Five students from Rome Middle School have been named as REACH Scholars for the Class of 2030. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Rome High School’s College and Career Academy, where the students signed commitments for the Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Georgia Scholarship program.
The recipients—Celeste Adair, Aleigha Adams, Lesly Gabriel Gonzalez, Jai’leal Hamilton, and Kayla Hartley—were each awarded a $10,000 scholarship. The REACH Georgia Scholarship is described as the state’s first need-based mentorship and college scholarship initiative.
By signing the commitment, both students and their parents agreed to meet regularly with an academic coach and community mentor, maintain good grades, avoid truancy, and refrain from disciplinary issues. Students who fulfill these requirements will receive a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at any of 79 HOPE-eligible public or private colleges and universities in Georgia.
Jennifer Perkins, RCS REACH Coordinator and Director of Assessment, said: “We are very proud of these five students. They are all impressive young scholars, and we expect some great things from them in the years to come. This program is doing amazing things for our students and for Rome City Schools. We would like to thank Atrium Health Floyd, Communities In Schools, Oglethorpe Power, and the volunteer mentors for their commitment to the success of these students.”
Rome City Schools has participated in the REACH program since 2019. This year marks its seventh cohort of scholars. The first group of REACH graduates finished the program in May 2024.
The funding structure for the REACH Georgia Scholarship consists of 90 percent support from state funds and 10 percent raised privately at the local level. Since its start in 2012, more than 5,000 students across Georgia have become REACH Scholars with over $50 million committed to their education.
Perkins leads as coordinator on the Rome City Schools REACH Committee alongside other school staff members and representatives from Communities In Schools.
