Effingham County School District proudly recognized its 2025 REACH Scholarship recipients during a special signing ceremony held prior to the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, November 20. Students and their parents formally pledged their commitment to the REACH Scholarship program, affirming their dedication to academic success, positive behavior, and future educational goals.

REACH—Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen—is a needs-based scholarship program that begins in 8th grade and provides students with long-term academic support. Each scholar commits to maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA in core academic courses, demonstrating good attendance and behavior, and remaining drug- and alcohol-free throughout high school. Scholars are also paired with a mentor and an academic coach who guide and encourage them along their journey. Upon successful completion of the program, each student earns a $10,000 scholarship to use at a HOPE-eligible Georgia college or university.

To be selected for the REACH Georgia program, students must meet rigorous criteria, including financial need, strong academic performance, positive behavior, and demonstrated family support. Effingham County’s 2025 recipients were chosen at the start of their 8th-grade year and continue to exemplify commitment, leadership, and a promising future.

Congratulations to the 2025 REACH Scholars:

• Hadash Andrews, Effingham County Middle School

• Yatacey Singleton, Ebenezer Middle School

• Imani Spradley, Ebenezer Middle School

• Cadence Griem, South Effingham Middle School

• Bianca Ochoa, South Effingham Middle School

The district extends appreciation to this year’s REACH Scholarship sponsors, whose support makes these opportunities possible: Rotary Club of Effingham, Parent University of Effingham, Oglethorpe Power, and the Effingham REACH Georgia Scholar Interview Committee.

Effingham County School District celebrates these outstanding students and their families for their dedication and looks forward to the bright futures that await them.