Five students from Hammond Creek Middle School were honored as new Georgia REACH Scholars during a signing ceremony held at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center of Greater Dalton. The event, which took place on March 15, 2024, marked the ninth annual celebration for Dalton Public Schools and recognized the academic achievements of lower-income eighth graders.
Among the recipients was Andrea Avila Martinez, who was celebrated alongside her peers for her dedication to academic excellence. During the ceremony, school counselor Lauren Watkins shared Martinez’s favorite quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their truths.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the REACH program, which aims to support students in their educational journeys.
The REACH program provides needs-based mentoring scholarships to students demonstrating academic promise throughout their elementary and middle school years. According to Spencer Gazaway, Principal of Dalton Junior High School, students who maintain a high GPA, good behavior, and attendance can earn scholarships of up to $10,000 for their college education at any eligible public or private institution within the state.
Superintendent Steven Craft addressed the attendees, expressing pride in the students’ achievements. “Today, we celebrate these students’ hard work, dedication, and bright futures,” he stated. “This program reminds us that the power of education can transform lives.”
In addition to Martinez, the other new REACH Scholars include Brycen Godfrey, Kyle Myres, Evelyn Navarro, and Josslyn Rickett. Each scholar has shown exceptional academic performance and commitment to their futures.
The selection process for the REACH program begins with teachers nominating seventh-grade students based on criteria established by the state. Lauri Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, explained that nominees must complete detailed applications, including references and parent comments. “We had many wonderful nominees, and our selection committee faced the challenging task of narrowing the candidates down to the final five scholars,” Johnson noted.
Throughout their time in the program, REACH Scholars benefit from mentoring, job shadowing, and college visits. Deputy Superintendent Nick Sun emphasized the program’s mission: “The REACH Scholarship was designed to invest in students who demonstrate academic promise and determination to succeed.” He highlighted that the program aims to increase high school graduation rates and facilitate college access.
Gazaway expressed his enthusiasm for the REACH ceremonies, noting their significance in recognizing student achievement. “The REACH program offers extraordinary opportunities for our scholars, including mentorship and academic coaching,” he stated. The program also emphasizes the importance of parent engagement in supporting students’ educational journeys.
Each scholar has a unique story of achievement. Andrea Avila Martinez, who attended Park Creek Elementary School, has received numerous awards for her academic excellence, including perfect attendance and recognition in various subjects. She aspires to attend Dalton State College with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Brycen Godfrey, who attended Brookwood Elementary, excelled in sports and academics, maintaining excellent grades while participating in the football team. He hopes to pursue business or architectural design at the University of Georgia.
Kyle Myres, who transitioned to Hammond Creek from Calhoun, is part of the gifted program and has won awards in art while maintaining strong academic performance. He aims to study at the University of Georgia and become a crime scene investigator.
Evelyn Navarro, a City Park Elementary alumna, has consistently maintained high grades and participated in band since sixth grade. She plans to study microbiology at Kennesaw State University.
Josslyn Rickett, who joined Hammond Creek partway through her seventh-grade year, quickly impressed her teachers by achieving all A’s. She is considering a future in education, with potential plans to attend Georgia State University.
The ceremony also celebrated six REACH Scholar graduates from Dalton High School, who originally signed their scholarships as eighth graders. These graduates are poised to complete their education in May 2024, showcasing the program’s success.
Alumni like Valeria Alvarez expressed pride in their cohort. “It’s just an honor to finalize this and become a REACH Scholar graduate,” she said, noting the scholarship’s impact on her college plans. She was recently accepted into the University of Georgia and is considering majors in accounting or cognitive science.
Allyson Pacheco reflected on the significance of the scholarship and the support she received from her mother, who has been a consistent source of encouragement throughout her academic journey. “She’s been supportive since the day I could remember,” Pacheco shared, highlighting the importance of family in educational success.
As the ceremony concluded, the excitement and optimism for the future were palpable among both current scholars and graduates. The REACH program continues to offer invaluable support, paving the way for the next generation of leaders in Dalton and beyond.
