Senior Celebrations News

     The Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., has honored more than 1,000 Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students in the Class of 2024 for their work in the classroom. Every year, the GCPS Foundation awards several one-time scholarships to graduating seniors, funded through the generosity of local businesses and organizations and contributions from charitable staff and community members. By the beginning of the fall semester, a total of 187 graduating seniors will have earned $211,050 in district and school-specific scholarships administered through the Foundation. The 2024-25 Scholarship Catalog will be released online in the fall of 2024. The following is a list of 2024 district scholarships awarded to students.

 

Akilah Bateman Music Scholarship ($500) Sponsored by the family and friends in memory of Akilah Bateman – This scholarship award is given to graduating seniors of Meadowcreek High School who have demonstrated proficiency in music with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study in the field of music. 

• Shirley (Dave) Gonzalez Matehuala  
   

Alton C. Crews Teaching Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – Since 2002, donations made in memory of Dr. Crews (GCPS superintendent, 1977–89) have funded this scholarship, awarded to GCPS seniors pursuing a teaching career. 

• Kayla Marie Benefield, Seckinger HS  
   

Beth Rihm Language Memorial Scholarship (up to $1,000) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – Scholarships are awarded to seniors who have demonstrated proficiency in a spoken foreign language and expressed a desire to deepen fluency through cultural immersion or extracurricular study. Established in 2015 by Rachel B. Mehravari, a Brookwood grad and former Rihm Language Memorial Scholarship recipient. 
 

• Alike Otero Ricalde, Brookwood HS
    

Beyond the Spectrum Scholarship ($500) Sponsored by the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Sigma Omicron Zeta Chapter of Gwinnett County – This scholarship provides support for deserving students who are bound for postsecondary education, are high school seniors, and who are currently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. 

• Keith Hargrove, Archer HS 
   

Beauty P. Baldwin Scholarship ($2,500) Co-sponsored by Upsilon Alpha Omega, the Gwinnett Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, and the GCPS Foundation – This scholarship is to be awarded to African American high school seniors to further their educational opportunities. 

• Malik Bailey, Archer HS 
• Jazira Brown, South Gwinnett HS  
• Mallory Evans, Archer HS 
• Jackson Kennedy, Seckinger HS  
• Khenya Robinson, Discovery HS  
• Kristine Spain, Shiloh HS 
• Kayla Ssendagire, Brookwood HS 
• Nia Danielle Thompson, Brookwood HS  
• Tyson Strong, North Gwinnett HS  
• Carter Watkins, Seckinger HS  
• Yomley Nti-Frempong, Lanier HS 
   

Brenden and Alex Elbaz Scholarship, Lanier ($1,000) Sponsored by the Brenden Elbaz Family – A one-time award in Brenden’s memory. The scholarship is to be awarded to a graduating senior(s) District-Wide. 

•   Alexis Ramirez-Trejo, Berkmar HS  
   

Celeste Norton Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship ($5,000) Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union ($2,500) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – This scholarship is awarded to GCPS seniors who demonstrate compassion, citizenship, and strong moral character in their local school or community. 

•  Lauren Simone Tisdale, Mill Creek HS 
   

Clara Barton Aspiring Nurse Scholarship ($1,000) Established by Shelli-Ann McKenzie in 2022 – This scholarship award is awarded to seniors who have been accepted into a 4-year nursing program.  

• Karen Diaz, Duluth HS  
• Ama Eyram Abigbli, Discovery HS 
   

Courtney S. Blair Outstanding Excellence in Athletics and Academics Scholarship ($2,000) – The Scholarship award goes to a senior(s) who are in the top 1% of his or her class and who letters in two or more varsity sports. 

• Katie Grace Larson, Dacula HS  
   

Courtney S. Blair Student Leadership Scholarship ($1,000) – This Scholarship award goes to a GCPS student leader who is in the top 5% of his or her class, who has overcome significant adversity and demonstrates financial need in attending the college of their choice. 

• Payal Roma Patel, Dacula HS 
   

Courtney S. Blair Outstanding Women in Business Scholarship ($1,000) – This Scholarship award goes to a female senior at Shiloh High School who is in the top 10% of her class who is interested in pursuing a career in Business or Entrepreneurship. 

• Kristine Marie Spain, Shiloh HS 
   

Deloris and Reid Mullins Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Reid Mullins Family – This award is presented to an Archer HS senior in honor of Deloris and Reid Mullins, former GCPS educators and long-time residents of Gwinnett County. 

