Electrical engineering, journalism, marine biology, music technology, and nursing are the possible majors being considered by a group of eighth graders now that they know they have the financial means to obtain a college degree. Kevin Roque-Aro, Brycen Dixon, Arrianna Hill, Daylen Peebles and Xylan Spivey are 2025 Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholars for Colquitt County School District.
Former Governor Nathan Deal launched REACH in 2012 as a critical initiative of Complete College Georgia. School systems partner with REACH Georgia and identify academically promising eighth-grade students to receive REACH Scholarships. Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach through high school. Scholars must maintain good grades (2.5 GPA), behavior, and attendance. Upon graduation from high school, scholars are given a $10,000 scholarship to be used at a Georgia HOPE-eligible two- or four-year college. Some colleges have pledged to double or triple the scholarship for REACH Scholars. This is the eighth cohort group of REACH Scholars in Colquitt County.
Rondesha Williams, Director of Student Services, shared, “Each year, the REACH Scholar Signing Ceremony stands out as one of my favorite events. Watching students and their families celebrate their hard work and look forward to new opportunities is always inspiring.”
School counselors and other staff nominate students. A community selection committee then screens the nominations. This year’s committee included Dr. Stacie Farley, Associate Professor, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; Becky Giddens, Marketing Coordinator of the United Way of Colquitt County; Joel Jenkins, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Moultrie-Colquitt County; Katrina Johnson, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office; and Lisa Robinson, Hero House.
The REACH Committee, Board of Education members, district, and school administrators honored the 2025 REACH Scholars and their families at a Monday, November 3rd, ceremony. Additional information on REACH is located at www.colquitt.k12.ga.us/departments/student-services/reach-scholars.
Pictured from left to right: Daylen Peebles, Xylan Spivey, Arrianna Hill, Brycen Dixon, and Kevin Roque-Arroyo