The Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., has honored more than 160 Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students in the Class of 2023 for their work in the classroom. Every year, the GCPS Foundation awards a number of one-time scholarships to graduating seniors, funded through the generosity of local businesses and organizations and contributions from charitable staff and community members. A total of 161 graduating seniors earned $179,500 in district and school-specific scholarships administered through the Foundation, including several one-time awards. The 2023-24 Scholarship Catalog will be released online in the fall of 2023. The following is a list of 2023 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.
- Lindsay Flores, Meadowcreek HS
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.
- Stephanie Aguirre, Paul Duke STEM HS
Atlanta Gladiators AIM HIGH Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Atlanta Gladiators – This scholarship award is presented to a senior with a desire to pursue a profession in sports medicine, sports management, event planning, or a related career.
- Michael John Lotz, Grayson HS
Beth Rihm Language Memorial Scholarship (up to $1,000) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – Scholarships are awarded to seniors who have demonstrated a 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 graduate and former Rihm Language Memorial Scholarship recipient.
- Maybeline Cajamarca, 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 a high school senior, and who is currently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
- Isaac Thomas, Collins Hill HS
- Logan Vladick, Duluth HS
Beauty P. Baldwin Scholarship ($1,000) 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.
- Hannah Bryson, Parkview HS
- Jadyn Hamer, Shiloh HS
- Jocelyn May, Dacula HS
- John Fluker, Parkview HS
- Kaelyn Young, Archer HS
- Kayla Minto, Grayson HS
- Kirsten Wright, Mill Creek HS
- Peyton Dukes, Grayson HS
- Sydney Idleburg, Peachtree Ridge HS
- Taylor Hancock, Mountain View HS
- Tyler Scott, Mountain View HS
- Verner Wilson III, Mill Creek 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.
- Kanza Hajira Siddiqui, Collins Hill HS
Brothers Making Moves LLC Scholarship, Lanier ($1,000) – This scholarship is awarded to a senior at Lanier High School, who is the first in their family to attend college and has a 2.5 GPA, and has applied to a two-year college, technical college, or four-year college or university. This scholarship was formed to provide support to students who are the first generation in their family to attend college.
- MC Zaman, Lanier HS
- Rodeline Philippe, Lanier HS
Celeste Norton Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship ($5,000) Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union and ($2,500) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – This scholarship is awarded to GCPS seniors who demonstrate compassion, citizenship, and strong moral character in his/her local school or community.
- Amari D’von Currie, Dacula HS, PSFCU winner
- Sahana Parekh, Paul Duke STEM HS, GCPS Foundation winner
Clara Barton Aspiring Nurse Scholarship ($500-$1,000) Established by Shelli-Ann McKenzie in 2022 – This scholarship is awarded to seniors who have been accepted into a four-year nursing program. One graduating student is recognized from Dacula and Mountain View High Schools.
- Ansley Brandon, Mountain View HS
- Ella Durden, Dacula HS
Courtney S. Blair Outstanding Excellence in Athletics and Academics Scholarship ($1,000) – The scholarship award goes to a senior(s) achieving in the top 1% of his or her class who earn athletic letters in two or more varsity sports.
- Kyra Andrews, Norcross 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.
- Verner Wilson, Mill Creek 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.
- Tyler Callaway, Archer HS
- Kate Hunter, 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.
- Celeste Garcia, Maxwell HS
- Kariss Ramsour, Grayson HS
Dr. Janice L. Calkins Speech Language Pathology Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by Dr. Calkins, retired director of Speech Language Pathology in GCPS – This award is for seniors who will pursue a degree in speech language pathology from a college or university accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
- Brooke Meltzer, Mill Creek HS
Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan Scholarship for the Arts ($1,000) Sponsored by Gwinnett County District V Board Member Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan – This scholarship award is given to college-bound graduating seniors districtwide with an emphasis on participation in the arts (painting, graphic design, illustration, sculpture, literature, film, music, dance, theater, poetry, photography, and/or fashion).
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).
- Andrew Perdomo Montealegre, Berkmar HS
- Cody Wolterstorff, Grayson 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.
- Neha Dossani, GSMST
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.
- Shirley Patricia Licona-Barrantes, McClure Health Science HS
GCPS Foundation STEM Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by the GCPS Foundation – This scholarship is awarded to one or more GCPS seniors who plan to enroll in a college course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Farhan Baig, Brookwood HS
- Angela Zhang, GSMST
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 postsecondary level in a course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Eesh Trivedi, GSMST
- Jane Yoo, Peachtree Ridge 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.
- Chloe Carmen Brown, South Gwinnett HS
- Han Doan Ngoc Nguyen, Brookwood 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.
- Tiana Duong, 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.
- Kassandra Andaya, GIVE West
GIVE Center West “I Dare You” Scholarship ($500) – A one-time award to one GIVE 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 West. The ideal candidate is one who has become a role model and leader at GIVE West.
- William Gavarrete Mejia, GIVE 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?”
- Angela Zhang, GSMST
Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Scholarship – 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).
