Only 216 high school seniors around the state earned the rank of 2022 Georgia Scholar, and Thomas County Central High School has three of them. These students are Jack Cantrell, Koda Copeland, and John Adam Singleton.
The Georgia Department of Education Office of Communications organizes the Georgia Scholar program in partnership with local coordinators. It recognizes excellence in school and community life.
“Being named a Georgia Scholar signifies a commitment to excellence,” TCCHS Assistant Principal Dr. Erin Rehberg said. “We are very proud that John Adam, Koda and Jack met and exceeded all of the requirements to earn this honor. These students have not only worked hard to gain academic distinction, but they have also found ways to give back to their community. I am thankful the Georgia Department of Education recognizes the importance of highlighting the hard work of our high-achieving students.”
Koda Copeland was pleasantly surprised to earn the prestigious honor.
“I am very honored to be named a Georgia Scholar, as this recognition highlights my academic ability to institutions offering scholarships and honors my academic achievements to my friends and family,” he said.
John Adam Singleton feels grateful for his selection.
“Being selected demonstrates the rewards of years of hard work in high school, and it motivates me to do well in college,” he said.
Jack Cantrell expressed excitement about receiving the recognition.
“It is a big honor, and it validates all the hard work I have done over my time at this school,” he said.
According to the program’s official website, students must meet specific criteria to become Georgia Scholars. These requirements include academic items such as total Carnegie Units earned in specific subjects/classes, SAT or ACT score (minimum of 1360 for SAT and 31 for ACT, each in one sitting) and non-weighted grade point average (3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale).
Georgia Scholars convey self-esteem and concern for others daily. Honorees must successfully participate in at least three unique competitive interscholastic activities, serve in appointed/elected leadership positions in a minimum of two different school-sponsored organizations, and show leadership in at least two separate organizations outside of school where they also serve in an elected/appointed leadership position in at least one of them.
“I met these standards not only through achieving the academic requirements and an SAT score within the desired range but through my leadership experiences and influence on my community,” Copeland said. “My unique opportunities through my extracurricular activities and community involvement made my application stand out from others, as my leadership opportunities within my martial arts school served to distinguish my experiences from other applications.”
Cantrell believes his efforts in his academics and service hours stood out.
“My service as a tutor is something that sets me apart because it takes a lot of time and patience,” he said.
Singleton feels his ACT score and cumulative GPA highlight his dedication to learning.
“That coupled with my interest in playing piano for my community and helping to keep Thomasville clean sets me apart from my peers,” he said.
There is no monetary award, but Georgia Scholars receive a special seal for their diploma.
This fall, Copeland plans to attend the University of Georgia, where he intends to major in biochemistry and minor in philosophy. His ultimate goal is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Auburn University is Singleton’s college choice, where he seeks to graduate with a bachelor’s in building science with a concentration in business administration. He intends to work in high-end commercial construction management.
Cantrell will attend Troy University, where he plans to major in sports management.
“I want to have a job in college football recruiting and hopefully get my doctorate so I can teach when I have a family of my own,” he said.