Sharon Aiken – “Miss Aiken” to most of us – was one of the most universally beloved teachers in the history of Monticello, GA. In a career that spanned well over thirty years, she touched the lives of generations of students through her passion, kindness, and dedication.

For decades, Miss Aiken inspired countless students to embrace literature, find their voices, and believe in themselves. Her classroom was a safe space where students felt supported and encouraged.

W.E.B. du Bois famously said, "Education must not simply teach work—it must teach Life." Miss Aiken embodied that idea, using literature as a framework to help us understand the world and to find our places in it. She also showered us with love at a time in our lives when many of us desperately needed it. Now is our opportunity to return that love – to demonstrate that Sharon Aiken has a massive extended family of former students, colleagues, and friends that extends well beyond the confines of Jasper County.

This campaign was initially created to help cover Miss Aiken's medical expenses. Now that she is gone, it is our duty to carry her legacy to future generations of Monticello students by establishing a scholarship in honor of the profound impact she had on all of us.

Every donation, no matter the size, is an expression of our undying gratitude for this remarkable woman, as does sharing this page to help spread the word.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your compassion, generosity, and support during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

Juanita (Thomas) Norris

Amy (McMichael) Scroggs

Melissa (Bell) Shelton

Matt Shelton

DeAngelo Norris

Tim J. Pitts

Ben and Barbara Strength (ethics and accountability oversight)