The Savannah M. Williams Scholarship committee, which includes Savannah’s parents, brothers, and family friends, pose for a photo prior to the start of the golf tournament. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH – The 7th annual Savannah M. Williams Scholarship Golf Tournament was held on Saturday at the Canasawacta Country Club with 27 teams participating in support of Savannah and the Williams family.

After Savannah’s tragic passing in 2016, the family established a scholarship in her memory. This golf tournament is one annual event to help raise funds for the scholarship costs.

The scholarship is awarded to two seniors during the Dollars for Scholars awards event held in June. One scholarship is given to a senior who will attend SUNY Geneseo to study science as Savannah was pursuing. This senior is also a student-athlete who gives back to the community. The second scholarship goes to a senior with a GPA of an 80 or above, who is going to college, and who is also involved in the community as well.

Both seniors receive a scholarship worth $1500. The scholarships used to only be a $1000 each, but due to the success of the golf tournament, the family raised the amount.

To the Williams family, this event means so much to them every year.

“ Having everyone show up and participate is a way to help show support and remember Savannah and is a way to memorialize her,” Shari Williams, Savannah’s mom, said on the behalf of the family.

Prior to the start of the tournament, golfers registered and received a raffle ticket with the ability to purchase more to win prizes at the end of the night. One particular prize was an autographed Thurman Thomas Buffalo Bills jersey, a running back in the early to late ‘90s.

Everything Bagelry, out of Bainbridge, served bagels to all the golfer prior to tee off.

The tournament teed off at noon and had a few minor delays due to the thunderstorms throughout the early afternoon. Everyone was able to finish all 18 holes and the Seiler family won with a best score of a 53. After the round, golfers and their guests enjoyed a BBQ picnic and entertainment from the Beadle Brothers to conclude a great outing.

Outside of this tournament and other small events the family does throughout the year, there is still ways to donate at any time towards the scholarship in support of the Williams family. Donations can be sent through Venmo to Kim Mack, who is in charge of the Savannah M. Williams Scholarship committee (Kimberly-Mack-30) or in person to Savurn Memorials, a compassionate monument and memorial product business in tribute to Savannah, on County Rd 32 in Norwich.

The Williams family, along with the Scholarship committee, is looking forward to next year’s event.

“Hakuna Matata”