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Pictured (from left): Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Ashlei Anderson, Matthew Beck, Jannelith Hernandez, Kandon Boyd, Ashlyn Housman, Sheridan Pruitt, and State Representative Kevin Tanner.
by Jason Lemley / School Public Relations Coordinator
Lumpkin County Schools recently named our six new REACH Scholars at the annual REACH signing day celebration hosted at the University of North Georgia.
With Representative Kevin Tanner and former Governor Nathan Deal in attendance as guest speakers, these six students and their parents signed their commitment during a ceremony on October 25.
Governor Deal started this program back in 2012, and this is the Lumpkin County Schools third class of REACH Scholars.
REACH Georgia is the State of Georgia’s first needs-based mentorship and college scholarship program.
The mission is to ensure that Georgia’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, access college and achieve postsecondary success.
Beginning in the 8th grade and through high school REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach.
Scholars must maintain good grades (2.5 HOPE Calculated GPA), behavior and attendance.
Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year) that can be used at a University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or eligible private postsecondary institution.
The scholarship is in addition to any other grant or scholarship the student receives.
Local REACH scholars include Ashlei Anderson, Matthew Beck, Kandon Boyd, Jannelith Hernandez, Ashlyn Housman and Sheridan Pruitt.
Although the students and their families make a commitment and sign a contract, it doesn’t stop with just them.
Georgia REACH is a community affair, and every year our community comes together to raise money for our annual commitment to this scholarship program.
Last year, that commitment led to the birth of Lumpkin County Adult Field Day. That day raised over $15,000 toward our community’s goal of $17,500 for last year.
The hard work and dedication from last year's Leadership Lumpkin class started a new tradition in this county, and the 2nd Annual Adult Field Day fundraiser is already on the calendar and scheduled on Saturday, March 28, at 9 a.m. at Lumpkin County High School. We hope everyone will join a team, be a sponsor or come watch.