Since the tragic death of Josh Willis, son of Carl and Karen Willis, many local and state friends have made inquiry concerning establishment of a sports scholarship in his honor and memory. Dr. Mike Busman, noted local physician and Sumter County School Board member, began the scholarship with his donation of $1,000. At the 2008 Honors Day at Americus-Sumter County High School South Campus, Busman made his presentation to graduating senior, Shariah McKenzie, participant in three varsity sports and proud owner of a 4.0 GPA. McKenzie plans to attend the University of Georgia and Mercer Medical School for her long-range goals.

To keep the name of the new scholarship unknown to the Willis parents, Busman quietly composed a team of three local sports enthusiasts to review the applications that were required for completion and submission to the team of judges.All students who completed the applications had to first be nominated and recommended by their respective coaches. After review, all team members agreed on the selection of McKenzie.

The team of judges was 50-year local sports doctor, Dr. Frank Wilson; Busman, scholarship creator; Coach Carl Willis and Mulkey McMichael, public relations director for Sumter County Schools. Only on the morning of Honors Day, did Carl and Karen Willis know of the change of the name of the scholarship to honor their son.

“It was kinda difficult to have Coach Willis be on our selection team and not tell him of the future name change of this scholarship. Already, we have another $1,000 collected for future recognition to a deserving academic-athletes. I hope that we can unite those who have other ideas and collections into one scholarship. The collected funds will be put in Sumter County Schools' long-time supporter, Citizens Bank of Americus as a CD for interest accrual. We hope that this first scholarship will develop into one of the top scholarships in our county and be awarded on an annual basis,” said Busman.

All citizens who wish to donate to this Josh Willis Student Athlete Scholarship are asked to do so at the Main Branch of Citizens Bank of Americus.