Onus - noun - used to refer to something that is one's duty or responsibility
As a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization, A.Bevy provides the opportunity for individuals to utilize us as an avenue create high school to national based scholarships. We currently stand at 16 annual awards that range in criteria from academic performance, entrepreneurial spirit, woman power, studying abroad, an even inert rebelliousness. In 2015, Steven Gantt established the Katie Lee Johnson Scholarship at his alma mater Ridge Spring-Monetta High School in remembrance of his great-grandmother's impact on the lives of others, his own, and his responsibility to do the same.
"I understandd that one of my purposes in life is to give back, but most importantly, I understandd there is no such thing as the "perfect time" to give back. Sure, I could've waited 10 more years to be "well off" in order to do so...but I quickly realized what growth was about. In essence, who is ever really ready for growth?
I can honestly say awarding this endowment is a very fulfilling experience. It's something I plan to experience until the day I die. And for that, I encourage all to consider the same opportunity to give back. You're only becoming a better person. It's truly an honor to have the opportunity to give back to the community that raised me. There's not a day that passes in which I don't think about Ridge Spring, Monetta or Ward. Because of this and more, I aim to be a positive reflection of my community.
Luke 6:38: 'Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. '"
- Steven Gantt
The 2017 recipient of the Katie Lee Johnson Scholarship is Alicia Key. Steven stated, "Alicia was the ideal candidate for this endowment as she embraces both change and progression in the Monetta, SC community." Experience is key in the process of change, progression, and growth; and Alicia has plenty of options of where she can expand her experiences after graduation having been accepted to 15 total colleges:
Standford University
University of South Carolina, Aiken
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University
Wofford College
Aiken Technical College
Clemson University
Francis Marion University
Furman University
Grinnell College
Mercer University
Neumont University
Northwestern University
Being a top student in her class is not just about the grades for Alicia but is about the work ethic, focus, and the goals and standards that you set for yourself. Not only does her family, school, and community believe in her, but Alicia believes in herself - so much that she's her own teacher. She immersed herself in not only Spanish, but Korean as well, and has also taught herself various coding - HTML, CSS, is currently learning JavaScript.
"I'm so thankful to be a part of A.Bevy and involved in this endowment for my community. I love my community so much. I brag about it everywhere I go. There's so much talent back home that it's only right that we reach back!" - Gantt
The human responsibility based on compassion and altruism is something that some choose to embrace whole-heartedly. Being a part of this world, it is seemingly more beneficial at times to focus on self, take care of self, do for self... and only self. In not doing so, especially in America - there are definitive times when you will be left behind. However within A.Bevy, we are proud to highlight those who have worked hard within in order to selflessly give outward. Steve Gantt does just that and we are proud that he has accepted his responsibility and evokes change continuously through his actions, words, spirits, and the Katie Lee Johnson Scholarship.
#Thirty4ABevy is a content campaign leading up to A.Bevy's 3rd annual Stage Fundraising Gala.
Check here everyday between now and June 17th for new content that highlights A.Bevy's mission, programs, scholarships, and impact.
The Stage Fundraising Gala is A.Bevy's most purposive fundraising event - aimed to raise funds to cover the nonprofit's work for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. During these thirty days, we challenge you to dive deeper into what A.Bevy truly is, our actions toward raising self-awareness through our Three Pillars, providing opportunities to promote our Pursuit Principles, and how we utilize the arts to educate in hopes for a more compassionate society.
"Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together."
- James Cash Penny
On June 17, 2017, something new comes your way from A.Bevy.
Mark your calendars for The Stage.
#TheStage17
The STAGE Inquiries | stage@abevy.org