Jul 18
Share America Foundation chooses banjo stylist for scholarship
Jarrod Payne (second from right) receives the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship 2008 from Randall Franks (right), Share America Foundation president; Joe Turner (left), Share America Foundation chairman; July 11 in Ringgold. (Share America photo by Regina Watkins)
Jarrod Payne brings the sounds of his banjo to life with some support from Lorie Watkins, Lisa Jacobi, Randall Franks and Shanon Watkins. (Share America photo by Regina Watkins)Ringold, GA — The Share America Foundation, Inc. announced its second 2008 scholarship recipient at its July 11 Sacred Sounds Fridays concert featuring The Watkins Family, Steel String Session and Deborah Taylor at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga.
Jarrod Payne, 18, of Ducktown, Tenn., a graduate of Copper Basin High School in Polk County, is the second 2008 winner of the scholarship. His special award is given in memory of the organization’s late benefactor Dottie Rambo. The organization’s scholarship committee including both education and music professionals reviewed the candidates then scoring applicants on academics and musical abilities.
Payne appeared at the event playing “Amazing Grace” and playing “Beethoven’s Old Hen” along with a full set of gospel songs performed with Steel String Session featuring Lisa Jacobi, Pete Dasher, Denny Mixon, and John McLeod.
“I was greatly impressed by the depth of knowledge and interest in the variety of styles that Jarrod has,” said Joe Turner, Share America chairman. “He is certain to touch people around the world with his talents.”
Payne received a $250 scholarship to be used towards his educational needs at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tenn. He said his plans are to transfer to East Tennessee State University where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in music.
“We are honored to present this special scholarship award this year remembering the gifts shared with our organization by Dottie Rambo,” said Randall Franks, Share America Foundation president. “I know that Jarrod is a talented young man with a great vision for his music. He will use these funds to study and expand the opportunities for his life and the potential for his impact on the lives of others. It will be a seed that we pray grows honoring all those who played a part in making it possible,” he said.
Board members include Franks, Turner, Gene Lowery, vice chairman; Adam Cathey, secretary and Jerry Robinson, Sr., vice president.
Payne said that while his goals are currently in pursuing a degree and career in music, he looks forward to all the academic opportunities of college that may “open the door to other careers …not yet considered.”
“The boundaries of a person’s mind and a society’s way of thinking are expanded when music enters the experience,” he said. “The varying genres of music can emphasize the different aspects of life, including the viewpoints one has on the world around them.
“Music affects my life in a truly personal way, as I find the music to be a way of life,” he said. “Throughout my music education, I have had several music instructors and fellow band mates who continually sample various styles and techniques found in many musical genres. In their own ways, they have interpreted and taught me the various musical languages that I now communicate through my performances and playing.”
Payne said music has richly blessed his life, as have the people who continue to play a role in making him the person he is.
Payne is the son of John Payne and Jennifer Cheatham of Ducktown, Tenn. and is the stepson of Joe Cheatham. He’s also the grandson of Luke and Linda Coleman of Ducktown and the late Avery and Loney Payne.
Sacred Sounds Fridays concerts are produced 10 times each year at the Ringgold Depot. The next event is August 8 with Mountain Faith of Sylva, N.C. and Jim Ricketts of Dayton, Tenn.
The monthly events help fund the organization’s Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.” The scholarships honor students excelling the Appalachian musical arts.
One additional scholarship will be presented in 2008, Franks said.
For more information about the organization and its programs, contact Share America, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or visit www.myspace.com/shareamerica.
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