Now entering its 10th year, the Goldman “Goldie” Barefield Scholarship recipient was recently announced, with Sweetwater High School senior Kylee Hicks receiving the honor. The recipient has chosen to attend Tennessee Wesleyan University, with the scholarship totaling $5,500.

Pamela Clark of State Farm Insurance in Sweetwater established the Goldman “Goldie” Barefield Annual Scholarship fund in 2012 to carry on her father’s legacy. “Goldie” Barefield was a lifelong resident of Etowah and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Although Mr. Barefield did not have the opportunity to pursue an education, he made it a priority for Clark and her sister to complete their college degrees. Ms. Clark graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan in 1988.

This year, the scholarship committee chose the deserving student from Sweetwater High School based on her application submission. In 10 years, the fund has raised over $95,000, benefitting 43 recipients. The award was presented by TWU Admissions Counselor Ariana Conwell at the Sweetwater High School’s awards night.

“I am thrilled that my daddy’s (Goldie’s) legacy continues through this scholarship each year,” said Pamela Clark. “I am so appreciative of Tennessee Wesleyan and the Goldie Barefield Scholarship Committee as they review and consider each of the applicants. I’m so touched that committee members generously add to what I am able to contribute to increase the impact of this scholarship even more.”

Hicks has shown academic, athletic, and leadership strengths during her career at Sweetwater High School. She has volunteered with Cry for the Broken in Chattanooga, Operation Inasmuch in Sweetwater, Marble Town Guardians, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, as well as delivering Thanksgiving meals and Halloween candy bags in her community. She has already completed the majority of her first year through dual enrollment and plans to major in Biology in preparation to become an optometrist.

“Perhaps my favorite of Kylee’s qualities is her calm, quiet integrity,” said Emily Roy, one of Hicks’ teachers in a recommendation letter. “She is kind to other students at (Sweetwater HS), patient, genuinely caring, respectful to teachers (which is getting more and more rare for my students) as well as peers; honest, and dependable. Many of our students say they are Christians, but often it’s hard to see evidence of that in their attitude and actions. Kylee is different-I can tell that she’s trying to follow Christ by her behavior and her attitude. She’s more about the walk than the talk.”

“I am so appreciative to Pamela for her commitment to fund these scholarships at Tennessee Wesleyan for many years to come,” said Blake McCaslin, Vice President for Advancement. “I have been touched by Pamela’s deep love for her father and her desire to keep his legacy alive. I am honored to work with her and the committee each year as they select the student recipients.”

Scholarships are such a worthy investment. The University hopes to inspire others to consider creating a legacy of support through named scholarship gifts. If you would like more information about how you can honor a loved one or carry on your own family legacy, please contact the Office of Advancement at Tennessee Wesleyan University at 423.746.5330.