Donate to the Carter Rhoad Endowed Scholarship

The Lake Burton Civic Association and the North Georgia Community Foundation, with the blessing of The Rhoad Family, are seeking $70,000 to start The Carter Rhoad Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund, which will be administered through the North Georgia Community Foundation, will help deserving students from Rabun County with financial assistance to college. This scholarship is structured to help future generations to come.

Carter's tragic murder while on a surfing trip to Mexico on April 27th, 2024, was devastating to our community. Carter was known for his spirit, quick wit, and unwavering belief in how education can change a person's life. Carter was an amazing mentor through YoungLife, on the soccer field with his teammates, and at his job in San Diego, California, where he and his wife Natalie, resided. His impact on our community will be remembered for a lifetime and will continue to inspire others across the country.

Carter loved Lake Burton. Rabun County held a special place in his heart, creating countless memories within the mountains and on the water. Carter had even picked this tiny, beautiful corner of Georgia as the place to celebrate his wedding, which was to take place in June of 2024. Carter often spoke about Clayton and Rabun County, and how he could give back to a community that molded him into the person he became.

The mission of this scholarship is to provide a first-generation or at-risk student a four-year scholarship to their chosen college. Carter's legacy can change the lives of students and families who never thought college would be attainable. In today's time, financial barriers are increasing, and our rural counties need support. While this scholarship will help financially, it is also our hope that it will instill potential and the belief in oneself to succeed.

Your donation, no matter the size, contributes to building this $70,000 endowment. Together, we can create a lasting tribute to Carter's memory while opening the doors to future deserving students. Please consider making a contribution today to help us reach our goal and establish this meaningful legacy in Carter's name.