As students across Jeff Davis and Appling counties prepare to begin another school year, 159 of them will receive a financial boost thanks to the generosity and lasting vision of Joe and Margaret Frazier. Hazlehurst First Methodist Church will distribute $195,000 in scholarship funds this month to help area students pay for college and technical school expenses through the Jonah R. and Margaret J. Frazier Scholarship Program.
The scholarship program, administered by Hazlehurst First Methodist Church, was established through a generous endowment left by longtime church members Joe and Margaret Frazier, whose desire was to help local residents pursue educational opportunities. According to information provided by the church, the scholarship program was originally funded by a $1 million endowment from the Fraziers’ estate. Rather than limiting assistance to traditional college students, the scholarship was designed to help individuals of all ages continue their education.
When the program was established, the Rev. Rodney Porter explained that scholarships could be used by recent high school graduates, adults returning to school, teachers pursuing advanced degrees, individuals seeking technical or vocational training, and anyone looking to improve their future through education. “The possibilities are endless,” Rev. Porter said at the time, emphasizing that the scholarship was created to provide hope and opportunity for people throughout the community.
Today, that vision continues to make a meaningful impact. This year’s awards will benefit 159 students from Jeff Davis and Appling counties, helping offset the costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses as they begin classes in the coming weeks. The scholarship program continues to grow through the investment earnings of the original endowment, allowing Hazlehurst First Methodist Church to provide educational assistance year after year while honoring the legacy of Joe and Margaret Frazier.
Looking Ahead
Those interested in applying for the 2027–2028 school year will be able to submit applications beginning March 1, 2027. New applicant forms for the Jonah R. and Margaret J. Frazier Scholarship will be available through Hazlehurst First Methodist Church hazlehurstmethodist.org
For over a decade, the Fraziers’ generosity has helped open doors for hundreds of local students, creating opportunities that continue to strengthen families, support education, and invest in the future of Jeff Davis and Appling counties.
Their legacy lives on—not only through the scholarship fund they established, but through every student whose educational journey is made possible because they chose to give back to their community.
