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The University of North Georgia's (̨Íåswag) Oconee Campus is preparing to hold its 10th annual Oconeefest scholarship fundraiser. Set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 on the front lawn, the event will raise money for a pair of scholarships:

• Oconee County Resident Scholarship: $1,000 renewable annual scholarship awarded to Oconee County residents who are incoming freshmen on the Oconee Campus. ̨Íåswag awarded four this year.
• Oconee Annual Scholarship: $1,000 renewable scholarship awarded to students from Oconee, Walton, Oglethorpe, Barrow, Clarke, Greene, Oconee, Morgan, and Madison counties who enroll on any ̨Íåswag campus. ̨Íåswag awarded two this year.

This year's theme is "Lights, Camera, Auction," with a Hollywood Walk of Fame feel. A silent auction will be part of the Oconeefest festivities. Peach State Federal Credit Union, Oconee State Bank, Haynes Enterprises Inc., Athens Piedmont Regional Hospital, BankSouth, and Jarvis Estate Winery are sponsors for Oconeefest.

"What I get excited about is sitting down and reading the scholarship applications of students. I get a better understanding of the needs of the students, some of the circumstances from which they come, where they want to be, what their hopes and dreams are, and how we as an institution are meeting and supporting their needs. It's impressive," Russell Willis, Oconee Campus executive director, said. "It's really important that we have that community support for the students that comes through this event."

What I get excited about is sitting down and reading the scholarship applications of students. I get a better understanding of the needs of the students, some of the circumstances from which they come, where they want to be, what their hopes and dreams are, and how we as an institution are meeting and supporting their needs. It's impressive.

Russell Willis

Oconee Campus executive director

Taylor DuMay, a freshman from Athens, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, encourages people to attend the event because of how her scholarship has impacted her. From tuition to living expenses and meal plans and textbooks, college costs can add up.

"There are a lot of different ways the scholarship has been very helpful," DuMay, a student at the Dahlonega Campus, said. "I like the small-town feel of ̨Íåswag and being able to meet people and have one-on-one interactions with my professors. I'm just so thankful there was even an opportunity to apply for this scholarship."

Isaiah Dunn, a sophomore from Watkinsville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in computer science, studies at the Dahlonega Campus. His father is a single dad, and Dunn also has a younger brother. He is grateful that ̨Íåswag understands that even with substantial prosperity in Oconee County many students still need help affording college.

"Anything I can get helps. I wasn't even aware it was an option until I got an email notification about applying for the scholarship. It's really good to provide that relief to people," Dunn said. "My dad has worked really hard to give me the opportunity to go to college, and I want to give myself that further education and a chance to build up better habits."