Jariyah Williams, a 2020 Honor Graduate With Distinction from Vidalia High School, signed a full-paid tuition scholarship Tuesday morning to Oglethorpe University, a liberal arts/performing arts university in Atlanta. She is the first VHS graduate to ever receive a theatrical scholarship. The four-year scholarship is estimated to be valued in excess of $160,000.
Williams, the daughter of Jade Williams, said she is excited about her future, and is appreciative of the support system she has had including that of her drama teacher at VHS Margaret Pournelle.
Jariyah overcame a speech impediment for which she says she was bullied in elementary and middle school, but after working with speech professionals, she learned that she could realize her dreams and perform on stage successfully. She encourages young people to reach for their dreams and be confident that they, too, can fulfill them.
The scholarship winner participated in plays all four years of her high school career, and won regional and state honors for her acting. She was the 2020 Regional 2AA Literary Champion in Oral Interpretation - Duo with the piece "The Help." In addition, she is the 2019 VHS Homecoming Queen, the 2019-20 SGA Executive Vice President, and was a band captain for 2 years and dance team captain for 4 years.
