Six Graduating Seniors Receive Brandon Davis Memorial Scholarship to Launch Careers

May 21, 2026

2026 Brandon Davis Memorial Scholarship Recipients

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, GA – Six graduating seniors from the 2026 Workforce PhD program received a $500 scholarship to help them take the next step toward their career goals. This year’s Brandon Davis Memorial Scholarship recipients are Jarrod King and Carson Smith of Effingham County High School; John Kennedy and Benjamin Lynch of Effingham College & Career Academy; and Damon Romer and Landon Turner of South Effingham High School.

The scholarships were presented during awards ceremonies held May 18 and 19 by Jackie Davis, Brandon’s mother, and Jessica Hood, Vice President of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. The scholarships can be used to cover costs such as tools, uniforms, or professional certifications—expenses often required for students entering the workforce directly after high school.

“There are so many resources for students going to college or enlisting in the military, but students heading straight into the workforce often don’t have the same level of support,” said Todd Wall, CEO of Effingham College & Career Academy. “That’s why this scholarship is so important—we want to help them take that first step with confidence.”

Now in its fourth year, the Brandon Davis Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Brandon Davis, longtime head of maintenance for the Effingham County School District. Davis began his career as a high school student in the district’s work-based learning program and rose through the ranks to lead the maintenance department before his passing at age 37.

“Brandon’s story is a shining example of the power of career and technical education,” said Jessica Hood, Vice President of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. “We’re honored to support students who are choosing to enter the workforce after graduation.”

“This scholarship is a wonderful way to remember my son and honor his memory,” said Jackie Davis, Brandon’s mother. “Brandon loved mentoring younger generations and helping people find their path in life and their careers. My hope is that this scholarship encourages and supports these students as they begin their own journeys into the workforce.”

“I plan to continue working this summer at Honey Ridge Agricenter while exploring career opportunities in the logistics field,” said Landon Turner, a graduating senior from South Effingham High School. “I’m thankful for this scholarship because it will help me save for training or supplies I may need as I begin my career.”

Past scholarship recipients are already building successful careers through opportunities supported by the program. David Hernandez, a 2023 recipient and graduate of Effingham County High School, is now completing an apprenticeship with JCB, gaining hands-on experience with one of the region’s leading manufacturers. His journey reflects the program’s mission to connect students with real-world career pathways. Dylan Edwards, a 2024 graduate of South Effingham High School and scholarship recipient, recently began his career at the Georgia Ports Authority, where he’s applying the skills and knowledge developed through the Workforce PhD program to a full-time industrial role.

The Workforce PhD program is a collaborative initiative between the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Effingham County School District, Savannah Technical College, and local employers. Each spring, students tour major industries such as Georgia-Pacific, Aertssen Logistics, and Edwards Interiors, and participate in hands-on training in resume writing, interview techniques, and essential soft skills. Seniors interested in participating in the 2027 Workforce PhD program—and becoming eligible for next year’s scholarship—can sign up this fall.

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