Five students from Hammond Creek Middle School have been named Georgia REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Scholars during a signing ceremony held on March 15, 2024, at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center of Greater Dalton. This event marked the ninth annual ceremony for the Dalton Public Schools, celebrating the achievements of lower-income eighth-grade students who have excelled academically in elementary and middle school.
Among the honorees was Andrea Avila Martinez, who was recognized for her academic achievements and commitment to excellence. During the ceremony, school counselor Lauren Watkins shared one of Martinez’s favorite quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their truths.” This sentiment encapsulates the aspirations of all the scholars involved.
The REACH program is a needs-based mentoring scholarship initiative aimed at assisting students from lower-income backgrounds. According to Spencer Gazaway, principal of Dalton Junior High School, those who maintain a high grade point average, demonstrate good behavior, and develop career goals by the time of high school graduation can receive scholarships totaling up to $10,000 for their college education at any public or private postsecondary institution in Georgia that is eligible for the HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) scholarship.
Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Today, we celebrate these students’ hard work, dedication, and bright futures. Your commitment to excellence inspires us all.” He also acknowledged the critical support from families, teachers, and mentors that has helped these students reach this significant milestone.
Martinez was joined by four other REACH Scholars: Brycen Godfrey, Kyle Myres, Evelyn Navarro, and Josslyn Rickett. Each student signed their official letters of intent during the ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in their educational journeys.
Program Highlights and Student Achievements
The REACH program begins with teachers nominating seventh-grade students who exhibit academic promise, good attendance, and behavior. As Lauri Johnson, assistant superintendent of schools, explained, these students must complete a detailed application and provide references and parental comments. “Last year, we had many wonderful nominees, and our selection committee had the very difficult task of narrowing our pool of candidates down to the final five scholars,” she noted.
REACH Scholars receive year-round support through mentoring, job shadowing opportunities, and college visits. Nick Sun, Deputy Superintendent, highlighted that each student is exceptional, noting the program’s goals to increase high school graduation rates and expand access to college. “Becoming a Georgia REACH Scholar is a commitment to excellence, determination, and a bright future filled with promise,” he stated.
The accomplishments of these students reflect their hard work and dedication. Gazaway expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the REACH ceremonies, stating, “The REACH Scholarship program offers some extraordinary opportunities for our scholars, which includes mentorship.” Each scholar is paired with a teacher mentor who supports their academic progress and helps them develop educational and career plans.
Martinez’s academic journey is impressive. She attended Park Creek Elementary School and has received numerous awards, including perfect attendance and the “Highest GPA Award” in sixth grade. She plans to attend Dalton State College with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician.
Godfrey, who previously attended Brookwood Elementary, maintained excellent grades and participated in the football team. He aims to attend the University of Georgia to major in business or architectural design. Myres, who moved from Calhoun to Dalton, is on an accelerated math track and aspires to become a crime scene investigator.
Navarro, a former student at City Park Elementary, has participated in band and maintained an impressive academic record. She hopes to study microbiology at Kennesaw State University. Rickett, who was homeschooled before joining Hammond Creek, finished her seventh-grade year with all A’s and is considering Georgia State University to pursue a career in teaching.
Celebrating Graduates and Future Aspirations
The ceremony also recognized six REACH Scholar graduates who are set to graduate from high school in May. These students originally signed their scholarships in eighth grade and are now on the cusp of fulfilling their educational goals. Among the graduates are Gabriela Ruelas, Janet Montoya, Jasmin Gonzalez, Allyson Pacheco, Donaji Pacheco, and Valeria Alvarez.
Alvarez expressed pride in her cohort, noting the significance of their shared experiences and successes. “It just opens so many doors because it’s going to help pay for so many aspects of my college life,” she said. Currently undecided on her college choice, she has been accepted to the University of Georgia and is interested in either accounting or cognitive science, inspired by her father’s experiences as a traumatic brain injury survivor.
Allyson Pacheco reflected on her journey through the program and the supportive role of her mother, Gema Pacheco. She plans to pursue nursing at Dalton State College before potentially transferring to Emory University for a more advanced program.
The REACH program’s impact is evident in the lives of these students, providing them with the mentorship and resources necessary to achieve their dreams. As the ceremony concluded, the community celebrated not only the accomplishments of the new scholars but also the lasting legacy of the REACH program in shaping future leaders.