• Rachel Slade, Archer HS  
   

Dr. Linda Williams Scholarship ($1,100) Sponsored by the friends and family of Dr. Linda Williams – This scholarship is awarded to the student who best exemplifies a dedication to pursuing a degree in teaching and to the principles and high professional standards of Dr. Linda Williams to honor her legacy of excellence in education. This one-time award is open to Grayson, Maxwell, and Meadowcreek students only. 

• Mauricea Felton, Grayson HS 
   

Edupoint CTAE Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Partner for Life Award from Edupoint Educational Systems – Established in 2023, the scholarship is presented to two GCPS graduating seniors with plans to pursue a technical field of study at an accredited technical school (e.g., TCSG). 

• Zion R. Plunkett, Central Gwinnett HS  
• Jazmin M. Ortega, Duluth HS   
   

GCPS Foundation Mathematics Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – Established in 2013, the scholarship is awarded to one or more GCPS seniors with plans to enroll in an undergraduate course of study in or related to mathematics.  

• Payal Roma Patel, Archer HS 
   

GCPS Foundation Multicultural Scholarship ($1,000) Co-sponsored by the Gwinnett Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Foundation – This scholarship is awarded to one or more seniors of Hispanic, African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, or other minority origin, who has demonstrated a commitment to community service. 

• Muhammad Rizwan, Seckinger HS  
   

GCPS Foundation STEM Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – This scholarship is awarded to one or more GCPS seniors who plans to enroll in a college course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. 

• Janice MacKenzie Powell, Archer HS  
• Adebomojo Oyinkansola, Brookwood HS
    

GCPS Science, Engineering, and Technology Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – In recognition of outstanding performance at the regional level, a one-time award of $1,000 is presented to GCPS senior(s) with plans to enroll full-time at the post-secondary level in a course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. 

• Rayna Chang, GSMST  
• William Hunter Susskind, Paul Duke STEM HS  
• Rohan Kumar, Paul Duke STEM HS  
   

Georgia Credit Union Young Leaders Foundation Scholarship ($2,000) Sponsored by Georgia United Credit Union Foundation in partnership with the GCPS Foundation – This award is presented to graduating females who have distinguished themselves as a community volunteer, entrepreneur, or school leader. 

• Kayla Benefield, Seckinger HS  
• Whitley Carraway, Grayson HS  
• Gabriela Casanova, Parkview HS 
• Praise Oladiti, Brookwood HS 
• Lauren Tisdale, Mill Creek HS  
   

Geri Flanary Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) – A one-time award open to a Duluth HS senior in honor of Geri Flanary, former GCPS educator. Requirements are financial need and serving the community to help the greater good. 

• Andrea Carolina Arroyo Peley, Duluth HS  
   

GIVE Center Scholarship ($500) – A one-time award to a current or former GIVE Center student who plans to attend a trade, technical, or collegiate institution. 

• Jenifer Escarate Rodriguez, GIVE Center West  
   

GIVE Center West "I Dare You" Scholarship ($500) – A one-time award to one GIVE Center West High School graduating senior who has a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4-point scale and who has positively improved their school record while enrolled at GIVE Center West. The ideal candidate is one who has become a role model and leader at GIVE Center West.   

• Analiyah Alyssa Smith, GIVE Center West  
• Jessica Yazmin Alvarez-Escobar, GIVE Center West  
   

GSMST STEM Outstanding Scholarship ($1,500) – This scholarship award goes to one or more GSMST graduating seniors that includes an essay describing "How has your GSMST experience influenced your future college and/or career goals?" and "What STEM activities, courses, and/or clubs had the greatest effect on your career development"? 

• Khadija Ayub, GSMST  
   

Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Scholarship ($500-$2,000) –This scholarship is sponsored by the Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for all Black/African American seniors who attend school in Gwinnett County (excluding high schools in Centerville, Snellville, and Loganville). 

• Yomley Nti-Frempong, Lanier HS $500  
• Joshua Were, Collins Hill HS $1,500 
• Bryce Thornton, Archer HS $2,000  
   

Hope McKenzie Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the McKenzie Family – A one-time award presented to a graduating senior excelling in the arts at Grayson High School.   

• Harrison Repak, Grayson HS 
   

J. Alvin Wilbanks Teaching Scholarship ($5,000) Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union – Established in 2007 in honor of CEO/Superintendent Wilbanks’ more than four decades of service to public education, and in recognition of his leadership in guiding the district to state and national prominence, this scholarship is awarded to seniors pursuing a career in education. 

• Nia Danielle Thompson, Brookwood HS  
   

Jason Appling Tech Ed Service Scholarship Sponsored by the Collins Hill High School Cluster Foundation – This scholarship award is for Collins Hill graduating seniors only. 

