These REACH Georgia Scholars and their families were recognized during the Rockdale County Board of Education meeting held January 15, 2026. In addition to RCPS Superintendent Shirley Chesser and school board members, RCPS Foundation board members, school leaders, counselors and academic coaches and family members attended in a show of community support.

“We are incredibly excited for the amazing opportunity our students have and for the strong community partnership that makes it possible,” said April Fallon, RCPS Director of Community and Student Support and RCPS REACH Georgia Coordinator. “REACH represents a meaningful investment in both our students and the future of our state by creating pathways for students who might otherwise be unable to pursue post-secondary education due to financial barriers. The continued support of the RCPS Foundation, along with the commitment of the community, our business partners and stakeholders, truly transforms these students’ lives.”

Beginning in the eighth grade and through high school, REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach. Scholars must maintain good grades, behavior and attendance. Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at any university or college in the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or eligible private post-secondary institution. The scholarship is in addition to
any other grant or scholarship the student receives.

This is the ninth cohort of the REACH Georgia program in RCPS. REACH Georgia Scholars are selected based on grades, behavior, and recommendations.

Kelsey Davis is described by her teachers as driven, intelligent, and consistently a hard worker. She participates in the pep club, FBLA, and has won trophies and awards for karate and softball while maintaining her status on the honor roll. She would like to attend Albany State University and study business.

Amber Kelly is involved with the National Junior Honor Society, advanced band and piano lessons. She is described as dedicated, disciplined, and believes she always has more room to grow as a person. She would like to attend the University of Georgia and eventually become a veterinarian.

Ava Smith practices how to be a leader in the community by serving others while taking charge. She is involved in multiple sports, a marching band program, serves at her church, and is also an award-winning writer from an essay competition. She is described as a kind, selfless person who is always willing to help others. She would like to attend school at Howard University, Yale University, or New York University to study psychology, law, or environmental science.

The program and scholarships are made possible by support from the RCPS Foundation, which takes the lead in fundraising for the program, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

The mission of REACH, which stands for “Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen,” is to ensure that Georgia’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school and college ready for a successful career.

For more information, please contact April Fallon at afallon@rockdale.k12.ga.us or visit the RCPS Foundation website at rcpsfoundation.com or the REACH Georgia website at reachga.org.

The Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation (RCPS Foundation) is proud to share the launch of the Georgia Alliance for Education Foundations and Partnerships (GAEFP), a new statewide collaboration created to strengthen education foundations and district partnership offices across Georgia in support of student success.

The alliance was officially announced on December 17, 2025, by members of the Metro Atlanta Partnership Group, a network of education foundations and district partnership leaders that has met monthly for several years. The RCPS Foundation has been an active participant in this work since the group’s early days, beginning around 2019, and we are honored to be part of the collaboration that helped shape this next statewide step.

As collaboration deepened among metro-area leaders, it became clear that the challenges and opportunities being discussed were shared across Georgia, not just in metro Atlanta. GAEFP expands that collaborative model statewide to connect communities, share best practices, and strengthen education foundations and district partnerships across the state.

GAEFP is collaborating with Rothman Solutions to expand professional learning, networking, and capacity-building opportunities for education foundation leaders and district partnership staff statewide. Rothman Solutions specializes in helping districts and communities launch, relaunch, and grow education foundations that are built to last. The firm is led by Gail Rothman, who brings more than 15 years of experience mentoring and leading education foundations and is co-author of Roadmap for Education Foundations: A Practical Guide to Building and Growing K–12 Support.

Statewide Learning Opportunities

As part of this collaboration, GAEFP will offer a statewide webinar series and host a Georgia convening for education foundation and district partnership leaders, creating opportunities for shared learning, connection, and collaboration across communities.

About the Georgia Alliance for Education Foundations and Partnerships

The Georgia Alliance for Education Foundations and Partnerships (GAEFP) mobilizes and strengthens the collective power of educational foundations and strategic school district partnerships across Georgia. GAEFP advances equitable and exceptional learning for every Georgia student by building collaborative networks, promoting evidence-based practices, and championing innovation in support of students, schools, educators, and communities.

Vision: A Georgia where every learner thrives — supported by strong, united educational foundations, innovative partnerships, and communities working together for student success.

To learn more and join the alliance, visit www.gaefp.org

Three 8th Grade Students Selected for Prestigious Scholarship and Mentorship Program

Rockdale County Public Schools and the RCPS Foundation are proud to announce the newest cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars for the 2025–2026 school year. This year’s honorees are:

• Kelsey Davis, Conyers Middle School

• Amber Kelly, Davis Middle School

• Ava Smith, Memorial Middle School

These outstanding students were selected based on their academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to success beyond high school. Each REACH Scholar will receive personalized mentorship and academic coaching throughout high school. Upon graduation, students who fulfill the program’s requirements will receive a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year for up to four years) toward their college or technical school education.

REACH Georgia (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) is a statewide program designed to provide both social and financial support to students as they pursue post-secondary success. Students are paired with a mentor and academic coach who guide them throughout high school, with regular check-ins to ensure they stay on track with their academic, attendance, and behavior goals.

The RCPS Foundation is proud to be a local sponsor of this program and donated $1,000 toward this year’s scholar cohort. Truist Bank also contributed a generous $2,000 to support these students’ journeys.

“REACH Georgia is more than a scholarship—it’s a support system that walks alongside our students as they chase their goals,” said [Foundation Representative or Superintendent]. “We are thrilled to invest in this opportunity and celebrate these three exceptional young people.”

A formal REACH Signing Ceremony will be held at an upcoming RCPS Board of Education meeting to recognize the students and their families.

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 REACH Georgia Scholars! We are proud to support your dreams today—and your future success tomorrow.

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching Across Rockdale County Public Schools

The Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation proudly congratulates Gretchen Gault of Lorraine Elementary School, who has been named the 2025 RCPS Teacher of the Year!

Ms. Gault was announced as the district winner at the RCPS Teacher of the Year Celebration held September 25, 2025, at Rockdale Career Academy. The annual event honors exceptional educators from every school across the district, and this year recognized 24 school-level Teachers of the Year for their passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students.

District finalists included:

• Latonya Saunders, Memorial Middle School

• Danyel Stancil, C.J. Hicks Elementary School

“These educators represent the very best of RCPS,” said [Superintendent or Foundation Chair]. “Their dedication, leadership, and love for teaching have an immeasurable impact on our students and schools. We’re honored to celebrate them.”

The RCPS Foundation was proud to sponsor this year’s Teacher of the Year celebration and support the recognition of educators who go above and beyond every day.

The celebration also included performances and support from talented student volunteers, RCPS staff, and community sponsors. Each Teacher of the Year was recognized for their unique contributions and received tokens of appreciation for their service.

Congratulations to Gretchen Gault and to all of the 2025 Teachers of the Year! The RCPS Foundation is proud to stand behind those who inspire excellence in every classroom.

We are proud to stand with you as champions of public education, and we’re already back at work—focused, energized, and ready to continue fueling opportunities that spark learning, celebrate achievement, and support the incredible people who make our schools shine.

This year, we’re dreaming even bigger. We have exciting plans in motion—from new scholarships and classroom grants to community initiatives and teacher recognition. Stay tuned for special announcements and upcoming events that will showcase the heart of Rockdale and the power of partnership.

As we begin this new school year, we invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re a returning donor, a new supporter, or simply someone who believes in the power of education, there’s a place for you in our mission.

Make a Donation Today and help us continue to do what we do best: investing in students, supporting educators, and building a brighter future for Rockdale County.

Together, we can make this year extraordinary.
We’re with you. We’re for you. We’re all in for Rockdale.

As the school year comes to a close, the Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation is proud to reflect on another impactful year of supporting students, educators, and school communities across Rockdale County.

Since our founding in 1988, the Foundation has worked hand-in-hand with the school district and community partners to enhance public education. This year, our efforts reached new heights through a range of programs, grants, and recognitions:

🔹 Staff Recognition: For the first time, the Foundation supported the district-wide presentation of Years of Service pins, honoring the dedication of RCPS staff members across all schools and departments.

🔹 Teacher of the Year Program: We proudly supported this annual celebration of excellence in education, recognizing outstanding teachers who go above and beyond in our classrooms.

🔹 Foundation Classroom Grants: In our 11th year of funding classroom innovation, we awarded 24 grants to educators bringing creative, student-centered projects to life.

🔹 REACH Georgia Scholarships: We welcomed the 8th cohort of REACH Scholars, awarding life-changing scholarships to four 8th-grade students as part of this powerful state initiative.

🔹 Senior Scholarships: We celebrated student achievement by awarding 11 Collins Family Scholarships, one Superintendent’s Scholarship, and our RCPS Foundation Scholarships to deserving graduates.

🔹 Leadership Support: The Foundation sponsored the popular coffee bar at the RCPS Leadership Summit, fueling conversations around leadership, happiness, and growth.

These initiatives are made possible by the generous support of our donors, sponsors, and community partners. As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission: to fund innovation, reward achievement, and advocate for public education in Rockdale County.

To join us in making a difference, visit rcpsfoundation.com to learn how you can donate, volunteer, or partner with us in the year ahead.

Here’s to another great year—and to an even brighter future. Looking forward to the 2025-2026 school year!

The Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025–2026 Foundation Grants—a powerful showcase of teacher-driven innovation and our ongoing commitment to supporting public education in Rockdale County.

This year, the Foundation awarded 23 grants totaling $22,652.00, funding projects that will impact students, community members and families across every level of our school system.

From robotics to Shakespeare, reading corners to digital photography labs, musical showcases to outdoor environmental art—this year’s projects exemplify the creativity and dedication of Rockdale County educators who continue to reimagine what’s possible in the classroom.

