Thomas University Cairo Scholarship Soirée Raises More Than $21,800 for Grady County Students
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CAIRO, Ga. — Community supporters of Thomas University gathered Oct. 22 at Collins Place for the 2026 Cairo
Scholarship Soirée, raising $21,822.21 to benefit the University’s Grady County Student Scholarship Fund, providing
scholarship support for Grady County students pursuing their education at Thomas University.
The annual event featured dinner, a silent auction, and entertainment provided by the Syrup City Players, who presented a
murder mystery written and directed by Jeff Lovett.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, the Grady County Scholarship Fund supported 11 Grady County scholars.
“The students we’re supporting aren’t strangers. They grew up in our classrooms, our churches, and our neighborhoods,”
said Linda Drew Johnson ‘86, TU alumna and 2026 Cairo Scholarship Soirée co-chair. “Every ticket, sponsorship, donation,
and auction bid helps open the door to a Thomas University education. Many of these students will walk right back
through it, coming home to teach our children, run our businesses, care for our sick, and invest in the next generation.”
Johnson also reflected on the community’s tradition of supporting local students.
“I’ve spent most of my life in Grady County, and I’ve learned that we show up for our young people,” she said. “When one
of our students has a dream, we find a way to help them get there.”
Attendees also heard from Christian Maige, a Thomas University senior, member of the baseball team, and Grady County
Scholarship recipient. Maige shared how the scholarship has helped him pursue a degree in Exercise and Sports Science
and prepare for a career as a strength and conditioning coach.
“I am grateful to have received the Grady County Scholarship because of the extra support it provided me in working
toward my future career goals. With the support of my community through this scholarship, I look forward to returning
the favor and investing back into my community and other young athletes as a coach right here in Cairo at Team24,” Maige
said.
The success of the soirée was made possible through the support of 30 sponsors representing the Premier, Heritage,
Community, and Supporting sponsorship levels, along with more than 30 local businesses and community members who
donated items for the silent auction.
Premier Sponsors included Royce’s Towing & Recovery, Quail Ridge Family Practice, and United National Bank. Heritage
Sponsors included Southern Insurance and Synovus.
TU alumna Chelsie Cosby ‘15, served alongside Johnson as co-chair and has been a dedicated member of the scholarship
soirée committee for many years. The event was planned and coordinated by a volunteer committee that included Johnson,
Cosby, Hansell Bearden, Lauren Johnson Harrell ‘11, Brande Strickland ‘97, and Katie Williams.
Thomas University extends its gratitude to all sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, and attendees whose generosity
continues to create opportunities for Grady County students and strengthen the future of the local community.
