Dalton Public Schools -

Dalton, Ga.— Dalton Public Schools celebrated its 2025 cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars during an official signing ceremony held today at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center. Students, families, educators, mentors, sponsors, and special guest Senator Chuck Payne gathered to recognize the achievements and future potential of this year’s scholars.

Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft opened the ceremony by extending a warm welcome to all in attendance and expressing deep pride in the scholars’ achievements. He praised their dedication and thanked the families, teachers, and mentors who have supported them along the way.

“Today, we celebrate your hard work, your bright futures, and the incredible potential we see in each of you,” Craft shared. “This program reminds us that education has the power to transform lives.” He then introduced Assistant Superintendent of Schools Lauri Johnson, who continued the celebration.

Johnson welcomed guests with enthusiasm and expressed gratitude to the sponsors who make the REACH program possible, recognizing Mark and Laura Orr, Brad Norris, and Harrison Stafford of Georgia United Credit Union. She also acknowledged Senator Chuck Payne for attending and supporting the district’s commitment to student success. Johnson explained the mission of REACH—Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen—emphasizing the rigorous selection process and the district’s dedication to mentoring, job-shadowing opportunities, and college readiness experiences. She noted that this year’s pool of applicants was exceptional, making the selection of five scholars both challenging and inspiring.

Deputy Superintendent Nick Sun delivered remarks honoring both the new scholars and this year’s REACH Scholar graduates. Sun described the REACH Scholarship as a statewide initiative designed to increase graduation rates, expand access to higher education, and develop future leaders through academic support, mentorship, and substantial financial assistance. He praised the graduates—Valeria Alvarez, Jasmin Gonzalez, Allyson Lugo Pacheco, Janet Montoya, Gabriela Ruelas, and Donaji Pacheco—for their resilience and achievements, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence as they begin their postsecondary journeys.

Dalton Junior High School Principal Mr. Spencer Gazaway shared the many opportunities available to REACH Scholars, including mentorship, academic coaching, and meaningful parent engagement. He explained that each scholar will receive sustained support from teachers and Academic Coach Ms. Lauren Watkins over the next five years, ensuring they have every resource needed to thrive. Gazaway also highlighted the transformational impact of the $10,000 scholarship awarded upon program completion, expressing gratitude once more to the donors and partners whose generosity fuels the program’s success.

Counselor and REACH Coordinator Ms. Lauren Watkins then introduced the 2025 REACH Scholars with genuine pride and admiration. Each scholar—Andrea Avila Martinez, Brycen Godfrey, Kyle Myres, Evelyn Navarro, and Josslyn Rickett—was recognized for exceptional academic achievement, leadership, character, and future aspirations. As their stories were shared, the audience celebrated their commitment to learning and their determination to achieve their goals. Scholars and parents then affirmed their dedication to the program during the official contract signing, marking an inspiring moment of unity, hope, and new beginnings.

Following the signing, Watkins congratulated the scholars and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. “Set your goals high, work hard, and never give up,” she told them. “Your community believes in you, supports you, and celebrates all that you are becoming. It is all within REACH.”

The ceremony concluded with an invitation from Principal Gazaway for families, scholars, sponsors, and mentors to participate in commemorative photos. Guests enjoyed a gallery walk highlighting each scholar’s accomplishments and were welcomed to a reception celebrating the hard work and dedication of Dalton Public Schools’ newest REACH Scholars. 

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