🌟 2025–2026 RCPS Foundation Grant Recipients:

To celebrate their incredible work, the Foundation will honor all grant recipients at a special breakfast event in August, when staff return from summer break. This gathering will serve as an opportunity to recognize their creativity and commitment in front of school leaders, peers, and district staff.

👏 Congratulations to all of our recipients—and a heartfelt thank you to the donors and community supporters who make these grants possible!

To help us fund future innovation in Rockdale County Public Schools, please consider donating at rcpsfoundation.com/donate.

The Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation proudly recognized Reverend Dr. Eric Wendel Lee, Sr. as the 2025 Champion of Education during its annual Champions of Education Gala held March 28 at Costley Mill Park. With over 130 guests in attendance, the evening celebrated community partnerships, educational innovation, and exceptional leadership in support of Rockdale County’s public schools.

Although unable to attend in person, Dr. Lee was honored through a moving video tribute and heartfelt remarks by his wife, First Lady Meik Lee, who accepted the award on his behalf. Several members of the Springfield Baptist Church congregation were also present, underscoring the deep roots of support and service cultivated under Dr. Lee’s leadership.

The Champion of Education award is presented annually to a community leader whose dedication, service, and advocacy make a transformative impact on public education. Dr. Lee was selected by unanimous vote of the RCPS Foundation Board for his visionary commitment to students, educators, and families across Rockdale and Newton counties.

“Through innovative advocacy and fearless support, Dr. Lee has helped remove barriers to student success and created meaningful opportunities for youth throughout our community,” said RCPS Foundation Board Chair Susan Paul Smith. “His work is a testament to the power of partnership, purpose, and faith in the next generation.”

As Senior Pastor of Springfield Baptist Church, Dr. Lee has championed public education through direct involvement, resource mobilization, and expansive programming. Under his leadership, the church has grown its annual scholarship program to award over $50,000 to graduating seniors and provides year-round support to schools through food distributions, special education ministries, teacher appreciation events, and more. Dr. Lee has served on advisory councils and boards supporting public schools and continues to advocate for inclusive, high-quality educational access for all.

The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Lee for his unwavering dedication to students and educators and to the broader community for making the 2025 Gala a resounding success.

“We were honored to celebrate a leader whose compassion and commitment uplift every child and every classroom,” said Tracy Knutsen, RCPS Foundation Administrator. “Dr. Lee’s legacy inspires us to continue building a future where every student has the chance to thrive.”

To learn more about the Foundation’s work or to support future initiatives, visit www.rcpsfoundation.com.

Four more Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) eighth grade students embarked on a life-changing journey as the district’s newest cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars –Tahii Lindsay of G.L. Edwards Middle School, Isaac Sneed of Gen. Ray Davis Middle School, Elisheba Sylvestre of Memorial Middle School, Emerson Uchechi of Gen. Ray Davis Middle School. Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon completion of the REACH Georgia program and high school graduation.

These REACH Georgia Scholars and their families were recognized during the Rockdale County Board of Education meeting held January 16, 2025. In addition to RCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts and school board members, RCPS Foundation board members, school leaders, counselors and academic coaches and family members attended in a show of community support. The program and scholarships are made possible by support from the RCPS Foundation, which takes the lead in fundraising for the program, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission. In addition, Truist Bank made a significant donation and will be providing a financial literacy training program designed specifically for RCPS REACH scholars. This is the eighth cohort of the REACH Georgia program in RCPS. REACH Georgia Scholars are selected based on grades, behavior, and recommendations.

“I am thrilled that our students have this opportunity and the community support that makes this possible,” said RCPS Director of Community and Student Support and RCPS REACH Georgia Coordinator April Fallon. “REACH is a strategic investment in our students and our state, opening doors for youth who may not have the opportunity to seek post-secondary education due to financial constraints. The on-going support of the RCPS Foundation and the engagement of our business partners and community are game-changers in the lives of these students.”

Beginning in the eighth grade and through high school, REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach. Scholars must maintain good grades, behavior and attendance. Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at any university or college in the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or eligible private post-secondary institution. The scholarship is in addition to any other grant or scholarship the student receives.

The mission of REACH, which stands for “Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen,” is to ensure that Georgia’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school and college ready for a successful career. For more information, please contact April Fallon at afallon@rockdale.k12.ga.us or visit the RCPS Foundation website at rcpsfoundation.com or the REACH Georgia website at reachga.org.

Both are current 8th graders who have been selected to be part of the REACH Georgia program and receive $10,000 upon successful completion of the program and graduation in five years. Students receive mentoring, tutoring, and more through the five-year program, which is made possible by the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the RCPS Foundation. Ta’Niyah and DeShon, their parents, and district administrators signed letters of commitment during an October 2018 ceremony attended by RCPS Foundation board members, RCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts, counselors and principals from CMS and DMS and the high schools the scholars will be attending – RCHS and HHS.

Round of applause for our scholars, families, and community!