Leslie Clark, of Paulding County, has donated $26,000 to establish an endowed scholarship for EMT/AEMT and paramedicine students at Chattahoochee Technical College. The Samuel T. Clark Memorial Endowed Scholarship was created in memory of her husband, who passed away on May 21, 2023.
“This was my way to continue Sam’s legacy of helping others,” said Leslie. “His whole life was service to his neighbors. His care and concern for his community will be missed.” A U.S. Army veteran and lifelong resident of Paulding County, Sam Clark built Clark Funeral Home & Chapel in 1997 and also served for 24 years as Coroner of Paulding County. In 1985, he started Clark Ambulance Service in Paulding County and ran it for 30 years.
The first Samuel T. Clark Memorial Endowed Scholarship will be awarded this spring to a Chattahoochee Tech student who is currently enrolled in either the EMT/AMET or paramedicine program. The scholarship recipient must meet specific GPA requirements and preference will be given to a Paulding County resident. “Having EMTs and paramedics in the community is so important,” said Leslie. “Sam saw an increased need for them as Paulding County was growing.”
The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation will administer the Samuel T. Clark Memorial Scholarship on behalf of the college. As an endowed scholarship, it is the gift that keeps giving because invested proceeds will be available to fund scholarships for years to come. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation supports the mission of Chattahoochee Tech by making education an affordable reality for students.
“Sam really wanted to support the people of Paulding County in all ways,” said Leslie. “He loved Paulding County and Paulding County residents,” said Leslie. “He made Paulding County better.”