Every year the 24KT Club of the Southeast presents the Jeweler of the Year and other scholarship awards to deserving people working in the retail jewelry industry. The awards are presented at the club’s black tie gala, which is held the Saturday evening during the August Atlanta Jewelry Show at the Atlanta Country Club. This year it was attended by 200 guests and club members. This summer’s banquet was a magnificent night, with six scholarships and the Jeweler of the Year awarded. These are the scholarships and the winners:
The Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Laura Foster from Worthmore Jewelers in Atlanta and Decatur, GA. Laura started her first jewelry business in middle school. After joining Worthmore Jewelers and being part of a large staff, her boss chose her to be considered for this most prestigious award. He can put her in anything and she’ll do it. Laura is very personable, gracious, and well educated, with wonderful people skills.
The Sterling Reputation Scholarship, sponsored by president Steve Berkowitz, was awarded to Carina Malone of EVM Jewelers in Fayetteville, AR and Leah Walshak of Oz’s Jewelers in Hickory, NC.
Carina Malone lost her husband in a car accident. He had owned the store, and she stepped up and took over, even changing careers to keep it going. She took GIA Jewelry and Diamond Essentials in order to gain knowledge. She was selected for her perseverance, for her ability to overcome adversity, and for marching on in the face of loss to find a new passion.
Also receiving the Sterling Reputation Scholarship was Leah Walshak. She was selected because of her love of the jewelry craft. Although young, she has already completed the NASJ bench jewelers and pearls course. She is professional, humble, and an overall fireball.
The Diamond in the Rough Scholarship, made available through a generous gift from Club member Judy Upton, went to Basdai Ann Glidden of Plantation Jewelers in Winter Garden, FL and Taylor Snowden from Snowden’s Jewelers in Wilmington, NC.
Although young, Basdai Ann Glidden has shown a strong interest in the industry, and brings a human focus on client’s wants and needs.
Taylor Snowden has carried on a family legacy (3rd generation). He’s been working in the business his whole life and went to college, but doesn’t have formal industry training. He is looking to increase his jewelry knowledge, and set his future in the industry.
The Ralph Williams Educational Scholarship, funded by members Carolyn Woltz Lennon, Robert Loving and Terry Chandler, were awarded to Andres Alamilla of Woodard’s Diamonds & Design in Tullahoma, TN. Alamilla won this award based on letters showing his dedication to his store. He is so dedicated that owner Jim Woodard sees him as taking over one day. He’s been with the store for 5 years, and had already taken 2 courses from DCA–GIA Diamonds, and Stuller Countersketch– demonstrating his commitment.
Accounting for Jewelers, sponsored by Mariel Diaz, was presented to Colin Gowland of Blackwell’s of Jewelers in Marietta, GA.
Gowland is interested in taking over the family business. He is currently attending GIA, and after completion of his courses, he will return and help. Colin is actively pursuing his education, and is dedicated to keeping family business alive.
The Diamond Council of America Scholarship, funded by Terry Chandler, was awarded to Christopher Lewis from Avis Fine Jewelry in Thomasville, NC. Chris served our country in the Marines, and spent 20 years of loyal service with Fedex before becoming a jeweler. Once Chris decides to take on a challenge he stays with it. His future in jewelry is very bright.