Photo Caption:Pictured from left to right: Bethany Lay, executive for advancement for Columbia State; Cindy Sargent, Vice President, Soroptimist International of Franklin; Dr. Janet F. Smith, president of Columbia State; Margaret Courley, Past President and Director of Soroptimist International of Franklin; and Deborah Miller, Secretary of Soroptimist International of Franklin.

(FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Sept. 26, 2012) - - - Soroptimist International of Franklin presented Columbia State Community College with a $6,000 scholarship check for single moms in Williamson County. The generous donation came from the proceeds of the Derby Day Fundraiser.

"The Columbia State Foundation is pleased to accept these funds on behalf of our students in Williamson County," said Bethany Lay, executive for advancement at Columbia State.

The Derby Day Fundraiser was held May 5, 2012, at the Franklin Men's Club and included the Kentucky Derby simulcast and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit women's scholarships for Columbia State Community College and Bridges Domestic Violence Center.

Soroptimist International of Franklin is part of an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Almost 95,000 Soroptimists around the world contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects that benefit women and girls. The name, "Soroptimist" means "Best for Women" and the scholarship was established in October 1987 to help women with dependents whose financial or family situation makes it challenging to obtain a higher education degree.

For more information about scholarships and financial aid offered through Columbia State visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/fiancial-aid.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.