Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Five eighth-grade Decatur County Schools students were awarded $10,000 REACH scholarships during a signing ceremony held at Bainbridge High School. The REACH scholars for 2024 are Ayden Evans, Harly Jones, Zayden Stokes, Oliver Villegas, and Peighton Waye.

The Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship Program in Georgia is a needs-based mentorship and scholarship program designed to encourage students, starting in middle school, to achieve their educational goals. Students are recommended by teachers and must compete for the scholarship through applications and interviews.    

Superintendent Boyd English congratulated the students on this achievement and encouraged them to maintain good academic standing, attendance, and behavior so that they can receive the REACH scholarship upon graduation.  Christopher Bryant, BHS Principal, and David Kirkland,  BMS Principal, participated in the signing ceremony where the students, their parents or guardians, and the school system agreed to do their part in supporting the student’s journey during the next five years.

The REACH scholarship may be used at a Georgia two-year, four-year, or technical college. A portion of each scholarship must be collected within the local community. The long supporting, local sponsors are First Port City Bank, Scott and Monica Ewing, The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation, and Envision Credit Union.   

The five scholars who signed the commitment form join twenty-four REACH scholars at Bainbridge High School, representing a total of  $290,000 in available scholarships.  Scholars are assigned an academic coach and mentor who support students in their educational journey until graduation.   

Decatur County Schools has participated in the program for nine years.  Kathy Varner, REACH Coordinator,  reports that REACH scholars have successfully graduated from BHS, are enrolled in college, and receive the REACH Scholarship funds.  If you have any questions about the REACH scholarship program in Decatur County Schools, including having an interest in becoming a mentor, please contact Kathy Varner, REACH Coordinator, at kvarner@dcboe.com.