a group poses together for a photo in the gordon county schools board room

Calhoun, Georgia  – Gordon County Schools proudly announces the commitment of a new class of eighth-grade students to the Georgia REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Scholars program. The signing day ceremony took place on December 8, 2023, at an event hosted by Gordon County Schools.

The Class of 2028 REACH Scholars includes Wayner Garcia-Corado, Josemanual Lara-Olmedo, Baylin Roberts, Julio Rodriguez, and Presley Smith, representing the school system's eighth cohort of students participating in the REACH program.

REACH Georgia is a statewide needs-based mentorship and scholarship initiative designed to support academically promising students with demonstrated financial need. The program aims to provide comprehensive academic, social, and financial assistance to empower students to achieve their dreams of higher education and a brighter future.

The selection process for REACH Scholars occurs during the 8th grade, involving a rigorous application and interview process. The scholars are publicly announced in the fall each year, with a formal signing day ceremony. During this ceremony, scholars, along with their parents or guardians, commit to maintaining good grades and attendance, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and regularly meeting with academic coaches and mentors throughout high school.

Gordon County Schools, in collaboration with numerous local community partners and statewide donors, has been an active participant in the REACH program for eight years. With the induction of the Class of 2028, the school system proudly recognizes a total of 44 REACH Scholars in its history.

Individuals interested in becoming community mentors to support these promising students are encouraged to contact Brian Hall at brianhall@gcbe.org or call Gordon County Schools at 706-629-7366.

Gordon County Schools remains committed to nurturing the academic growth and future success of its students through initiatives like REACH Georgia, fostering a community of support and opportunity for all.

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About Gordon County Schools
Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation.