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Development Authority names Blair Bennett recipient of 2026 Early County Growth Scholarship
The Development Authority of Early County is pleased to announce Blair Bennett of Blakely as the recipient of the 2026 Early County Growth Scholarship. Bennett, a recent graduate of Southwest Georgia Academy, is the daughter of Dr. Garrett and Dana Bennett.
The scholarship, a total of $4,500 designated for the student’s higher education expenses, is made possible through an annual payment to the Development Authority by Silicon Ranch. It is designed for an Early County resident planning to return home to make a positive impact in the community after completing his or her higher education.
During Blair’s high school career, she held numerous leadership positions, including serving as an officer in Beta Club, FFA and Student Council. She served as class president for four years, led the school’s Chapel Band for four years, founded and led a girls’ Bible study, participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, served on the Early County Youth Leadership Team, and was a member of the SGA yearbook staff. Her honors include Miss SGA, Best All Around Girl, DAR Good Citizen, Junior Marshal, academic letters and Honor Roll recognition throughout high school, as well as Outstanding Student Awards in English, Science, History and Math.
Blair also distinguished herself as a multi-sport athlete. She played varsity basketball for five years, helping her team earn region championships in 2023 and 2025 and a state runner-up finish in 2026. She was named an All-Region player in 2025 and 2026. In track, she was part of championship 4×400 and 4×800 relay teams, and in tennis, she earned region and state championship honors in 2025.
Her involvement extends well beyond the classroom and athletic field. Blair has served as a youth group leader, praise band member, Vacation Bible School leader, church nursery volunteer and disaster relief volunteer. She has also participated in service projects benefiting Anchor of Hope and has shared her musical talents at community Fields of Faith events and with residents of the Miller County Nursing Home.
This fall, the Growth Scholar plans to attend Samford University, where she will major in Biology, minor in Christian
Ministry and pursue the pre-med track. Her long-term goal is to enter medicine and participate in medical missions both locally and abroad.
Perhaps most meaningful to the mission of the Early County Growth Scholarship is Blair’s desire to eventually bring her education and talents home. In her scholarship essay, she described Early County as a community where people encourage, support and believe in one another. She wrote of her hope to return to Early County, practice medicine, raise a family here and contribute to the community as it grows.
“I want to use my talents and schooling that this scholarship would help me attain, to give back and help the people who have helped me grow!” She wrote in her application.
“Blair represents exactly what the Early County Growth Scholarship was created to encourage — talented young people who work hard, lead by example, serve others and recognize that there can be a future for them right here at home,” said Susanne Reynolds, Director for the Development Authority of Early County. “We are incredibly proud of Blair’s accomplishments, but we are even more excited about her desire to take the education and experiences she gains and someday use them to serve others and give back to Early County.”
The Early County Growth Scholarship, funded through the generosity of Silicon Ranch, was established to support Early County students as they pursue post-secondary education while encouraging the next generation of leaders to see themselves as part of the county’s future.
Published in the Early County News on August 26, 2026.
