Georgia College’s Abigail Lee was this year’s recipient of the Eve Puckett Giving Tree Award. It is given annually to an organization or person who “leaves a lasting legacy of service at the university,” according to the announcement.
Lee is a junior psychology major with a minor in sociology. She has been heavily involved in GC Miracle, the largest-student run organization at Georgia College & State University that raises money for kids’ healthcare, and Georgia Miss Amazing, a pageant for girls and women with disabilities.
“A friend introduced me to Sarah Goodelman my freshman year and I applied to be a morale leader in GC Miracle. Goodelman pushed me and encouraged me to join the executive board,” said Lee. “I went from a morale leader to director of morale to executive director and currently serve as the financial branch director.”
During her time in GC Miracle, Lee has assisted with many events including Miracle Man, the Miracle Mile, Throwback Thursdays, monthly arts and crafts at hospitals, and the organization’s annual Thunderthon.
“The biggest impact I have been a part of is Thunderthon. It’s our largest event each year that raises money for Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health in Macon,” said Lee. “This past year we had over 270 attendees. It’s important to me to have events like this that spread the message that it’s cool to care.”
Lee said her favorite thing about the organization is the community built around it.
“These are the coolest kids I’ve met on campus,” said Lee. “I found my group within Miracle because we are passionate about the same thing.”
In Georgia Miss Amazing, Lee serves as a fundraising planner and general assistant, helping wherever is needed leading up to and during the night of the pageant.
“We raise money not only for the girls to be able to participate in our amplify event but to attend nationals,” said Lee. “Outside of that I am a ‘gofer’ wherever they need me. The past two years I ran lights and music for the event.”
When it was announced April 24 that Lee would receive the Eve Puckett Giving Tree Award, she was “unbelievably honored.” Lee had assumed she was at the presentation because GC Miracle had been nominated for awards and was shocked to find out that she had been nominated for this honor.
“I want to thank the Director of Community Engagement Ashley Copeland, Student Engagement Program Coordinator Sara Goodelman, and the GIVE Center for nominating me and encouraging me,” said Lee. “I am so honored to receive this award.”
As the awardee, Lee planted a ginkgo tree, one of the oldest tree species on Earth, on GCSU’s campus.
“I was told they chose a ginkgo tree because it’s known for its adaptability, resilience and strength,” said Lee. “I love nature and I am proud to have added another beautiful tree to our campus.”
With her senior year approaching, Lee said she will continue to serve in GC Miracle and Georgia Miss Amazing, but is also on the hunt for other campus and community organizations to get involved in. After she graduates, she hopes to continue to make an active impact on the community around her.
“After graduation, I am thinking I want to do program coordination for nonprofit organizations. My experience at the college has made me see the value in that work and I want to continue to do work that will serve others.”