What’s Right With Our Schools: Rossville Middle School Reach

ROSSVILLE, GA (WDEF) – It’s never too early to start planning for your future. That’s a lesson a Rossville Middle School student learned at a very young age. Now, a scholarship should help him reach for the stars.

“It’s a testament to the strength and determination of our young men here at Rossville Middle School. His dedication to his studies, to athletics and to his Christian faith, is truly inspiring.”

“All of my experiences with him have been positive.  But he’s silent, he’s strong, he’s a natural leader.  He is unassuming.  He’s very humble.  And if you talk to his peers, and I’m sure you will, they will all tell you that he always places the needs of them or the group above his own.  He is, he is the kind of guy you want in your corner,” said Dr. Rob Stinson, the Principal at Rossville Middle School.

“I’m excited about watching him grow as a Christian, as a young man, as an athlete. And I’m grateful to get to coach him,” said Steve Lewis, a coach at Rossville Middle School.

Students at Rossville Middle School only had good things to say about Nolan.

“He’s a great guy. He’s always looking out for others.”

“So, I’ve known Nolan for about eight years.  And for the eight years I’ve known him, he’s always wanted to make it big in life.  And a very kind and funny person and a great friend.”

“He’s always been hard working since the day I met him.”

“He means a lot to me as a friend.  He’s been one of my best friends since fifth grade. And he’s really nice and smart. And I think he’s a really good guy.”

“Tell me about yourself,” asked our Chief Photographer, David Moore.

“I’m quiet,” said Nolan Hicks, a REACH Recipient and student at Rossville Middle School.

“I hear that a lot,” said Moore.

“Yeah, I’ve heard,” said Nolan.

“Nolan is…quiet, but… he’s a hard worker. But he’s not someone that’s going to tell you about it.  He’s just going to do it and lead by example,” said Michael Hicks, a parent to Nolan.

“I want to be a lawyer,” said Nolan.

“But you’re quiet,” stated Moore.

“Yeah. I’ll get over it,” said Nolan

“He is very smart. He is very kind. And I’m very proud of him,” said Brittany Pate, a parent to Nolan.

“The contract that you are about to sign requires that you maintain an overall 2.5 HOPE calculated GPA throughout high school.”

“Well one of the biggest things about this ceremony is, they actually bring in mentors and they bring in an academic coach for the student.  It is the only scholarship I know of that reaches this low into the middle schools. And ask them to connect with our young students.  And I mean this is the most impressionable age of these kids,” said Shawn Dunn, a coordinator for the Walker County Reach Program.

“It is incumbent upon us to affirm our willingness to support the REACH scholar in his journey to adulthood.  Will you commit to supporting Nolan with your time and support, as he progresses through the REACH program into college, and then into the workforce? I will!  Scholars who successfully complete the program graduate high school and are awarded $10,000 to a HOPE eligible University in the state of Georgia, or a technical college system in the state of Georgia, or a private postsecondary institution. The scholarship is in addition to any other grants or scholarships the students may receive.”

“It means that I’ll be able to get a lot of opportunities that my other family members may not have gotten,” said Nolan.

“I’m proud of him.  He’s a good boy.  He just doesn’t talk much at home,” said John Hicks, a grandparent to Nolan.

“Very proud of him. He’s got a great sense of humor,” said Debbie Hicks, a grandparent to Nolan.

“I want you to know how proud we are of you. And just what they said about your character and your faith speaks volumes about you.  And I hope you continue that as you go into high school so congratulations,” said Damon Raines, Walker County Schools Superintendent.