Special to the Effingham Herald
The Effingham County School District has established a scholarship in memory of Brandon Davis, a long-time maintenance employee and graduate of Effingham County High School.
Davis died in January from injuries sustained in an auto accident.
The scholarship was funded by contributions from family, friends, local contractors, and the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
“Brandon came up through our Career Tech programs here in Effingham County School District, and participated in WBL (Work Based Learning) with our school system as a junior and senior,” said Todd Wall, CEO of Effingham College and Career Academy.
“After graduation he started with the ECSD maintenance department where he continued to work his way up through the ranks until he became maintenance coordinator. He was a real example of what a Workforce PhD student encompasses,” Wall added. “The name came from a prep program that we offer our graduating seniors who are looking to enter the workforce. The program is called the Workforce PhD Program- (P)repared (H)ard-working, and (D)edicated.”
The scholarship will be awarded to four seniors – two each from Effingham County and South Effingham high schools, according to Wall.
“The scholarship is intended to give the students a boost into the workforce to help pay for additional certifications, dress code requirements, tools, and other needs to get started in a career,” Wall said. “Everyone loved Brandon and he is missed every day. We hope this scholarship will help keep his legacy alive, give students encouragement as they enter the workforce, and help everyone always remember how Brandon gave his all to this school system and his family.”
According to the school district, Davis was instrumental in helping all eight elementary schools acquire and install the new inclusive playground equipment.
Ron Womack, Effingham County School District's chief operations officer, said, “When faced with tough obstacles in his job, he would always reply with, ‘no worries, we will get it’.” He was the type of leader that would always find the answer. He never backed down from a challenge. No job was too big or too small for Brandon; he put his heart into everything he did.”
Womack continued, “Brandon was the first person that mentioned to me that we need to have a better playing system for students with disabilities.”
Davis urged the district to install low-slope ramps and rubber surfacing on the playgrounds to make it easier for students in wheelchairs to access the play equipment. Because of his foresight and steadfast commitment to seeing the job through, all eight elementary schools will have inclusive playgrounds by the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
“Brandon was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and son. He has touched so many lives and continues to do so every day,” said Melissa Davis, Brandon’s widow. “We are truly honored that Effingham County has named this scholarship after him. He is a true example of this workforce program. Brandon would be speechless to see the way Effingham County has honored him and his memory.”
