SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The inaugural Big Tide Career Fund was held at J.W. Marriott Plant Riverside.

’s Tina-Tyus Shaw served as host, with Big Tide presenting scholarships to three students.  

They represent the next generation of leaders from Savannah High, Liberty County High and Bradwell Institute.

“I’m so honored for this to be the inaugural years of our career fund and to be giving awards to the incredible talents of students who are going directly to college,” said Robert Gould, Big Tide founder.  “And then also we have students who are going directly into trade. We are there to be the bridge for them for the essential items that they need to be successful.”

The recipients were Riniya Roberts, Ivan Tovar Torres and Oquahajie Williams.

“It shows that with hard work and dedication things can pay off,” said Williams. “You know as a student athlete, we work hard not only in the classroom, but as a student athlete we work hard. Not only in the classroom, but also off on the field. And we’re coming back home sometimes at 8:00 at night and on Friday nights like 12:00 at midnight and still maintaining a high GPA. Maintaining all A’s in my class means a lot.”

“I feel very grateful to be able to receive this,” said Roberts. “To be honest I was with you I was very shocked to be able to receive it at first. And, it’s like, wow!”

Click here for a full gallery of images from the event.