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FDIC-Insured – Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
GREENSBORO, GA – The BankSouth Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the BankSouth Citizenship Award and Scholarship, honoring two exceptional high school seniors who demonstrate integrity, compassion, leadership, and service in their schools and communities.
Nominated by teachers and peers, the following students have been selected and received their award during their respective high school’s senior awards ceremony earlier this year: Mia Mauriello, Greene County High School and Sara Duncan Hong, Lake Oconee Academy
Mia Mauriello, Salutatorian of Greene County High School’s Class of 2026, will attend Georgia College & State University this fall, where she plans to major in Nursing and minor in Spanish. Her goal is to become a registered nurse and use her education to provide compassionate care while helping bridge communication gaps for Spanish-speaking patients.
Mauriello served as President of the UGA Leadership Club, was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and YoungLife leadership team and held multiple leadership positions within AFJROTC. She was also a founding member of the Hispanic Leadership Club, a REACH Georgia Scholar, and an Athletic Training Student Aide, where she gained valuable healthcare experience that reinforced her desire to pursue nursing.
Outside the classroom, Mauriello worked as a camp counselor with ATLAS Ministry and participated in mission and Vacation Bible School opportunities in Mexico, serving children and families in local communities. A dedicated student and athlete, she earned recognition including Certified Nursing Assistant certification, Rotary Student of the Month, and the AFJROTC Order of World Wars Award.
“Receiving the BankSouth Foundation Scholarship was an incredible honor and something I am truly grateful for,” said Mauriello. “Knowing that I was nominated and selected by my teachers and peers makes this recognition especially meaningful because it reflects the relationships I have built and the character they have seen in me throughout high school.”
Sara Duncan Hong, a graduate of Lake Oconee Academy, will attend the University of Georgia this fall to study Biology as she explores a future career in the medical field. Hong served as President of the LOA Beta Club and chaired Second Harvest’s Winter Coat Drive, helping coordinate community efforts to provide warm clothing to local families in need. She was also active in LOA Miracle, Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative Ambassador Program.
A seven-year competitive dancer and the Class of 2026 Salutatorian, Hong earned numerous honors throughout her high school career, including Greene County PAGE STAR Student, Georgia Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, Rotary Student of the Year, and the University of Georgia’s Charles McDonald Brown Scholarship.
“I was honored to be nominated by my teachers and peers who know me and interact with me on a daily basis,” said Hong. “While I know that grades and academic accomplishments are very important, I feel most complimented that this award is based on good citizenship as well.”
“The BankSouth Foundation Citizenship Award recognizes students whose character, leadership, and commitment to serving others have made a meaningful impact on their schools and communities,” said Beth Thomas, BankSouth Foundation board member. “Mia and Sara Duncan have each demonstrated the values this scholarship was created to celebrate, and we are proud to support them as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys. We look forward to seeing the positive difference they will continue to make in the lives of others.”
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About BankSouth
Today, BankSouth is a leading community bank headquartered at Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, and is recognized as a top-performing bank nationwide. With over $1.6 billion in assets, BankSouth serves customers with branches in Atlanta, Cochran, Dublin, Greensboro, Savannah, Watkinsville, and beyond with a full suite of consumer, commercial and digital banking and lending products. Currently, BankSouth Mortgage originates over $1.0 billion annually in home loans with more than 40 experienced loan officers across Georgia. For BankSouth locations and more information, please visit banksouth.com.
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