fall’s freshman class at the University of Georgia includes 247 recipients of the Charter Scholarship, which is named for the university’s standing as the nation’s first state-chartered public university. Evan Stichler of Ringgold and son of Rich Stichler and Donna Jackson was among those selected to receive the scholarship. Stichler attended Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School and will receive $1,000, in addition to the HOPE Scholarship.

The annual scholarship, which is funded by the University of Georgia Foundation, honors first-year students for academics, leadership, community involvement and a commitment to intellectual, social and cultural diversity. Scholarships can be renewed for up to three additional years if the student meets certain academic standards. Out-of-state students are also eligible to receive the scholarship, which comes with a non-resident tuition waiver.

The 2009 Charter Scholars have exceptional academic credentials, boasting an average SAT score exceeding 1400 and an average high school GPA exceeding 4.0.

Due to programs like the Charter Scholarship, the University of Georgia Foundation continues to prove itself to be an avenue of choice for donors who wish to see their funds handled responsibly and effectively. The foundation recently committed to provide $533,000 for endowments and scholarships, in addition to more than $21 million in annual funding it provides to the university.