Terry Watson Scholarship

Honoring a Hero: The Terry Watson Scholarship Fund

The Osborne High School community is coming together to honor the legacy of Terry Watson, a beloved school social worker whose dedication to students spanned over 30 years. Former school social worker Penny Warren is leading the charge in establishing the Terry Watson Scholarship Fund, ensuring that his passion for student success continues to impact lives for generations to come.

Terry Watson was more than an educator—he was a beacon of hope for countless students. As the founder of the Osborne Prevention Task Force, he built bridges between the school and the community, fostering partnerships that provided critical resources to local youth. His innovative approach to mental health services, unwavering advocacy, and compassionate mentorship helped numerous students navigate life's challenges and reach graduation.

“Terry became concerned one day at school about an absent student and rushed to their home in the ‘nick of time’ to save that student from a life-altering event,” Warren recalls. “The word ‘save’ is a good description of him, in that he saved so many from despair, from being dropouts, from feeling unworthy, from not having a purpose or direction. Terry was the ultimate social worker in the Cobb County school system, and I’m honored to have patterned my own work after his style.”

Tragically, Terry Watson lost his life in an act of ultimate selflessness—saving his family from harm. Even in his final moments, he embodied the spirit of service that defined his career and his character.

To commemorate his profound impact, the Terry Watson Scholarship Fund has been established at Osborne High School. The fund will provide financial support to students in need, ensuring that Terry’s legacy of compassion and empowerment lives on.

Community members are invited to contribute to the scholarship fund, helping to sustain the life-changing work that Terry championed. Donations will directly support Osborne students, giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education and brighter futures—just as Terry would have wanted.

For those who knew and loved Terry Watson, this scholarship is more than financial aid; it is a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to uplifting others. By coming together to support this initiative, we can honor his memory and continue his mission of making the world a better place, one student at a time.

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Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.