McRae, Smith, Peek, Harman & Monroe, LLP (MSP), in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Rome, has established the MSP 125th Anniversary Scholarship Fund to support local students who aspire to pursue a legal career. Created in celebration of the firm’s 125 years of service, the scholarship reflects MSP’s long-standing commitment to the Rome and Floyd County community and to the development of future leaders.

For the 2026 academic year, the fund will award two merit-based, one-time scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating high-school seniors from Floyd or Polk Counties. One award will be designated as the Michael D. McRae Scholarship, and the second as the Virginia Barrow Harman Scholarship. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition or other education-related expenses at an accredited postsecondary institution.

“This scholarship represents both our history and our hopes for the future,” said Andy Garner, partner at McRae, Smith, Peek. “For 125 years, MSP has believed in serving this community not only through our legal work, but by investing in the people who will shape what comes next. We are proud to support students who are drawn to the law and motivated to make a meaningful difference.”

The Community Foundation for Greater Rome will administer the scholarship program, including the application process and selection procedures, in accordance with IRS and Council on Foundations guidelines.

“Scholarships like this are about more than financial assistance—they are about opportunity,” said Chuck Shaw, Board Chair of the Community Foundation for Greater Rome. “By partnering with MSP, we are able to help identify and support students with both the academic ability and the sense of purpose needed to succeed in the legal profession and to serve their communities well.”

Applications for the MSP 125th Anniversary Scholarship Fund will open February 2, 2026 and close March 27, 2026.  Awards will be announced in early May. Additional details, including eligibility requirements and application materials, will be available on the Community Foundation for Greater Rome’s website cffgr.org/scholarship