Five TCSS middle schoolers selected to begin REACH GA Journey to Graduation

Published 4:00 pm Friday, October 25, 2019

Earlier this week, five middle school students began the journey to ‘reach’ for graduation as the Troup County School System (TCSS) announced the inaugural class of REACH GA scholars during the first-ever REACH commitment ceremony.

REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Georgia is a needs-based scholarship program that was created in 2012 and TCSS is honored to award their first five eighth grade students that will graduate in 2024. The students are:

  • Anja McCord – Callaway Middle School
  • Janae Johnson – Gardner Newman Middle School
  • Liliana Robinson – Gardner Newman Middle School
  • Chloe Kelley – Long Cane Middle School
  • Erick Martinez-Acevedo – Long Cane Middle School

Anja McCord, Callaway Middle, said this is the first scholarship she has been awarded.

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“It feels great knowing that I am representing my school. It’s a great feeling being the first,” she said. “I want to major in political science when I grow up and I know this scholarship will help me.”

TCSS joined the program in April when each middle school submitted at least four scholarship applications.

Sixteen total applications were anonymously screened and scored by judges outside of TCSS.

From the initial screening process, eight students were chosen to interview in a community-based panel session where the five finalists were chosen and named.

“This is more exciting for me because I know there are great community partners here in Troup County,” said Brad Bryant, Vice President of REACHGA.

“To see the community respond to these young people, and knowing we have the infrastructure in place, is a great way to lead this effort. What a great way for Dr. Shumate to start his tenure as Troup County Superintendent.”

John Asbell of Georgia Power was the guest speaker at the event. He encouraged the students to continue in their quest for greatness and graduation.