SCHOLARSHIPS
Commitment to Our Resident Doctors
GSO has awarded $6 million scholarships to residents. We believe in supporting our doctors throughout their education so they can best serve a diverse and growing population.
GSO Commits $8.5 Million to Establish the John Lewis Legacy Scholarship
The Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) is proud to announce the creation of the John Lewis Legacy Scholarships, an $8.5 million initiative honoring the life and legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis. Developed in partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, this historic program will provide 47 three-year scholarships to orthodontic residents over the next 12 years, beginning in August 2025. The scholarship program pays tribute to Congressman Lewis’s unwavering 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 this responsibility very seriously,” said Christopher M. Lazzara, GSO co-founder and trustee.
Detria Everson, president and CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, shared her gratitude for GSO’s commitment, noting that nearly 60 future orthodontists will benefit from the scholarships. The partnership will also incorporate educational programming and civil rights tours for all orthodontic residents, ensuring Lewis’s values are woven into their training.
The announcement was made during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for GSO’s newly opened Lazzara Orthodontic Research Center, where much of the scholarship’s educational programming will take place. Click here to read he complete article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
https://www.bracestoday.com/news/after-their-deaths-civil-rights-heroes-still-inspire/
John Lewis Legacy Scholarship
The John Lewis Legacy Scholarship was established in March 2025 to honor Congressman John Lewis’ legacy of purposeful living by educating others to embrace justice and fairness in order to build a better community for all. The Scholarship is awarded to residents who demonstrate dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles, so that they can carry out not only the GSO Mission, but Congressman Lewis’ legacy in their orthodontic career.
Doctor Gasper Lazzara Orthodontic Scholarship
The Doctor Gasper Lazzara Orthodontic Scholarship was established in 2018 to support the resident training of students from historically underrepresented backgrounds pursuing advanced education and careers in orthodontics. The scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Gasper Lazzara, a member of the Georgia School of Orthodontics Board of Trustees, who has worked tirelessly throughout his life to promote accessibility in the orthodontic field and in his community. The Doctor Gasper Lazzara Scholarship promotes GSO’s mission and commitment in the field of orthodontics by supporting residents who will ultimately provide orthodontic services to underserved patient populations. This scholarship seeks to lower financial barriers to orthodontic training and to highlight the accomplishments of promising future orthodontists who will positively influence their patients, communities, and the profession.
Doctor Melvin S. Polk Professional Integrity & Academic Achievement Scholarship
This faculty-nominated scholarship honors Interim Program Director, Dr. Melvin S. Polk, who was instrumental in GSO’s establishment. It is awarded to residents who exhibit exceptional merit, commitment to helping others, professional commitment, and further the quality of education, intellectual life, and mission of the school.
Doctor Nathaniel Glover Leadership & Professionalism Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship honors Dr. Nathaniel Glover, a member of the GSO board of Trustees, who has exhibited extraordinary leadership, professionalism and dedication. The scholarship recognizes the orthodontic education of outstanding second-year and third-year residents who support the exceptional clinical care provided to GSO’s patients and assist the school’s faculty, staff, and residents with clinical duties as teaching Assistants.
150
Residents
$6M
In Scholarships
185
Average Number of Braces Put on Patients Each Month
15,789
Number of Patients Seen at GSO to Date