Mr. Raph Warren

The Sparta High School Scholarship (SHS) Award provides opportunities to financially support students in continuing their education beyond high school and gives back to the Sparta Hancock County community. For the first time since its inception in 2014, the SHS scholarship committee will recognize a former student, faculty or staff member who attended Sparta High School and have since died. The SHS scholarships will be awarded in their honor. 

For the 2017 school year, the late Mr. Ralph Warren, former teacher and principal of Sparta High and Sparta Elementary Schools is being honored and recognized for his invaluable services to the community. Mr. Warren, having graduated from Ohio State could have chosen another state and another school system.  But because of his love for Hancock County, he chose to give back to a school system that enabled him to navigate the university systems and be successful.  We want to continue to challenge others who have been benefactors of a quality educational foundation from the Hancock County Schools, to give back and support the upcoming generation of scholars. 

In 2017, the Sparta High School Scholarship committee and sponsors awarded scholarships to 4 seniors in the amount of $500 each. The recipients from Hancock Central High School were Tamia Cobbs who will attend Augusta Technical College; Dearieus Fluellen who will be attending Middle Georgia State College; BreAuna Johnson attending Breneau University, and Matthew Workman from John Hancock Academy who will be attending Kennesaw State University.

Dr. John T. Harper

The Sparta High School Scholarship Fund was created following a 2014 reunion of several students, along with faculty and staff, who attended Sparta High School (SHS) between 1965-1973. This group incorporated the theme: “Cherish the Past, Celebrate the Present and Commit to the Future”. Through this fund, scholarships have been awarded to more than thirty deserving students from Hancock County who want to attend college. 

This year two scholarships are being awarded in honor of the late Dr. John T. Harper, Sr. Dr. Harper was valedictorian of his 1963 graduation class at Hancock Central High School. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and was later admitted to the Medical College of Georgia in 1967 as one of the first black students to attend the institution and received his “MD” degree in 1971. Dr. Harper is being honored for his heroic efforts in helping to break racial barriers at the Medical College of Georgia.

Dr. John Darden, also of Hancock County and a classmate of Dr. Harper at the Medical College, speaks of Dr. Harper’s courage and determination as he went about his studies under the pressure and the spotlight of desegregation. Following graduation Dr. Harper became a respected orthopedic surgeon, practicing in the Atlanta area where for a time he served as Chief of Staff. In 2017, the Medical College of Georgia established a Diversity Fund and Scholarship named in honor of Dr. Harper and his classmate Dr. Frank Rumph. The scholarship committee appreciates Dr. Darden’s affirmation and support of the SHS scholarship program in honor of Dr. Harper.

Dr. Harper was preceded in death by his son, Jason. He is survived by his wife, Agnes, his son, John, Jr., his daughter, Angela, his siblings and numerous other relatives and friends.

Congratulations to the 2022 scholarship recipients in honor of Dr. John T. Harper, Sr. in the amount of $1,000 each:

1.  Jurnee Worthen (Hancock Central High)

2.  Kathryn G. Martin (John Hancock Academy)

Mrs. Lillie Pearl Evans Stewart is being recognized as one of the 2025 Sparta High School Scholarship Honorees. Mrs. Stewart was a formidable pillar to education who gave 49 years of service. She was an individual who believed that every child deserved the chance to learn and grow.  This was a philosophy she lived and experienced every day of her life.  Her legacy is not just in the stories we share. She ignited a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Her influence will continue to ripple for generations to come.

​ To many, Mrs. Pearl was an educator in the Hancock County School System.  A Paraprofessional who taught empathy, right from wrong, how to navigate and survive in this thing called life. Her dedicated work in the school system left an indelible mark on countless lives. She helped create professionals who later returned to share that she gave them the foundation as a guiding force. She later learned some had become teachers, principals, superintendents, doctors, lawyers, even judges among the various professions.

​ The marks she left and lives she touched will never be forgotten.  The Sparta High School Scholarship Fund was a testament to her for the hard work of one of her own, a great grandson “Ramari Lewis” who matriculated at Valdosta State University in 2019.  She burst with pride over this amazing achievement. She ignited a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Her influence will continue to ripple for generations to come.

The bond between sisters is a love that cannot be broken, and though Yvonne may no longer walk with us, her love and spirit will forever remain in our hearts. She was more than a sister to us—she was our guide, our strength, and our unwavering source of love. Our hearts ache in her absence, yet we find comfort knowing that her memory will live on in every story, every smile, and every cherished moment.

It is with deep honor that we, the Smith Family, recognize Yvonne as one of the 2025 Sparta High School Scholarship Honorees. This recognition is a testament to the life she led, full of dedication, service, and love for those around her.

On August 29, 1998, Yvonne married Charlie Hall, and together they shared a beautiful life. Yvonne was a devoted mother to Kawaski Smith, and a loving stepmother to Charles Hall, Angela, and Sarina. Her family was everything to her, and her heart was always open to those she loved.

Yvonne was born and raised in Hancock County, where she attended school and graduated from Sparta High School in 1973. At 25, she made the courageous decision to serve her country by enlisting in the United States Army. For 33 years and 8 months, Yvonne gave herself to her country, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2015. She was proud of her service, and her legacy of dedication and commitment continues to inspire us all.

Beyond her service, Yvonne had a love for life. She enjoyed traveling, tending to her garden, swimming, creating beautiful crafts, and working on special projects. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family—those moments were the treasures she held closest to her heart.

Yvonne may no longer be with us in this world, but a part of her lives on in all of us. Her strength, her kindness, her laughter, and her endless love will never be forgotten. "We will carry you with us always. We miss you, Sister, so deeply."

With all our love,
The Smith Family