Three Decatur County students were awarded REACH scholarships at a signing ceremony held at Bainbridge High School on Friday, September 26. 

The scholars for 2018-2019 are (L-R) Skylar Jones, Thomas Spooner and LaQuirsten Williams.    During the signing ceremony, the students, parents and guardians, community members and Decatur County School officials pledged to support the students until graduation.  The ceremony consisted of a video message from Governor Deal, congratulations from Representative Darlene Taylor, and inspiration from John Wooden, Assistant Superintendent,  and Tim Cochran, Superintendent.    

REACH scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship to be used at Georgia two year, four year, or technical colleges.  Many Georgia colleges are now doubling the scholarship to REACH students.  A portion of the scholarships must be collected within the community.  This year the community sponsors for the scholarships are First Port City Bank, The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation, and Envision Credit Union.

The Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship Program was launched by Governor Deal in 2012 and is a needs-based mentorship and scholarship program designed to encourage students, starting in middle school, to persist in their educational pursuits. Students are provided with the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, access college, achieve post-secondary success, and be prepared for the 21st century workforce.  The three scholars who signed a commitment today join nine other REACH scholars at Bainbridge High School.  The previously awarded scholars are Yuji Cotton, Leigh Sapp, Lawson Chandler, Eliel Lopez, Anala McIntyre, Jamil Tucker, Kursten Branson, Jared Davis and Kevin Ramirez. 

If you have any questions about REACH scholarships in Decatur County, or are interested in providing financial support for scholarships, please contact Kathy Varner, REACH Coordinator, at kvarner@dcboe.com.