- Chielotam Akabueze, Mountain View HS
Gwinnett County Retired Educators Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by GREA – A one-time award to one or more seniors attending Georgia Gwinnett College majoring in education who is recommended by the Education Department at GGC.
- Katherine Knoedler, Norcross HS
- Brooke Meltzer, Mill Creek HS
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.
- Micai Thornton, 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.
- Evelyn Jimenez-Chavez, McClure Health Science HS
Jason Appling Tech Ed Service Scholarship ($2,000) Sponsored by the Collins Hill High School Cluster Foundation – This scholarship award is for Collins Hill graduating seniors only.
- Hailey White, 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.
- Amav Gupta, Paul Duke STEM HS
Jody Reeves Career & Tech Ed Scholarship 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 Abigail Donkor ($1500), Paul Duke STEM HS
- 1st Runner Up Rama Esrawee ($1000), Duluth HS
- 2nd Runner Up Alejandra Castro-Orejuela ($750), Meadowcreek HS
Joe Abraham Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Abraham Family – This 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.
- Zitlalli Figueroa, Paul Duke STEM HS
- A’Liyah Foster, Lanier HS
- Antonio Rodriguez, Parkview HS
- Clifford Chippy, Dacula HS
- Smantha Marksberry, North Gwinnett HS
- Kaydence Ashby, Grayson HS
- Lainey Pylant, Mountain View HS
Joel Alan Rutledge Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by family and friends of Joel Alan Rutledge in his memory – This scholarship award is for South Gwinnett High School students only.
- Ansar Fahmi Osman, South Gwinnett HS
Joyce Ann Walters Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by family and friends of Joyce Ann Walters – This scholarship award is for graduating seniors with plans to enter the teaching profession.
- Ria Nicole Velasco, North Gwinnett HS
- Rachel Everett, 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.
- Amanda Robinson, 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.).
- Wyatt Dasher, 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.
- Evelyn Jimenez-Chavez, McClure Health Science HS
Macy’s Gives Scholarship Sponsored by Macys Inc. and Bloomingdales – Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s focus on empowering youth to create a brighter future through education, mentoring, mental health, emotional wellbeing, and environmental stewardship. Scholarship recipients are seniors who consistently and meaningfully contribute to all challenges to emerge as leaders in society.
- Juliana Puga, ($1,000) Lanier HS
- Denzel Osei, ($500) Lanier HS
- Adriana Mendez, ($500) Lanier 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.
- Beau Blackman, North Gwinnett HS
Outstanding Senior Athlete Foundation Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office 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.
- Aniyah Collier, Archer HS
- Kimberly Meraz Fuentes, Meadowcreek HS
- Sean Kimani, Duluth HS
- John Dutton, Peachtree Ridge HS
Outstanding Senior Athlete GoFan Sponsored Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office 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.
- Lauren Brister, Parkview HS
- Alan Medina, Shiloh HS
Outstanding Senior Athlete Northside Sponsored Scholarship ($1,000) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office 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.
- Oluwadamilola Odubola, Central Gwinnett HS
- Demilade Maclean, Discovery HS
Outstanding Senior Athlete Scholastic Images Sponsored Scholarship ($500) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office 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.
- Jordan Vang, Meadow Creek HS
Outstanding Senior Athlete Shuma, Robby Hunter Sponsored Scholarship ($1,000) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office 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.
- Bryce Dopson, Brookwood HS
Outstanding Senior Athlete Swarm Sponsored Scholarship ($1,000) – Recipients of this scholarship must submit an application to the district athletic office 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.
- Alexis Wright, Lanier 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 School graduating senior pursuing a degree in education.
- Meghana Kottapalli, Discovery 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.
- Riley Faith Stewart, Archer 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.
- Beck Richards, Archer HS
- Dylan Clearfield, Norcross 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 postsecondary education who exemplify the founding principles of the sorority.
- Maci Kardatzke, Brookwood HS
- Akili Smith, Parkview HS
- Kaelyn Young, Archer HS
- Kayleen Umana Guzman, Duluth HS
- Lauren Taylor, North Gwinnett 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.
- Robel Abesolom, South Gwinnett HS
- Grace Kouassi, 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.
- Eun Gil, GSMST
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.
- Lena Towne, North Gwinnett 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.
- Riley Faith Stewart, 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.
- Anita Philip, Berkmar HS
- Heishlyn Fuentes, 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.
- Josephine Kate Vasilco, North Gwinnett HS
- Corryn Elizabeth Heath, North Gwinnett HS
- Emma Saraii Acosta, Collins Hill HS
- Ashley Chung, North Gwinnett HS
- Morgan Lemmings, North Gwinnett HS
The Jason Appling Technical Education Service Scholarship ($2,000) – Sponsored by the Collins Hill HS Cluster Foundation - Mr. Appling was an avid supporter of technical programs that allowed students to begin careers without a traditional 4-year college degree. In honor of his commitment to service and to students desiring a career in a technical field.
- Hailey White, Collins Hill 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, and as an example for others, and will attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
- Isaiah Miller, Archer 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.
- Justyn Thompson, Parkview HS