-
This year’s class of REACH scholars and their mentors are shown at the conclusion of last week’s signing ceremony. Shown, from left, are Sarah Brawley, Jamari Patterson, Lesly Alvarado, Ronald Kendall, and Elijah Queen, and, back, FCMS Counselor Shandra English filling in for Sheree Ralston, Summer Leifer, Rhonda Daves, Melissa King and Cindy Hicks. -
REACH scholar Elijah (Eli) Queen signed his contract last week with his parents, Victoria Queen and Darren Queen. Also shown during the signing ceremony is Madison Queen, left. -
Jamari Patterson is one of five REACH scholars chosen this year at Fannin County Middle School. After signing his contract, he is shown with his mother, Silhouette Jarmon-Gigetts, his step-father, Lawrence Jarmon-Gigettis and Gabriel Jarmon-Gigetts. -
Ronald Kendall is shown with his mother, Karen Kendall, after they signed his REACH contract. -
Lesly Alvarado, right, is one of this year’s REACH scholars at Fannin County Middle School. Her mom, Hidolina Alvarado joined her in her contract signing along with Camila Alvarado, left, and Sebastian Alvarado. -
Sarah Brawley, right, is shown after she and her mother, Jessica Whitlow, signed her REACH contract.
Mark Young told this year’s class of REACH scholars the program supports them with the opportunity “to reach your full potential.”
Young, principal at Fannin County Middle School (FCMS), was speaking to Lesly Alvarado, Sarah Brawley, Ronald Kendall, Jamari Patterson and Elijah Queen.
These five FCMS students, along with their parents, signed their REACH contracts during a special ceremony at the middle school Thursday, Oct.13.
REACH, which stands for Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen, works to provide Georgia’s academically promising students with academic, social and financial support needed to graduate from high school and college prepared for work.
This year’s five students, who represent the Fannin County High School graduating class of 2027, are the eighth class of REACH scholars from Fannin County.
Young said to the students, “You are qualified for this honor because of specific criteria.”
They were nominated based on the promise others see in them to succeed.
School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney said success is most likely to occur when “opportunity meets preparation,” which is what REACH provides.
Lynne Riley, agency president of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, said REACH high school graduates have scored a 3.36 cumulative grade point average and 95.8 percent have graduated with their college scholarship eligibility in tact. “Clearly, you are joining an exceptional group,” she told the FCMS students.
Before REACH students and their parents signed their contracts, Dr. Scott Ramsey, principal at Fannin County High School, went over the promises being made by the students that include maintaining a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, good attendance, staying drug and crime free, and meeting with their mentors and academic coaches.
In turn, everyone promised to support the students’ efforts.