Three GSW students awarded $1,000 gas cards to ease travel costs and fuel educational journeys

AMERICUS, Ga. (April 30, 2025) – Three Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) students have earned $1,000 Gas N Go gas cards made possible by Charles Eames, a philanthropist from Waycross, Ga., and Perry Brother’s Oil Company in Americus. E’nariel Clark, a non-traditional commuter student from Thomaston, Ga., Tyler Smelley, a non-traditional commuter student from Fort Benning, Ga., and Teewon Beglar, a residential nursing student from Conyers, Ga. were selected based on winning essays.

With the rise in travel costs, reducing this expense has become increasingly important for GSW students. The gas card program is specifically designed to alleviate financial burdens, helping students balance their education, work and personal responsibilities.

Clark, a single mother working as an EKG tech and CNA at Upson Regional Medical Center, commutes nearly three hours round-trip on school days. “I cannot wait to start my career in healthcare,” she said—a sentiment unimaginable to her four years ago while working temp jobs and struggling to find direction. Today, Clark is enrolled in both a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s in public health, building on her recent accomplishment of earning a bachelor’s in biology. Her academic triumph, however, came in the face of overwhelming personal hardships when she became pregnant in her junior year and was living paycheck to paycheck. “But God had great plans for me,” Clark shared. “Receiving this scholarship means one less straw on this resilient woman’s back. It puts a smile on a face that has been through situations one would think only allowed frowns.” Clark is truly a “mama on a mission”—the title of her essay—committed to turning pain into purpose and forging a future of service through healthcare.

Smelley, a father of two and active-duty Army Infantryman in the ASN program, said the gas card will help offset the costs of his extensive commute from Fort Benning. Balancing military service, fatherhood and a full academic load, Smelley commutes over 140 miles daily between work, GSW, and his children’s school. “Though it’s well worth the time spent on the road, the miles have certainly added up,” he said, noting the increased fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. Ineligible for tuition assistance or the G.I. Bill while still serving, Smelley relies on Pell Grants and personal funds to cover educational expenses. “I chose the ASN program to give back to the community and be workforce ready when I leave the Army.”

Beglar will use the scholarship to help manage the costs of commuting to clinical sites multiple times each week—drives that can total up to three hours round-trip. This semester, her practicum site requires a 90-minute drive each way, adding significant transportation expenses to the existing financial strain of paying tuition out of pocket. “The journey of nursing school has been filled with numerous challenges, including the financial strain associated with frequent travel,” she explained in her essay. “Having the financial assistance for gas would alleviate these costs so I am able to attend practicum without the added stress.” Support from the fund would allow her to focus more fully on hands-on training and academic performance. “Your investment in my future will have an ongoing effect—enhancing my well-being and enabling me to provide high-quality care to the communities I will one day serve,” she said.

Clark, Beglar, and Smelley were chosen from a pool of 29 applicants who submitted essays detailing their financial need.

"This gas card program is a great example of how donor support directly impacts GSW students," said Stephen Snyder, executive director of the GSW Foundation. "We are proud to play a role in recognizing and addressing students' needs, and we’re proud to partner with Mr. Charles Eames and Perry Brother’s Oil Company and the Gas N Go stores."

Eames, a retired librarian and passionate advocate for education, provides funding for gas cards for GSW students and other schools in South Georgia. Because of his generosity, GSW initiated a local partnership with Perry Brothers Oil Company to acquire the cards exclusively to the Gas N Go stores with 16 locations across South Georgia.

In addition to the $1,000 awards each semester, GSW distributes multiple $100 gas cards monthly to eligible students who apply.

Through the generosity of donors like Eames and community partners like Perry Brothers Oil Company, GSW continues to empower students to overcome obstacles and pursue their educational dreams.