Board of Education Members Superintendent
Maurice Hill, Chairman Charles G. Wilson, CPA, MBA
MikeHerndon, Vice Chairman Bulloch County Schools
Cheri Wagner 150 Williams Road, Suite A
Dr. LeVon Wilson Statesboro, GA 30458
Steve Hein 912.212.8500
Anshul Jain
Mike Sparks
Vernon Littles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2014
Contact:Hayley Greene, Public Relations & Marketing Specialist
912.212.8512; 912.536.2827;
Bulloch Honors REACH GA Scholars
College now in REACH for 10 local students
Bulloch County Schools(BCS)honored five new REACH Georgia Scholars at a signing ceremony September 25, at the Board of Education (BOE)’s central office. Chosen from 66 applicants, the eighth-grade students, and their families, were recognized by Rep. Jan Tankersley, the BOE, the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education (Foundation), and Superintendent Charles Wilson.Each now has up to $20,000 available to themto attend college.This $100,000 investment is made possible by REACH Georgia, the Foundation, and local post-secondary partners, like Georgia Southern University, East Georgia College and Ogeechee Technical College who have agreed to double-match each of the original $10,000 scholarships.
“We’re proud of these students, and the bright futures they have ahead of them,” said Superintendent Wilson. “From what we’ve seen of their accomplishments, they will have no problem living up to the expectations of the REACH Georgia program.”
This year’s scholars are Destiny Hartwell, Nancy Martinez and Alberto Rodriguez of Langston Chapel Middle School, and Brian Phillips, Jr. and Michael Vescio of William James Middle School. “This is a great opportunity for me, and I plan to use it to my full potential,” Hartwell said.
Only 100 Georgia students were named scholars this year in 23 school systems. “This program is a strategic investment in our students and our state, opening doors for youth in Georgia, who may not have the opportunity to seek post-secondary education due to financial constraints,” said Governor Nathan Deal in a statement released by REACH Georgia.
The scholars’ parentswere in attendance to also pledge support for the program and encourage their children to keep a college education in focus. “We thank all those people who played an integral part in this scholarship, and we have encouraged her (Destiny) to give back just as those have given to her,” said Tracy Hartwell.
Local scholars were selected by a committee of community leaders and educatorsthat reviewed the applications and selected 10 finalists. The committee then conducted face-to-face interviews with the finalists, and selected thefive winners.
Eachscholar will receive mentoring and coaching through middle and high school, as well as opportunities to participate in various programs that will assist them in college selection and admission.“This program will really expand my horizons and give me a better opportunity to purse by dream of developing software,” said Michael Watts, Jr.
Four of Bulloch County’s 2013 REACH scholars also attended the ceremony.Statesboro High’s Amaya Brown and Kailana Low, formerly of LCMS, Aisley Scarboro and Amonica Kirkland of Portal Middle High, and Southeast Bulloch High’s De’Neshia Jones, formerly ofSoutheast Bulloch Middle, are now successful freshmen and are all meeting the program’s requirements.
REACH Georgia is a needs-based mentoring and scholarship program designed to ensure that the state’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school and complete college. Bulloch County is one of five school systems that the state initially selectedto pilot the program.The Georgia Student Finance Corporation holds the scholarships for scholarsuntil they graduate from high school.
Eligible students must meet the following requirements: (1)be currently be in the eighth grade at a participating, eligible Georgia middle school; (2) demonstrate financial need; (3) have legal status in the U.S. (U.S. citizen or legal resident); (4) have and agree to maintain above average attendance and behavior; (5) have grade reports reflecting minimum grades of 75 or better in each core course(2.5 GPA); (6) have and agree to maintain a crime-free and drug-free record; and (7) have the support of a parent, legal guardian, or other committed adult.
As a pilot school system, BCS was originally awarded a total of ten $10,000 scholarships by the state, five for 2013 and five for 2014. Participating school systems must identify local corporate sponsorsto continue the program. This year the Foundation donated $7,500 ($1,500 per student)to help fund the $10,000 base scholarships.More than 63 colleges and universities in Georgia have agreed to double-match and some triple-match these scholarships.All funds raised (100 percent) for REACH Georgia locally will go to future recipients. Bulloch County’s 2013 and 2014 scholars now have a combined total of $200,000 invested in their education in addition to any other scholarships them may receive.
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Pictured (Above) – (1) 2014 scholar Destiny Hartwell receives a REACH Georgia hat from Rep. Jan Tankersley, who represented Governor Nathan Deal at the ceremony; (2)2014 REACH Georgia Scholars and their parents listen to Superintendent Charles Wilson detail the program’s stringent requirements; (3) 2014 and 2013 REACH Georgia Scholars with Rep. Jan Tankersley; (4)2014 Scholar Alberto Rodriguez signs his REACH Georgia contract while his father, Alberto Quintero looks on.
2014 REACH Georgia Scholar Michael Vescio, of William James Middle School, with Rep. Jan Tankersley and his parents, Carrie Anne and Michael Vescio.
2014 REACH Georgia Scholar Brian Phillips, Jr., of William James Middle School, with his mother, Michele Watts, and Rep. Jan Tankersley.
2014 REACH Georgia Scholar Destiny Hartwell of Langston Chapel Middle School, with her parents, Tracy and Marcus Hartwell, and Rep. Jan Tankersley.
2014 REACH Georgia Scholar Alberto Rodriguez of Langston Chapel Middle School with his parents, Rosa Rodriguez and Alberto Quintero, and Rep. Jan Tankersley.
2014 REACH Georgia Scholar Nancy Martinez of Langston Chapel Middle School with her parents, Maria Herrera and Octaviano Martinez, and Rep. Jan Tankersley.