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Guyton student receives Jimmy Rane Foundation scholarship
6.05 Teffany Reaves
Teffany Reaves is shown receiving her Jimmy Rane Foundation scholarship on May 15 at the annual charity golf tournament. Presenting Reaves with her scholarship is Jimmy Rane, founder of the Foundation. - photo by Photo provided

ABBEVILLE, Ala. — Teffany Reaves knows about hard times. She knows what it is like to wonder why she does not have things others have, to face an uncertain future. Seeing family difficulties firsthand at a young age could have been a discouragement to others, but Reaves responded by excelling in her studies.  

She graduated from Effingham County High School with a 3.964 grade point average in the top three percent of her class. She gained the respect of her teachers and peers with a cheerful disposition, solid work ethic and intellectual promise.  

Now Reaves’ dream is to attend Armstrong Atlantic State University to earn a degree in biology, then further her education in marine biology at the University of Georgia. She’ll have much-needed financial support, thanks to her selection as a Jimmy Rane Foundation scholarship recipient.  

“Receiving a voicemail during my fourth period chorus class, my first idea was that I was rejected to yet another scholarship,” Reaves said. “But then I called back and was told that I had been selected as a Jimmy Rane Foundation scholarship recipient. I was so relieved, excited and could not stop smiling; I could finally see my dreams for college beginning to come true.”

With the support of her cousins, the Haymans, Reaves focused on her goals in the school and community, excelling in every way. Along with her stellar academic record, Reaves was highly involved in Beta Club, Chorus, Show Choir and Habitat for Humanity, and she also frequently volunteered her assistance at local elementary schools.

Reaves is looking forward to the difference the scholarship will make in her educational career as well as in her ability to give back to the community and others around her.

“This is a scholarship for young adults who want to make a difference in the world around them,” she said. “You have to understand the expectations of what is expected of you.

“It goes back to Mr. Rane’s quote, ‘When much is given, much is expected.’ It is more than money, it is an expectation. I feel privileged to be a part of something so huge and so special.

“I understood the responsibility that came with this scholarship, and I appreciate that Jimmy Rane believed in each of us to carry this dream through the furthering of our education.”

The Jimmy Rane Foundation has awarded 112 college scholarships to outstanding and deserving students since it was established in 2001. Founded by Jimmy Rane, an entrepreneur and successful business owner, the Foundation presents its scholarship winners each May during the Jimmy Rane Foundation Charity Golf Tournament.  The Foundation’s only fundraising event of the year, the golf tournament brings together over 50 sports celebrities and has featured guest speakers such as Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning, Mack Brown and, most recently, Marcus Allen. 

For more information, visit www.jimmyranefoundation.org.