Georgia School of Orthodontics Commits $8.5 Million to Establish John Lewis Legacy Scholarships

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 7, 2025--

The Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) announced the creation of the John Lewis Legacy Scholarships, an $8.5 million initiative honoring the late Congressman John Lewis. The historic program, developed in partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, will provide scholarships to 141 orthodontic residents over 12 years, beginning August 2025 with the first cohort of three recipients.

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The scholarship program pays tribute to Lewis’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality and education.

"It's humbling to know that GSO has been entrusted to carry on Rep. John Lewis' legacy. We take the responsibility of upholding his legacy of courage, justice and service very seriously," said Christopher M. Lazzara, co-founder and trustee of the Georgia School of Orthodontics. "This is the start of a special partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation."

Detria Everson, president and CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, expressed gratitude for GSO’s commitment, “We are grateful to the Georgia School of Orthodontics for their very generous commitment to the John Lewis Legacy Scholarships. More than 140 dentists will benefit from this program.”

"Rep. John Lewis was one of the first of many members of the Congressional Black Caucus to support them at their inception in 2015," Everson added. "Dr. Lazzara, Chris’ father, showed that access to education and opportunity would provide options for a brighter future."

Everson also highlighted that the partnership will include educational programming and civil rights tours for ALL orthodontic residents, ensuring that Lewis’s values resonate throughout their training.

The announcement was made as part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony for GSO’s newly established Lazzara Orthodontic Research Center, where much of the training on the Lewis’ legacy will take place. VIDEO LINK:https://youtu.be/OP_Aeepbxg4

The inaugural recipients of the John Lewis Legacy Scholarship will begin the program in August after completing dental school. They include Keandra Stewart from Tufts University and Alyse Pearson-Bryant, from Meharry Medical College, both from Atlanta, and Dominique Douglas of Sunrise, Florida, from Tufts University.

The scholarship program offers each recipient $180,000 over three years. It will expand annually, with four scholarships awarded to the Class of 2028 and five scholarships for each subsequent class beginning with the Class of 2029.

Since its 2016 accreditation, GSO has graduated 132 certified orthodontists — more than 10% of the nation's graduates — while providing care to more than 12,000 patients who may otherwise lack access, embodying Congressman Lewis's vision for a more equitable society.

The naming of these scholarships honors Congressman Lewis as a champion of justice, equality, and opportunity, while inspiring future generations to embody his values. Beyond alleviating financial burdens for recipients, the scholarships will serve as a perpetual reminder of the transformative power of education and community service.

The scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens for residents while inspiring future generations to embody Lewis’s values of service and leadership.

“This is the start of a special partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. I am particularly thankful for all of the work Detria Everson has done to make this possible,” said Lazzara.

“His life was a testament to the idea that collective action and dedication to a higher purpose can change lives, and GSO is honored to continue his work in its own capacity,” Lazzara added.

About the Georgia School of Orthodontics

The Georgia School of Orthodontics is dedicated to advancing orthodontic education while serving communities in need. By equipping residents with world-class training and fostering a spirit of service, GSO embodies Congressman John Lewis’s belief in collective action for a brighter future. For more info re: GSO residency program or scholarships contact admissions@gaorthodontics.org.

About the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, Inc. was conceived by Congressman Lewis to carry on his and his wife’s passion for purposeful living, civic engagement and building the “beloved community,” and to inspire and support Good Trouble.

Atlanta-based Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) establishes historic partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation and commits to $8.5 million to establish John Lewis Legacy Scholarships. (L to R) Christopher M. Lazzara, Georgia School of Orthodontics co-founder and trustee, Detria Everson, president and CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, and Dr. Randy Kluender, president and chairman of GSO Board of Trustees.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated overnight from the official governor’s residence after someone set fire to the building, police said Sunday.

No one was injured and the fire was extinguished, according to authorities.

The fire broke out overnight on the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which Shapiro and his family had celebrated at the governor's official residence in the state capital of Harrisburg. Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement that, while the investigation was ongoing, they were “prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson.”

State police gave no other details about the cause of the fire at the riverfront mansion but said it caused a “significant amount of damage” to a portion of the residence. Shapiro and his family had been in a different part of the residence, police said.

In a statement, Shapiro, viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he and his family woke up at about 2 a.m. to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after the fire broke out.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was called to the residence and, while they worked to put out the fire, police evacuated Shapiro and his family from the residence safely, Shapiro said.

“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro said in a statement.

On Sunday, fire damage was visible on the residence's south side, primarily to a large room often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. There was still a police presence early Sunday afternoon as yellow tape cordoned off an alleyway and an officer led a dog outside a iron security fence.

Shapiro splits his time between the mansion that has housed governors since it was built in the 1960s and a home in Abington, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) east. He posted a picture on social media Saturday of the family's Passover Seder table at the residence.

State police are leading the investigation. The agency offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The windows and door is damaged from an overnight fire at the governor’s official residence on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)

Investigators are on the scene after an overnight fire at the governor’s official residence on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)

The windows and door is damaged from an overnight fire at the governor’s official residence on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)

FILE - Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his budget address for the 2025-26 fiscal year to a joint session of the state House and Senate at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)