Share America Foundation chooses pianist Colton Brown of Chickamauga for scholarship
The Share America Foundation Inc. recently introduced its latest scholarship designee at its annual board meeting in Ringgold.
The Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship honors students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”
Musician Colton Brown, 17, of Chickamauga, was selected as a Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship designee.
Brown plays piano, harmonica and drums. He is from Chickamauga and is an 11thgrader at Oakwood Christian Academy. He began performing at the age of six. He has performed with District Honor Band for three consecutive years, UGA’s Midfest for two years, and JanFest for two years where he was chosen for the Honor Band both years.
He appeared in concert for Share America at the Smith Charitable Endowment Smith & Wesley and Friends concerts in Ringgold with Randall Franks, John Schneider, Cody McCarver and Smith & Wesley last September.
He will receive the scholarship when he starts college.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be a recipient of this scholarship. I appreciate Mr. Franks for all he has done to help me in my musical endeavors,” Colton said.
Colton said the scholarship will assist in his studies as he attends college and studies music education.
“Colton is very talented and Share America is excited to encourage his future with the legacy of this scholarship,” said Share America chairman Gary Knowles.
He is the son of Pastor Jeff and Belinda Brown of Chickamauga; grandson of Michael and Patricia Brown of Flintstone and the late Alice Green of Chickamauga.
“The tradition of Southern gospel piano is a vital aspect of the sounds created in the Appalachians,” said Share America president Randall Franks. “I know she and my late father would be proud to see what this investment in Colton’s future will inspire in years to come.”
Share America Foundation Board members include Franks, vice chairman Jimmy Terrell, chairman Gary Knowles, secretary James Pelt, and Jerry
Robinson Sr., vice president.
The Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship is funded by donations, special events and special projects such as the Share America Foundation’s recent No. 1 CD – “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia.”
The album reached No. 1 on the APD Top 50 Americana Global Albums charts. It features several previous scholars and other youth from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Folks may support the effort by donating at www.shareamericafoundation.org or the CD may be downloaded on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon, and Google Play. It is available locally in Ringgold at UnikTings, It’s Sew Time, both on Nashville Street and Country Traditions-Stuff 4 Less on U.S. 41 south of Ringgold.