Three exceptional Obion County Schools students have been selected by Bill and Carol Latimer to each receive a $20,000 scholarship through the Bill and Carol Latimer Charitable Foundation.
The award, which provides $5,000 annually for four years, reflects the Latimers’ ongoing commitment to supporting the future of Obion County’s youth.
Among this year’s recipients is Anna Kate Lawrence, a senior at South Fulton Middle and High School. Anna Kate plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin to pursue a degree in nursing. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and is ranked in the top ten of her graduating class.
“I am honored to receive this generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Latimer. I would like to thank God for the continuation of open doors. This support inspires me to continue working hard and give back to my community,” said Anna Kate.
A dedicated leader, Anna Kate has served as captain of the cheer and soccer teams and is an active member of South Fulton Baptist Church, where she participates in the choir, youth group, and nursery. She has held officer positions as HOSA President, Beta Club Secretary, completed 458 volunteer hours, and is involved in the Obion County Challenge Program, FCA, and FCCLA, where she currently serves as treasurer. In her free time, she enjoys photography, volunteering, and spending time with her family.
Also receiving a Latimer Scholarship is Ryleigh Johnson, a senior at South Fulton Middle and High School. Ryleigh will attend the University of Tennessee at Martin to study finance.
“I am beyond grateful for Mr. Bill and Mrs. Carol Latimer for their very generous donation towards my education. Their faith in myself and the Lord is truly inspiring, and I cannot thank them enough,” said Ryleigh.
Ryleigh has excelled both academically and in leadership, being named a top ten student and earning the 2024 Robert F. Lucas Outstanding Lieutenant Governor Award. She is Vice President of Beta Club, President of DECA, and part of the Challenge Program. She is also active in the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and has participated in the Math Craft Laboratory at UTM. In her free time, she enjoys collecting and works at BB’s Wholesale. She is a member of Jackson Chapel Church.
The third recipient, Laina Ruth Moses, is a senior at Obion County Central High School. She plans to attend Freed-Hardeman University and major in Education (K-5).
“I’d like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Latimer for this incredible opportunity and for investing in my future. This scholarship is going to help me a lot, and I am so grateful,” said Laina Ruth.
Laina Ruth is a member of the Teen Advisory Group and serves as a library aide at the Obion County Public Library. She participated in UTM’s Math and Craft Labs, was active in the OCCHS Canstruction Club, Art Club, choir, and yearbook, and took part in the Rotary Club’s educational trip to Washington, D.C. She attends Berea Church of Christ and helps with their food pantry. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, drawing, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends.
The Latimer family continues to demonstrate an unwavering belief in the potential of Obion County students. Their generosity not only eases the financial burden of higher education but also encourages students to dream bigger and aim higher. Obion County Schools is deeply grateful for their investment in the next generation.
