October 28, 2024
Greensboro, Ga. — The Greene County School System (GCSS) has named four 8th grade students to this year’s class of REACH Georgia Scholarship recipients. Jaxxon Armour, Jaylen Greene, and Ma’Chal Teemer from Anita White Carson Middle School and Taylor Wheeler from Lake Oconee Academy make up the Greene County School System's eighth class of REACH scholars since the school system joined the program in 2017 under the guidance and encouragement of GCSS REACH Coordinator Mrs. Beth Thomas and Mr. Tom Kelly, the co-founder with his wife Kathy of the Greensboro Dreamers.
REACH scholars are selected in 8th grade via a rigorous application and interview process and must demonstrate an interest in higher education and a verified financial need. By signing their REACH scholarship commitment papers, the scholars agree to maintain good grades and attendance, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and meet with their academic coaches and mentors regularly throughout high school. Once enrolled in one of the 29 public four-year colleges, 22 technical colleges, or 35 private four-year colleges that participate in Georgia’s REACH program, REACH students must continue to meet attendance and GPA requirements to maintain their scholarships.
The funding for each GCSS REACH scholarship stems from private donations by Greene County individuals, companies, and organizations. Each REACH scholarship is sponsored with an initial contribution of $1,000 from the community donations, which the state matches with $9,000. Some colleges provide additional financial support to REACH Scholars. When this funding is combined with Georgia’s HOPE scholarship and Federal Pell grants, each REACH scholar could be eligible to receive more than $60,000 to finance a four-year degree at a Georgia college.
Today, working with communities across the state that are focused on student-centered learning, REACH Georgia serves all 180 school systems across Georgia and more than 4,000 Scholars, committing over $40 million in scholarships.
Let’s meet this year’s class of GCSS REACH Georgia Scholars:
Jaxxon Armour is an 8th grader at Anita White Carson Middle School, where he has received multiple Honor Roll awards, plays football and basketball, and is a member of Junior Beta Club. After school, he attends the Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club and participates in ATLAS. Jaxxon plans to attend the University of Georgia to major in Sports Management, with the goal of becoming a sports analyst one day.
“Jaxxon’s best qualities are his drive and determination to complete a goal! He thrives on helping others and ensuring that education is his highest priority,” a reference stated on Jaxxon’s application. “I strongly believe this opportunity will inspire him to be his very best.”
Jaylen Greene is an 8th grader at Anita White Carson Middle School, where he is a leader of his House student group, has received multiple Honor Roll awards, and is a member of the basketball team. After school, he attends ATLAS where is the president of Thr!ve. In college, Jaylen hopes to attend the University of Georgia and major in Business Administration with a minor in entrepreneurship.
“Jaylen has many amazing qualities, but the best is his positive attitude and teamwork,” a reference stated on his application. “He always comes ready to join in and set the tone for the day, and works well with others.”
Taylor Wheeler is an 8th grader at Lake Oconee Academy, where she attends honors classes, plays in the band, and is a member of the TOME Society and Junior Beta Club. She also enjoys creative writing and recently won the Georgia Writer’s Museum annual Spooky Story Contest for her grade level. In college, Taylor plans to study English and Creative Writing at the University of Georgia.
“Taylor has so much potential,” a reference stated on her application. “She is a conscientious student who works hard and goes the extra mile to succeed. She is kind, always has a smile, and works well with her peers.”
Ma’Chal Teemer is an 8th grader at Anita White Carson Middle School, where he has received multiple Honor Roll awards, plays in the band, participates in Junior Beta Club, and is on the Student Advisory Council. Ma’Chal also sings in the choir at his church. He dreams of attending the University of Georgia and has not yet decided what he would like to study, although he is considering technology, engineering, and medicine.
“Ma’Chal is motivated, dedicated, and extremely dependable,” a reference stated on his application. “He excels in all of his endeavors and he an excellent writing. Ma’Chal always strives to do his very best.”
Congratulations to the GCSS REACH Georgia Class of 2029 scholars!
