Reach for Excellence's 7th QuestBridge Scholar! Anya Bibbs, Reach for Excellence Cohort 2017 O, has been named a QuestBridge Scholar and will attend Yale University after graduating from Shiloh High School in 2021. Anya is Reach for Excellence's 7th QuestBridge Scholar and the third Reach grad to attend Yale.
Melissa Ballin-Cardona becomes Reach's 6th QuestBridge Scholar Melissa Ballin-Cardona (Cohort 2017 O, Galloway School ‘21) has received the prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship and will attend Macalester College in 2021. QuestBridge connects the nation's brightest students with limited financial resources with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities. QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation's best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself. Melissa is the 6th Reach for Excellence graduate to become a QuestBridge Scholar and one of several to attend Macalester College in Minneapolis, MN. You can read more about QuestBridge here: [...]
Rachel Wong, Cohort 2011 I Tell us your name and what years you were enrolled in Reach for Excellence… Rachel Wong, Cohort I - class of 2011 Tell us the story about how you came to Reach for Excellence… I heard about Reach from a teacher back when I was in sixth grade at International Community School. School back then was too easy for me, so my mom and I thought Reach would a good opportunity for me and a productive way to spend summer breaks. What memories from the program stand out to you? Two things [...]
New 6th Graders begin their Reach Journey Our new Cohort of 6th Grade Scholars has begun their studies with Reach for Excellence. Most years, students are recommended by their teachers to apply for the Reach for Excellence program during the Spring of their 5th-grade year. In March, school closures delayed the usual application process but did not prevent us from receiving applications from gifted and dedicated young people. Cohort 2023 U (Reach for Excellence Cohorts have been identified alphabetically since 2003) includes students from Atlanta, Clarkston, Chamblee, Doraville, Lithonia, [...]
Jessica Melgarejo Devins, Cohort 2008 F Tell us the story about how you came to Reach for Excellence… My catechism teacher recommended me to the program through my childhood church (Holy Cross Catholic Church). I applied and was lucky enough to be selected. What memories from Reach for Excellence stand out to you? I remember the friends I made, some of whom I still keep in touch with. I remember the trips to several schools and universities, especially UGA. These trips instilled a desire in me to attend these schools. Without these trips and this attention, I [...]
Debra Hood-Booker named Teacher of the Month Congrats to veteran Reach for Excellence teacher Debra Hood-Booker for being named Teacher of the Month, representing St. Peter Claver in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Debra is currently the Administrative Assistant, Art Teacher, and Director of the Extended Day Program at St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School. Debra is a fantastic resource for Reach for Excellence students. She teaches Art, Algebra, and SSAT prep, but her extensive civic service experience makes her a unique source of wisdom and guidance. She has worked as an AmeriCorps NCCC and AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer and [...]
Sean Allen, Cohort 2013 K Sean Allen, Cohort 2013 K, attended Westlake Math & Science Magnet High School graduating in 2017. He is now at Georgia State University as a member of the Class of 2021. Sean is a Finance Major at GSU’s Robinson College of Business Administration and was recently named to the Summer 2020 President’s List. "I always reflect back on my experience as a REACH scholar and how that changed my outlook on learning and achievement. I remember [Mrs. Dessables] asking me about my future educational plans and to be honest as an 11 [...]
Sheronda Hardy How long have you taught with Reach for Excellence? I have taught with Reach for Excellence for 13 years. It doesn’t seem like that long because really it is fun, moreover in the summer! Over the course of this time, I have had some of my BEST teaching experiences. Also, within these thirteen years, I have seen the program evolve. Every year it gets better and better. What do you teach? I teach 8th grade Georgia Studies. I LOVE it! Teaching Georgia Studies to my favorite level of students, middle school, is so rewarding. It is during [...]
Reach for Excellence adapts to serve students Like all educational institutions, Reach for Excellence pivoted to continue providing service during COVID-19. We know that the need for academic and social engagement has never been greater, especially for students from families who lack financial resources and attend school in low-income neighborhoods. We remained committed to providing our academic enrichment program despite the challenges. Reach teachers are certified educators, serving in public and private schools throughout the metro Atlanta area. We benefited from their experience with online learning at the onset of school closures [...]
Genie Arcila, Cohort 2006 D Tell us the story about how you came to Reach for Excellence… I enrolled in Reach for Eexcellence because my brother was already in the program after a teacher had recommended him for it. What memories from Reach for Excellence stand out to you? I remember when RFE took us on college tours. I had always heard about the idea of college and people believed that it was in my future. But as a person of color, I didn't see myself at school or in my teachers. When I went on the [...]
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