He is a graduate of the University of Georgia. Brent is greatly missed by his parents Don and Debbie Lanier, his family and many friends. 
The Brent Lanier scholarship is given annually to a deserving South Gwinnett senior varsity soccer player to assist him or her in pursuing their education. This is the thirteenth scholarship to be given.
The 2014th Brent Lanier Memorial Soccer Scholarship goes to a very deserving candidate – one of the top ten students in this years graduating class. The recipient of the Brent Lanier Scholarship is Miss Kelly Geary. Kelly is the daughter of Sue and Rich Geary of Snellville. She is a member of Saint Oliver’s Roman Catholic Church. She is an outstanding young woman, student and athlete. Kelly comes highly recommended by her teachers and coaches. They have described Kelly as a “leader” on and off the field.
Soccer has been a part of Kelly’s life since the age of three. She started playing at Briscoe Park on an all boys team. Kelly played on that team till seventh grade. Then she moved to an all girls team at CFC East, now known as Chief’s FC. She is still a member as a player and a coach.
Kelly played for the Chief’s FC 96 Elite Girl’s team which competes in a Region 3 Premiere League. The team was Georgia Soccer State Semi Finalist in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Recently, Kelly has received her USSF G coaching certificate and has been giving back to the future generations of soccer players. Kelly is a U4 coach, and after school program coordinator at a local elementary school in the community and spends time on the weekends field marshalling within the recreational leagues.
Kelly had an outstanding soccer career at South. Kelly’s freshman year at South, she received the varsity soccer Most Valuable Player Award in 2011. Also, that year, she made the 5A All Region Team for 2011.
At South Gwinnett, Kelly has been the captain of her varsity soccer team since the 10th grade receiving numerous awards in the process. She received SGHS Varsity Soccer Offensive Player of the Year 2012, 5A Second All Region Team 2012 and the Gwinnett Goal Club: SGHS 2012 Class 5A Girl’s Scholar Athlete. She received the SGHS varsity soccer team MVP 2013, SGHS Soccer Golden Boot Award 2013, Gwinnett Goal Club: SGHS 2013 Class 6A Girl’s All County soccer team.
In addition to her high school soccer accolades, Kelly also captained both the 9th grade and JV basketball teams receiving coach’s awards.
Kelly is an extremely motivated student and preforms exceptionally well in the classroom. She was a member of the BETA Club 10th, 11th and 12th grade, National Honor Society 10th, 11th and 12th grade. The Best Club 12th and FCCLA Club 10th grade.
During her time at South Gwinnett, Kelly received the following academic award/achievements; Gifted Geogra-phy and Spanish 1 Award for highest grade (2011), AP World History and Gifted Chemistry Award for highest grade (2012). She earned Academic Varsity Letters in 10th, 11th and 12th grades. She was in 10 AP classes at South.
Kelly was nominated for the Governor’s Honor Program in both Spanish and AP World History, and she received the Georgia Certificate of Merit 2013. Kelly is currently ranked 7th in her senior class and is always striving for excellence.
Kelly is a very loving, kind and caring person. Besides coaching soccer, she has done volunteer work in the Special Ed classroom at Norton Elementary. She also volunteered with the ESOL students.
Kelly has chosen to attend West Georgia University in the fall where she will be studying nursing. She plans to become a Neonatal Nurse. Also, Kelly will continue her soccer career and will be playing for the University.
Kelly is more than an outstanding student and athlete. She is also an extremely responsible person, is very passionate about her family and friends and very well respected by her peers. Kelly has exhibited a tremendous amount of dedication to her sports, her academics and her community.
Kelly will very ably represent the honor of the Brent Lanier Memorial Soccer Scholarship.
