The Shelia Hawthorne Scholarship began in 2020 and is awarded annually to one or more graduating high school seniors from Barrow County’s public high schools. The scholarship is given to assist students pursing a technical or 4 year college degree in healthcare or biological sciences. Community service is also an important component of this scholarship.

The Hawthorne Family were among the founding families of Auburn, GA. Howard and Shelia Hawthorne have contributed significantly to the Barrow Community. Shelia grew up in Kentucky and worked her way through college to become a registered nurse. Later, she attained her teaching certification in science and taught Health Occupations and Biology in New Orleans, LA. In 1989, she joined the faculty of Winder-Barrow High School to teach Health Occupations and received her Specialist degree from the University of Georgia. Shelia has always been devoted to serving the Barrow community through churches and in various non-profits. This began with the Dictionary Project for all 3rd grade students in Barrow’s public schools. Paying it forward, and using their talents in their careers and in community service have been part of the tapestry of the Shelia and Howard Hawthorne’s life.