2014 Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship

Stephen and Chelsea
at her wedding

We were very privileged to have one of Stephen's best friends, Chelsea Yarbrough McDonald,  and Scott Reeves present the 2014 Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship at ELCA.  Stephen met Chelsea in the first couple of weeks after moving to Georgia in his Sunday school class.  When it was time to enter middle school, Stephen wanted to attend ELCA with Chelsea and another friend from the church.  It was one of the best decisions he ever made.  They remained close throughout school and afterwards.

The scholarship at ELCA was presented to a very special young man, Gib Pounds.  Gib was born legally blind, but he never thought of himself as having a disability.  He is an outstanding young man with a work ethic to match.

Judy, Gib, and Chelsea after the ceremony

Gib began his career at ELCA in 2001 and attended for 13 years.  He played football at a young age in elementary school and won a starting position as the center for the first time as a senior.  Gib graduated ELCA with a 4.26 GPA.  He is currently attending University of Georgia and majoring in education.  The following is an article that appeared in the Henry County Herald after Gib's acceptance of the scholarship.

In spite of being legally blind, Eagle's Landing Christian senior Gib Pounds has never let that take away from his focus.

"Having 2200 vision means I cannot drive but that's my only limitation," Pounds said.  "My vision could be worse.  I could have tunnel vision but I'm just extremely nearsighted and totally colorblind."  

A week ago, Pounds was awarded the Stephen Dale Elrod Memorial Scholarship at ELCA Athletic Awards Ceremony.

"I was completely shocked," said Pounds, who started at center for the football team this past season.  "I walked up there speechless.  I think I whispered thank you.  I didn't see it coming."

Pounds was well deserving of the honor, thanks to his 4.26 grade-point average.

"It doesn't matter if you have a disability or not," Pounds said.  "Hard work is going to get you where you want to go.  I could've come out of here with a lower GPA if I had not taken the time to spend my time studying."

During his time on the gridiron last season, Pounds helped the Chargers earn an 11-1 record.

"Football has been something I've been glad to play with all of my friends here," Pounds said.  "I found the perfect position as a center.  Let's face it: I wasn't going to be catching the ball."

This fall, Pounds will pursue a degree in education at Georgia.

Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships 2013

In 2013, we were pleased to award Garrett Appleton at the awards ceremony at PCHS on May 8.  Garrett was a member and leader of the basketball squad.  He was very involved in other leadership roles in the National Honor Society and the Senior Council.  During his senior year, Garrett demonstrated a strength and faith unlike other normal high school seniors.  He was forced to sit the sidelines on the basketball court due to some heart issues.  While others might have dropped off the team, Garrett continued to be part of the team with his daily support and uplifting attitude.

After Garrett had received the honor of Stephen's scholarship, he sent us a thank you note saying that out of all the scholarships he had applied for, this was the one scholarship he wanted the most.  Garrett continued his education at Morehead State University.  He is currently in his second year and is majoring in Sports Medicine.


The scholarship at ELCA was awarded to Miss Ellie Jagus.  Due to my niece's wedding in Houston, Texas, we were unable to personally present Ellie with the scholarship.  However, at the awards ceremony the following year, Ellie sought me out and introduced herself to me.  She is a true example of what Christ wants from all his children.

Ellie exemplifies Christian character in all she does.  She is loved and respected by her fellow students, teachers and coaches.  Ellie came to ELCA as a freshman from public school and quickly adapted to her new environment and emerged as a leader at ELCA.  She participated in Cross Country all three years where her coaches recognized her Christian character and positive influence on the lives of others.  Ellie also traveled to Jamaica all three years of her high school career at ELCA.  She humbly served the people of Martha Brae, Jamaica as well as her team members on the mission trip.

Other activities that she was involved in at ELCA included Mock Trial and Model United Nations team.  She also served as a volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium and was a recipient of the James Michael Everett Scholarship for Fine Arts.  

Ellie is compassionate, hardworking, friendly, funny, and always leaving a positive impact on those she meets.  When Coach Queen sent out the criteria for the Elrod Scholarship to over 30 faculty, staff, and coaches – Ellie Jagus was the nomination that surpassed all the other students.

Ellie is attending the University of North Georgia with a double major in Early Childhood and Special Education.  Her life dream is to return to the mission field and work with special needs children.