Five J.R. Trippe Middle School students will have a better chance of attending college, thanks to receiving the REACH Scholarship recently. The $10,000 needs-based scholarships were presented in a ceremony at Vidalia High School, and Trippe Principal Dr. Sandy Reid said it is an excellent opportunity for the students. “These scholarships provide not only financial support when they graduate, but they also provide academic and social support as they move through High School. Each student will have a mentor who will help guide these students as they go through their high school journey to make sure that they stay on track.”
This is the 4th year Vidalia City Schools have participated in the program, and Vidalia School Superintendent Dr. Garrett Wilcox believes it motivates students to maintain good grades, behavior, and attendance. “I think you’ll find the first group we had who are now juniors find it a big motivator. As 8th graders, they may not see the value of the scholarship, but as they move through High School, they will become more appreciative of having money already there for them to continue their education.”
To be eligible for the REACH Georgia Program, a student must complete an application and an interview process from a panel in Vidalia that has no ties to the student. Other requirements include
1) Currently be a rising 8th grader at an eligible Georgia school in a participating district
2) Demonstrate and provide proof of financial need
3) Have proven legal status in the United States (U.S. Citizen or legal resident)
4) Have good attendance and behavior
5) Have grade reports reflecting at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in core courses
6) Have a crime and drug-free record
7) Have demonstrated the support of a parent, legal guardian, or another caring adult
One of this year’s recipients is Rori Johnson, whose mother Jessica Baker said that this results from hard work and determination on her daughter’s part. “She worked so hard to get here, and I am so proud of her. We went over interview steps and she contacted everyone she could to get advice and she worked to make sure that she had the best chance she could have.”
Baker went on to say that this not only prepares her daughter for a chance at other scholarships but also for whenever she graduates. “She now knows what to expect and it will also help her when she gets to college, and also the workforce, because she will have to interview many times. So this is just the first of many interviews she will have to go through, so this was definitely a great stepping stone for her.”
This year’s recipients include Ansleigh Chambers, Katy Gonzales, Rori Johnson, Sanaya Lewis, and Kingston Ryals. The program, which began in Georgia in 2012, has had nearly 2400 students participate while serving 154 systems.
