A signing ceremony was held on October 3, 2017, at Coffee Middle School, as part of the 2017 REACH statewide signing week in Georgia. Family, faculty and staff gathered to recognize and congratulate five Coffee County students as they signed their contracts to become the 2017-2018 REACH Georgia Scholars.
Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen is a mentorship and scholarship program that was introduced in 2012, by Governor Nathan Deal. According to ReachGa, the goal of the program is to provide the students with the academic, social and financial support needed to graduate from high school, access college and achieve postsecondary success.
“A great amount of responsibility has been placed in each one of these students but when they reviewed those applications they knew you were up to the challenge and they knew you could be successful,” said Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent of Coffee County School System.
These five young men committed to maintaining a 2.5 GPA and having good behavior and attendance through middle and high school. The program also pairs a REACH scholar with a mentor and academic coach to ensure that they keep up good grades.
Travis Jabez Adams, Andrew Glenn Fowler, Rodney Amont Green, John Cody Thurman and Krisean Chadzavior Vickers will each receive a $10,000 scholarship upon successfully graduating from high school. The scholarship is available to use at any HOPE eligible postsecondary institution in Georgia. Many colleges have committed to match and even double-match the REACH scholarships. In addition to any other grant scholarships the students earn.
“You’re setting a standard for not only yourself but also for peers and other REACH scholars,” said Carol Ann Lott, Georgia Student Finance Commission representative. “We hope you’ll work together as a team of scholars as you get into high school and go through your years and remember you have a wonderful opportunity that not many students have in the state of Georgia.”
Jill Pruitt, eighth-grade counselor and academic coach, introduced each scholar with a short biography.
Travis Adams is an eighth-grade student who previously received recognition for perfect attendance and has won a third place medal in wrestling. Travis aspires to own his own business and become a multi-billionaire. Travis previous teachers described him as motivated, charismatic and having a positive attitude.
Andrew Fowler is an eighth-grade student who previously earned recognition for perfect attendance, President Obama Physical Fitness award, FFA award and others. He participates in cross country as an extracurricular activity and his goal is to attend ABAC and become an RN or PA. Andrew is described as well-mannered, a hard-worker, respectful and considerate of others.
Rodney Green is an eighth-grade student who is a member of the Boys & Girls Club. He received the most improved award in the area of social studies and admits that he is interested in art and design. Rodney is described as respectful, loving and always willing to help others.
Cody Thurman is an eighth-grade student who previously received the eighth-grade character award. He enjoys FFA and participating in archery tournaments. After graduation, he would like to attend college to become a veterinarian or explore a career in agriculture. Cody is described as extremely polite, honest, trustworthy and cares about others.
Krisean Vickers is an eighth-grade student who previously received awards for citizenship, perfect attendance and academics. He is a member of 4-H and would like to attend college to study building and construction. Krisean is described as respectful, hard-working and works well with his peers.
Dr. Morris Leis concluded the ceremony by recognizing and thanking local community businesses: Ameris Bank, Douglas Area Employer Committee, Douglas Rotary Club, Hurst & Hurst CPAs LLC, Premium Peanut and Wal-Mart Distribution #6010 for their donations in helping fund the REACH scholarship program.
2017-2018 REACH Scholars pictured with Dr. Morris Leis and representatives from local community sponsors.