• Aiden Cochling, Collins Hill HS   
   

Jim Maran STEM Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – Established in 2013 and named in honor of the longtime Gwinnett Chamber president, this award is for a senior who plans to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.   

• Praise Oladiti, Brookwood HS 
   

Jody Reeves Career & Tech Ed Scholarship ($1,050-$2,500) Sponsored by The Career and Technical Education Department – (CTE) Student of the Year Banquet is an annual, district-wide event that recognizes the top CTE students in Gwinnett County. Students must submit an application along with a resume and essay, and a panel of judges will interview students. The top three students will receive the Jody Reeves CTE Scholarship. 

• Overall Winner ($2500) – Amy Filipone, North Gwinnett HS  
• 1^st Runner Up ($1500) – Laura Call Gomez, Grayson HS Tech Ed  
• 2^nd Runner Up ($1050) – William Susskind, Paul Duke STEM HS  
   

Joe Abraham Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Abraham Family – This scholarship is awarded in memory of their son, Joe Abraham, who passed away at the young age of 19 due to fentanyl poisoning. The ideal candidate is one who has overcome obstacles and a path to success has been found. They will also be attending a two-or four-year college, or accredited technical school. 

•   Ava Madison Belflower, North Gwinnett HS 
   

Judy Patterson Legacy Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Judy Patterson Family – This scholarship award is given in honor of community volunteer Judy Barrow Patterson presented to an Archer High School senior who has demonstrated service to others, leadership ability, and good character.  

• Malik Bailey, Archer HS 
   

 Kerensa Wing Principles of Service Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Collins Hill Education Foundation – This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior at Collins Hill High School who wants to give back to the community by going to a post-secondary school in a service field (teacher, police, fire fighter, etc.). 

• Brownetta Samukai, Collins Hill HS  
   

Louise Radloff Scholarship ($5,000) Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union – This scholarship recognizes one Gwinnett County senior who has overcome a significant personal challenge in order to graduate. This fund was established in 2004 in honor of four decades of service by former Gwinnett County Board of Education member Louise Radloff. 

• Chelsea Nguyen, Mill Creek HS  
   

Mark A. Herndon Mathematics, Science, Technology Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Mark Herndon Family – This scholarship is awarded to a GCPS senior with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study in mathematics, science, or technology preferably at (but not limited to) the University of Georgia.  

• Nayan Revankar, Duluth HS  
   

Outstanding Senior Athlete Foundation Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office for this scholarship describing how athletics have impacted their lives and how their participation in athletics will affect their life as a college student and beyond and be involved in community service. 

• Joshua Hernandez, Meadowcreek HS  
• Christopher Carrera Hernandez, Berkmar HS  
• J’Myya Williams, Meadowcreek HS  
• Aziyah Durant, Duluth HS  
   

Outstanding Senior Athlete PlayOn Sponsored Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office for this scholarship describing how athletics have impacted their lives and how their participation in athletics will affect their life as a college student and beyond and be involved in community service. 

• Candace White, Shiloh HS  
• Brandon Woolfolk, Archer HS  
   

Outstanding Senior Athlete Northside Orthopedic Institute Sponsored Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office for this scholarship describing how athletics have impacted their lives and how their participation in athletics will affect their life as a college student and beyond and be involved in community service. 

• Kate Phelan, Brookwood HS  
• Samantha Fadely, Lanier HS  
• Carter Dehnke, Brookwood HS  
• Cade Brown, Parkview HS  
   

Outstanding Senior Athlete Georgia Swarm Sponsored Scholarship ($1,000) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office for this scholarship describing how athletics have impacted their lives and how their participation in athletics will affect their life as a college student and beyond and be involved in community service. 

• Emma Clifford, Seckinger HS 
   

Outstanding Senior Athlete Scholastic Images Sponsored Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office for this scholarship describing how athletics have impacted their lives and how their participation in athletics will affect their life as a college student and beyond and be involved in community service. 

• Kenya Perry, Central Gwinnett HS  
   

Outstanding Senior Athlete Coca Cola Sponsored Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office for this scholarship describing how athletics have impacted their lives and how their participation in athletics will affect their life as a college student and beyond and be involved in community service. 

• Megan Connor, Mountain View HS  
• Tahia Morgan, Lanier HS  
   

Outstanding Senior Athlete Shuma, Robby Hunter Sponsored Scholarship ($1,000) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office for this scholarship describing how athletics have impacted their lives and how their participation in athletics will affect their life as a college student and beyond and be involved in community service. 

• Darren Coleman, Central Gwinnett HS
   

Peach State FCU Dr. Frances Davis Legacy Scholarship ($3,000) Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union –This scholarship is in honor of Dr. Frances Davis, a former Associate Superintendent of District Performance and Community Engagement at Gwinnett County Public Schools, for more than two decades of service on PSFCU’s Board of Directors. Awarded to one Gwinnett County Public Schools graduating senior pursuing a degree in education.  

