Three 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 – Kelsey Davis of Conyers Middle School, Amber Kelly of Gen. Ray Davis Middle School, Ava Smith of Memorial 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 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.