Four Decatur County students were awarded REACH scholarships at a signing ceremony held at Bainbridge High School on Tuesday, September 20.  The scholars for 2016-2017 are Jamil Tucker, Anala McIntyre, Eliel Lopez and Lawson Chandler.

During the signing ceremony, the students, parents and guardians, community members and Decatur County School officials pledged to support the students until graduation.

The ceremony consisted of a video message from Governor Deal and the presentation of the Governor’s proclamation by Representative Jay Powell.  Participants in the program included Superintendent Tim Cochran, BMS Principal John Wooden, BHS Principal Tommie Howell, and REACH Coordinator Kathy Varner.

REACH scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship to be used at Georgia two year, four year, or technical colleges.  Many Georgia colleges are now doubling the scholarship to REACH students.  A portion of the scholarships must be collected within the community.  This year the community sponsors for the scholarships are First Port City Bank and The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation.

The Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship Program was launched by Governor Deal in 2012 and is a needs-based mentorship and scholarship program designed to encourage students, starting in middle school, to persist in their educational pursuits. Students are provided with the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, access college, achieve post-secondary success and be prepared for the 21st century workforce.