Three Thomas County Central High School seniors have been named Georgia Scholars by the Georgia Department of Education.
Celia “C’lee” Kornegay, Hailey Ferrel and Sierra Stephens received word of their recognition the week of April 23. The trio says they were approached by TCCHS Assistant Principal Dr. James Rehberg about applying for the distinction.
“He suggested applying for it,” Hailey Ferrel said. “Dr. Rehberg said the most deserving earned this recognition, so I am honored. This recognition benefits me through giving me more confidence in myself.”
The application, open to high school seniors, required academic information such as grade point average and standardized test scores but also components like leadership and community service involvement and teacher recommendation.
Sierra Stephens applied both as a challenge to herself and to put her hard work throughout high school to the test.
“Being named a Georgia Scholar proves part of the culmination of all my diligent work in both academics and the community over the last four years and shows that all the extra effort it takes to be at the top is worth it,” she says. “As I move into the next phase of my education, I believe this honor will distinguish me and show how seriously I take both learning and being part of the community.”
C’lee Kornegay applied because she thought it would be a nice achievement to receive.
“Receiving this scholar shows that I am a hardworking student, not just inside of the classroom but also in outside activities and community service,” Kornegay said. “I am honored to have received this title.”
The Georgia Scholars program is handled by the GaDOE’s Excellence Recognition Office and local coordinators in public and private schools throughout the state. According to the GaDOE website, students recognized as Georgia Scholars have carried exemplary course loads and performed superbly in all classes throughout their four years of high school. They also effectively participated in interscholastic events at school and in their community and assumed dynamic roles in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.?
"I'm most impressed with the fact that in the southwest Georgia region, TCCHS matched or surpassed many larger schools in our area with three Georgia Scholars,” assistant principal James Rehberg said. “It demonstrates the awesome qualities of our students and highlights the high academic standards and community involvement our system is proud to offer. When you have three students receive a recognition less than 200 students received statewide, it's something the entire system can be proud of, from the teachers at Hand-In-Hand [Primary School] to the instructors at the high school.”