Seven Fannin County Middle School students became Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) scholars during the REACH Signing Ceremony Tuesday, November 12.
Eighth grade students Silas Campbell, Alayna Dockery, Brisa Lopez Garcia, Estenfania Rosas-Leal, Emma Pittman, Chelsey Thomas and Amy Truett are this year’s newly inducted scholars and, during the ceremony, they pledged to keep good grades, attendance and behavior, meet with their mentors and academic coach, and graduate from high school and college.
“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning rather than the end of a journey,” Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston said. “Each of the scholars signing today is committing to do their part to achieve success in high school, college and beyond. These REACH scholars join more than 2,400 other Georgia students who have made the same choice since 2012.”
REACH Coordinator Candice Sisson explained that REACH is part of the Complete College Georgia Initiative, a statewide effort to increase attainment of a high quality certificate or degree, and is a need-based mentorship and scholarship program. It is designed to encourage students to persist in their educational pursuits.
Beginning in middle school, these 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 REACH program exemplifies what can happen when communities come together and the public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to support our young people,” Ralston said. “REACH is also an example of the state’s continual commitment to supporting our students’ public education.”
In March, seventh grade students are nominated by their teachers and submit applications. The applicants are then reviewed and interviewed by the selection committee and the five students are selected. Students are eligible for the program if they attend a REACH school, qualify based on economic need, meet citizenship and residency requirements, demonstrate academic promise and have no crime and/or drug convictions. Preference is given to students who will become first generation collegiate scholars.
Each scholar is provided mentor support, additional college-related activities and the promise of a financial scholarship upon successful completion of the program.
More than 60 public and private colleges partner with REACH. These schools often match, double or even triple the scholarship offered to students.
Class of 2020 REACH Scholar Alexis Ware discussed her passion for the program stating, “In the beginning, I assumed that it was just a scholarship and nothing more. However, I could not have been more wrong. With the simplicity of the word, ‘scholarship,’ you can not fully describe what this program entails. I have acquired relationships and memories that will last me a lifetime.”
A comprehensive evaluation system ensures the program is beneficial to students by tracking student success, behavior, participation and attendance. Student, parent and mentor surveys are also used to ensure all scholars’ strengths and needs are addressed and recognized.
“Whether it was in 2015 or whether it was in 2019, somebody chose your name and felt you were special enough to be selecting whatever that you wish you would like to do,” Fannin County Middle School Principal Keith Nuckolls said to all of the REACH scholars. “They felt that you had that ability to do it. You’re special. Don’t ever forget that.”