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Shown from left at the Oct. 25 REACH Georgia scholarship signing are White County School Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, White County Middle School Principal Nara Allen, Brittany Wilmont, Jazmeene Wilmont, Serenaty Brown, Ella McCusker and White County High School Principal Mary Anne Collier. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)
Eighth-graders Serenaty Brown and Jazmeene Wilmont are White County Middle School’s REACH Georgia scholarship recipients for the 2021-2022 school year.
The students were honored during an Oct. 25 signing ceremony at WCMS. If REACH Georgia scholarship students meet certain requirements, including maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher, as well as staying drug and alcohol free, having good attendance and meeting monthly with an assigned mentor and an academic coach, the student will receive a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year) to be used at an eligible university or technical college in Georgia.
The Rotary Club of White County has funded the $3,000 local match for one scholarship in recent years, and it increased that amount to $6,000 this year to support two scholarships. The remainder is funded through the Georgia Student Finance Authority, which administers REACH Georgia.
White County High School Principal Mary Anne Collier told Brown and Wilmont about requirements to stay on track for the scholarship as they work toward graduation. She already read feedback from previous recipients now enrolled in college who expressed gratitude for the scholarship’s aid.
Brown and Wilmont were also celebrated for their qualities as students.
“Serenaty is a role model student in class. She demonstrates great work ethic and gives tasks 100%. Her demeanor is always pleasant and she maintains a positive attitude,” said Julie Collins, who taught Brown in seventh grade.
“Jazmeene is a kind and caring young woman who is wise beyond her years. She has the personality that you love see as a teacher,” said teacher Jenni Griffin.
WCMS Principal Nara Allen also reiterated there will be a support system along the path as the students work toward graduation.
“You’re not on this journey alone,” she said. “We’re all here for you.”
• REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Georgia was established in 2012 by then-governor Nathan Deal as part of the Complete College Georgia Initiative.