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By: Jenna Oden & Grace Braswell

Since the beginning of her senior year, Troup High graduate McKenzie Murphy has had her eye on applying for scholarships to help further her education. 

“My parents have told me from the beginning of my senior year to apply for as many scholarships as I could because it would help me pay for college,” Murphy said. “So, when I saw that Synovus had a scholarship opportunity I didn’t let it pass by me.” 

This year, 132 scholarships totaling $110,500 were awarded to children of Synovus team members across the company’s five-state footprint. Scholarship funds are generated each year through team member donations and internal fundraising activities. 

Among the recipients, Murphy was awarded a scholarship for 2020. 

“I was very excited and thrilled to have been chosen for the Synovus scholarship so it would help me further my education,” Murphy said. 

The scholarship program is named in honor of Jack B. Parker, whose career with the Synovus family of companies spanned 44 years. 

“The Jack Parker Scholarship rewards well-rounded students who strive for academic achievement, devotes time to worthwhile extra-curricular activities and is involved in meaningful community service work,” Lee Underwood with Synovus Corporate Communications said. “The judges’ scores are based on academic ability, activities/leadership, awards/honors, career goals, community service and well-rounded involvement.”

Since its inception in 1988, the foundation has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships.

“We have three branches in LaGrange, and McKenzie’s mom, Christy, works at one of them,” Underwood said. “The scholarship honors the legacy of Jack Parker as well as the achievements of team members’ children who desire to further their education after high school. The scholarship also demonstrates team members’ commitment to each other. One hundred percent of scholarship funds are raised through team member contributions via payroll withdrawal, fundraisers, direct contributions and more.” 

Murphy plans to attend Columbus State University in the fall for two years then transfer out to get an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorder. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology.

“Working with kids is something I have always been passionate about,” Murphy said. “I am excited to pursue this degree because helping and serving others is something I’ve always wanted to do. Education has been an important aspect in my life. I was always encouraged to try my very best in and out of school. It was always important to me to make good grades and to also try my best in all my activities I was involved in.”