The University of North Georgia's (UNG) 11th annual Oconeefest, held Oct. 17 at the Oconee Campus, raised $15,611 for scholarships supporting students from Oconee and surrounding counties. Scholarships supported by Oconeefest are:

• Oconee County Resident Scholarship: $1,000 renewable annual scholarship awarded to Oconee County residents who are incoming freshmen. UNG awarded six this year.
• Oconee Annual Scholarship: $1,000 renewable scholarship awarded to current students who continue their education at another UNG campus after starting on the Oconee Campus. UNG awarded two this year.

Russell Willis, executive director of UNG's Oconee Campus, expressed gratitude for all those who invested in these scholarships.

"The generosity of our community is overwhelming. We are so grateful for their commitment to our students and UNG's Oconee Campus," Willis said. "I look forward to awarding the scholarships funded by Oconeefest to the many deserving students who will receive them."

Peach State Federal Credit Union and Georgia Power were the presenting sponsors of Oconeefest.

The event included food and silent auction items donated by local, regional and national businesses, chambers of commerce, faculty and staff, and the many friends of UNG's Oconee Campus. Oconee State Bank was a Blue and Gold sponsor, and Jarvis Estate was a Platinum sponsor. Silver sponsors included Allied Paving Contractors Inc., The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center, Piedmont Healthcare, South Main Brewing, and Satisfied Food Co.

Develon Davis, regional business executive for Peach State Federal Credit Union, said the credit union was excited to be part of the event.

"We want to give thanks to Russell, the administration, the faculty and staff for doing such an amazing job every year," Davis said. "To the students, know that we are all here for you. Let's show up and show out for them."

Tony Ferguson, Georgia Power's Northeast Georgia Region executive, also spoke at the event.

"As an Oconee County resident, I can tell you this is a very special place," Ferguson said. "And as a North Georgia grad, for the students, I can tell you you're getting a great education, and your degree will take you a long way."