Derek Jones was born and raised in Savannah, GA., and is a 1999 graduate of Alfred Ely Beach High School. His parents, Deloris and Vernon Sr., instilled the importance of academic success while also helping others in the community. His father always encouraged him to “soar” like an eagle, both personally and academically, because anything less was a “buzzard” mentality. Derek earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2007; he is currently the Vice President of Workplace Health and Safety, Transportation with Amazon. Derek’s continued successes are a true testament to the encouragement he received from his father throughout his life. This continued support is why Derek decided to create this scholarship…as a huge ‘Thank You” to his dad and to help other scholars SOAR!