The Share America Foundation, Inc. recently introduced its latest scholarship designee at its annual board meeting in Ringgold, Ga.
The Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship honors students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”
Musician Colton Brown, 17, of Chickamauga, Ga. was selected as a Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship designee.
Brown plays piano, harmonica and drums. He is from Chickamauga and is an 11th-grader at Oakwood Christian Academy. He began performing at the age of six. He has performed with District Honor Band for three consecutive years, UGA’s Midfest for two years, and JanFest for two years where he was chosen for the Honor Band both years.
He appeared in concert for Share America at the Smith Charitable Endowment Smith & Wesley and Friends concerts in Ringgold with Randall Franks, John Schneider, Cody McCarver and Smith & Wesley last September.
He will receive the scholarship when he starts college.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be a recipient of this scholarship. I appreciate Mr. Franks for all he has done to help me in my musical endeavors,” Colton said.
Colton
said the scholarship will assist in him studies as he attends college and
studies music education.
“Colton is very talented and Share America is excited to encourage his future
with the legacy of this scholarship,” said Share America Chairman Gary Knowles.
He is the son of Pastor Jeff and Belinda Brown of Chickamauga, Ga.; grandson of Michael and Patricia Brown of
Flintstone, Ga and the late Alice Green of Chickamauga, Ga.
“The tradition of Southern gospel piano is a vital aspect of the sounds created
in the Appalachians,” said Share America President Randall Franks. “I know she
and my late father would be proud to see what this investment in Colton’s
future will inspire in years to come.”
Share America Foundation Board members include Franks, vice chairman Jimmy
Terrell, chairman Gary Knowles; secretary James Pelt; and Jerry Robinson, Sr.,
vice president.
The album reached #1 on the APD Top 50 Americana Global Albums charts. It features several previous scholars and other youth from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Folks may support the effort by donating at www.shareamericafoundation.org or the CD may be downloaded on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon, and Google Play. It is available locally in Ringgold at UnikTings, It’s Sew Time, both on Nashville Street and Country Traditions-Stuff 4 Less on U.S. 41 south of Ringgold.
