School system inducts 6 eighth-graders as REACH Scholars

Published 7:00 pm Thursday, November 17, 2022

MOULTRIE, Ga. – The Colquitt County School District has inducted six eighth-grade students into its 2022-2023 class of REACH Scholars.

The REACH — Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen — Georgia mentorship program is a needs-based scholarship that allows eighth graders to achieve a postsecondary education after graduating high school.

“The mission of the REACH Georgia Foundation is to be the most effective champions for Georgia’s children in need and unlock the full potential of our future workforce,” according to the program’s website.

The ceremony was held in the Board of Education Chambers Thursday morning. Marley Armstrong, Timothy Downs, Christian Espindola-Hernandez, Dorian Farrell, Aundrea Thomas and Ana Torress-Mendiola signed the program’s contract with the support of their families.

To receive their $10,000 scholarship upon their high school graduation, each student pledged they would maintain a minimum 2.5-grade point average, good attendance and grades.

The funds can be used at a Georgia HOPE-eligible two- or four-year college.

Willie J. Williams Principal Jim Horne and C.A. Gray Assistant Principal Ishia Dawson shared inspirational remarks with the students after Cathy Nobles, the REACH academic coach, introduced each of the scholars.

“I’m so very proud of you for your accomplishment and the hard work that you’ve put forth to earn this scholarship. I want you to understand that the road ahead of you is long, and the road ahead of you is full of bumps. However, if you’ll continue to work hard steadily and make good choices, your future will be bright,” Horne said.

Dawson followed, “Don’t get tired of doing the right thing. Don’t get tired of thinking outside of the norm. Don’t get tired of being in front of the crowd, and don’t get tired of being you.”

Each student will be paired with a mentor and academic coach that they must meet regularly after entering the Colquitt County High School, according to Superintendent Ben Wiggins during the ceremony.

Before the ceremony adjourned, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Irma Townsend informed the students that some Georgia colleges and universities have pledged additional funds for REACH scholars up to double or triple the original total scholarship amount.

Channel Flournoy, mom of Marley Armstrong, shared her thoughts on her daughter’s achievement after the ceremony.

“I feel great. I’m so happy for her. This is just concrete evidence that hard work pays off and that we’re getting closer to reaching her academic dreams of being an engineer,” she said.

Board of Education member Trudie Hill, Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Jones and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Marni Kirkland, were a few of several district officials present at the ceremony.

The selection committee members were Dr. Stacie Farley, Sheriff Rod Howell, Adolphus Kimmons and Jessica Sullivan.

Marley Armstrong

Mother: Channel Flournoy

Marley plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in engineering. She believes the REACH scholarship will allow her the opportunity to attend college and have funds to help pay for it.

Her references describe her as extremely intelligent and an outside of the box thinker. She is a team player and communicates her needs with respect. Marley is very detailed and dependable.

Timothy Downs

Mother:   Kara Peterson

Timothy plans to attend Louisiana State University. He believes the REACH scholarship will allow him opportunities to learn more.

His references describe him as very polite and willing to help others. He is well-liked by his peers and gets along with others. He is passionate about sports. He plays football and runs track. He possesses the potential to be great at anything he does.

Christian Espindola-Hernandez

Mother: Julia Hernadez

Father: Joel Espindola

Christian plans to attend Valdosta State University and would like to become a physician. He believes the REACH scholarship will provide help and money to pay for college.

His references said that he is confident and a hard worker. He takes constructive criticism very well. Christian cares about education and is very respectful and responsible. He goes above and beyond by doing optional assignments. He is a model student both academically and behaviorally. He is very loved around the school.

Dorian Farrell

Mother: LaTonja Horne

Father: Arthur Farrell

Dorian plans to attend college and become a veterinarian. He says the REACH scholarship will offer him support and guidance to help him achieve his educational and future career goals.

His references describe him as hard-working and dependable and full of determination. He excels at all his classes and is a pleasure to be around. Dorian is humble, kind and sincere. He is respectful and cares about others.

Audrea Thomas

Mother: Noel Thomas

Audrea plans to attend Louisiana State University and become a teacher. She is happy and excited to receive a REACH scholarship.

Her references describe her as dependable, eager to learn, honest and compassionate. She is an excellent student who always does the right thing and makes education an important priority. One teacher said Andrea is among the most respected students she’s ever taught.

Ana Torres-Mendiola

Mother: Maria Mendiola

Father: Mariano Torres

Ana plans to attend college and become a veterinarian. Outside of school, she already raises animals. Ana says getting the REACH scholarship would help her to have a better opportunity for her career. Her references say Ana has a growth mindset. She is driven, consistent, and holds herself accountable. She is a goal-setter and has self-discipline. She is well-behaved and interacts well with adults and her peers.