• Arely Rodriguez, Berkmar HS 
   

Peach State FCU Rick Cost Student Scholarship ($3,000) Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union – This scholarship is in honor of Rick Cost, retired Chief Financial Officer at Gwinnett County Public Schools, for his contributions to the Gwinnett County school system. Awarded to one Gwinnett County Public Schools graduating senior pursuing a degree in education.  

• Paola Munoz, Central Gwinnett HS
   

Peach State Legacy Student Scholarships ($5,000) Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union – This scholarship honors past and present board members and employees who have served PSFCU for 20 years or more. This scholarship is awarded to seniors pursuing a degree in education.  

• Margaret Robinson, North Gwinnett HS 
   

Pearls of Excellence Scholarship ($500 and up) Sponsored by the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Sigma Omicron Zeta Chapter of Gwinnett County – This scholarship award is presented to deserving young ladies that are bound for post-secondary education who exemplifies the founding principles of the sorority. 

• Masjra Ljam, Shiloh HS  
• Simrah Qaddus, Brookwood HS  
• Kayla Ssendagire, Brookwood HS 
• Nia Danielle Thompson, Brookwood HS  
• Brieajah Grimes, Parkview HS   
   

Reid Mullins Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Reid Mullins Family – This scholarship award is presented to one or more seniors from South Gwinnett HS in honor of Reid Mullins, Gwinnett’s first middle school principal. 

• Adrian (AJ) Pigford, South Gwinnett HS  
   

Rev. In Soo Jung Scholarship I ($1,000) Sponsored by the Rev. In Soo Jung Family – This scholarship is for a GCPS senior, with priority given to Asian Christian males, who has plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study.   

• Christine Le, Central Gwinnett HS 
   

Rev. In Soo Jung Scholarship II ($1,000) Sponsored by the Rev. In Soo Jung Family – This scholarship is for a GCPS senior, with priority given to applicants with financial need, of the Christian faith, and who were raised by a single mom.   

• Adam Conner, Mill Creek HS  
   

The Spirit of Phoenix Scholarship ($1,000) – This is a one-time award of $1,000 in honor of Robert L. Campbell. The faculty of Phoenix High School will select the winner. One or more recipients may be named. 

• Emily Amandla Clarke, Phoenix HS
    

Susan D. Headley Scholarship ($500) – This scholarship is for a student who exhibits good character, a love of learning, a desire to further his or her education, and is eligible for post-secondary education. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors of Archer High School only. 

• Anisha Dieujuste, Archer HS  
   

Sweetwater Scholarship ($500) – This scholarship is offered to Berkmar HS seniors who attended Sweetwater MS and plan to attend college in the fall. The purpose of the SMS Scholarship is to raise college awareness at SMS, affect the graduation rate at Berkmar HS, increase the vertical work between the schools, rally community support, and assist deserving students with financial need. 

• Zoey Harvin, Berkmar HS 
   

Teaching as a Profession Scholarship ($500 - $1,000) Co-sponsored by the GCPS Foundation and Georgia United Credit Union – This scholarship is awarded to seniors enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Teaching as a Profession programs who are planning to pursue education degrees in college. 

• Tierra Arreaill Maclin, Berkmar HS  
• Riley Jacob Knapp, Brookwood HS  
• Kayla Nicole Hartzell, Grayson HS  
• Milene Isabella Trinidad-Gomez, Mountain View HS  
• Brendan Patrick Colavecchio, North Gwinnett HS  
   

The Brendan and Alex Elbaz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by Mother Joy Crowe –This scholarship award is in memory of Brenden Elbaz who passed from a drug overdose in 2011, and Alex Elbaz who lost his life to Fentanyl poisoning in 2020. Brenden and Alex were loved immensely by their family, friends and all those that knew them. They both encountered personal challenges which they battled to overcome, and each will be remembered in that spirit.  

• Alexis Ramirez-Trejo, Berkmar HS   
   

The Sower’s Scholarship ($2,500) Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Lockett – This scholarship is awarded to participants in the Community-Based Mentoring Program who have distinguished themselves through their character, leadership, as an example for others, and will attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

• Amir Solomon, South Gwinnett HS  
   

UES Robbie Susan Moore ($2,000) Sponsored by United Ebony Society of Gwinnett – Founded in 2011 to honor the community service of Robbie Susan Moore, this scholarship recognizes college-bound seniors dedicated to serving the community. 

• Kayla Nicole Favor Ssendagire, Brookwood HS