Five Cherokee County Eighth Graders Named REACH Georgia Scholars

<p><em>Woodstock Community News| Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>Five Cherokee County School District eighth graders have secured a path to higher education after being selected for the 2025-26 REACH Georgia scholarship program, officials announced Thursday. The students were recognized at a signing day reception on Dec. 11, followed by a formal presentation to the School Board.</p><p>The newly inducted scholars are Giselle Altamirano Martinez of Creekland Middle School, Alberto Ernesto of Dean Rusk Middle School, Akira Hargraves of E.T. Booth Middle School, Teagan Banks of Freedom Middle School, and Luke Clark of Mill Creek Middle School. This marks the district's fourth year participating in the program, which is sponsored locally by the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF).</p><p>REACH Georgia identifies rising eighth-grade students with academic promise and provides them with the support necessary to graduate high school and complete college. Scholars who successfully meet the program’s requirements can receive up to $10,000 in scholarship funds to attend a HOPE-eligible university or technical college in Georgia.</p><p>To maintain eligibility for the funds, the students must adhere to strict expectations regarding academic achievement, attendance, and behavior. Additionally, they are required to participate in academic coaching and mentorship meetings throughout their high school years.</p>