Fort Valley State University marks 130 years by awarding scholarships at annual luncheon

Aflac President Virgil Miller believes every child deserves the right to further their education after high school. 

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University is celebrating 130 years of academic excellence by awarding scholarships to students, continuing its legacy of support and opportunity during its annual Black History Month Scholarship Luncheon.

President of Aflac Inc., Virgil Miller, says we should always be in the spirit of giving.

“Aflac is the sponsor, and we believe in giving back to the communities we work and serve in,” he said.

Miller believes every child deserves the right to further their education after high school. 

“I just believe everyone needs an education,” he said. “All I can say is we’re always looking to do the right thing. The company was founded on being there when people needed us the most. We will continue to support, and everyone should have equal opportunity for education.”  

Miss FVSU Nya Floyd says receiving a scholarship has changed her life.

“HBCUs have their own community in itself, so it’s important to show students that are interested in attending an HBCU that you have a home away from home,” she said. “You don’t have to just depend on your family for support; you can depend on your HBCU family as well.”

FVSU student Tyler Ragin says she comes from a single mother house hold and that receiving a scholarship helps take the stress off her mother to make furthering her education possible.

“It’s not about where you come from, or where you live,” she said. “It’s about your heart and what’s in it. Anything is possible if you have a good village, and just ask, because you never know who’s willing to do something for you.”