CARROLLTON, GA — The Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation celebrated its 2025 scholarship awards at the fourth annual scholarship breakfast on April 22 at City Station. Students, parents, and donors gathered to recognize 43 students who received awards.

This year, thanks to the generosity of private donors, the foundation awarded nearly $57,000 to students, including three new scholarships honoring students and staff as well as two new grants for school-level teams at Carrollton City Schools.

The Wendy Mason Memorial Scholarship honors the beloved Carrollton High School counselor who passed away in 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for her compassion and dedication, the new scholarship supports CHS students pursuing careers in counseling or education, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others succeed.

As an investment in the power of mentorship, the Mentor Fund honors Robert and Judy Myers for their leadership and service in founding the Carroll County Mentor Program. Created to celebrate the power of mentorship, the scholarship supports students with college or technical school expenses.

The William Traylor Jr. Leadership-Athlete Scholarship supports CHS student-athletes who exemplify leadership, academics, and service. A 1947 CHS graduate, Traylor lettered in four sports, led the Letterman’s “C” Club, served in the U.S. Army, and built a legacy of business and civic leadership in Carrollton. His lifelong commitment to community and the Trojan spirit lives on through this new scholarship. 

The two grants that were introduced this year were established to support specific needs within the school system.

The David Brooks Family Fund, established by longtime educators Melanie and David Brooks, supports aspiring teachers in the CHS Education Pathway. With over 55 years of combined service to Carrollton City Schools, the Brooks family’s legacy of educational impact continues through this grant, which supports future educators in the CHS Education Pathway.

The newly established Brooks, Glanton, Waters Grant honors Bess Z. Miller and her lifelong dedication to the Carrollton community. The fund provides essential support to help Carrollton City Schools meet basic student needs outside of the classroom, allowing them to focus on learning. Annual grants are awarded to the three lower school counseling offices. 

"We are proud of the students who were recognized as the 2025 recipients of the scholarships,” said Kristen Gill, the foundation's executive director. “These seniors are selected through an application process by a committee consisting of board, community, and school faculty members. The scholarship program is one of our most celebrated each year, and these students have worked hard to reach this milestone. We wish them the best of luck and hope these awards will serve as a launching pad for their continued success in college."

The Dubba Schulenburg Art Scholarship
Carrollton High School senior Bronwyn Jackson was awarded the Dubba Schulenburg Art Scholarship. Pictured with Bronwyn is Dubba’s son and Carrollton Board of Education member, Greg Schulenburg.

The Akoyé Winston Warrior Scholarship 
Carrollton High School senior Miracle Cox was awarded the Akoye Winston Warrior Scholarship. Pictured with Miracle is Lasonya Heard, Akoyé’s mother.

The Carrollton High School Alumni Scholarship
Carrollton High School seniors George Carden and Kendall New were semi-finalists, and Luke Zimmer was the overall winner for the Carrollton High School Alumni Scholarship at the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 22 at City Station. 

Pictured from left are George Carden, Susan Ingle, Jean Traylor, and Kendall New. 

Pictured from left are Susan Ingle, Luke Zimmer, and Jean Traylor. 

The Ben Stallings Football Scholar Award
This year's Ben Stallings Football Scholar Award recipient is Cole Norred. Pictured are CCS Education Foundation President Melina Douthit and Cole Norred.

The Bennett Reed Stedwell Memorial Scholarship 
The Bennett Reed Stedwell Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Jairus Fortune. Pictured are CCS Education Foundation President Melina Douthit and Jairus Fortune.

The Bryson-Caylor Family Scholarship
The Bryson-Caylor Family Scholarship was awarded to Erick Castro. Pictured from left are David Bryson, Erick Castro, Dr. Jewel Bryson, and Mark Bryson.

The Coach Charlie Grisham Memorial Scholarship
Carrollton High School seniors Jabari Elder and Lillian Colquitt were awarded the Charlie Grisham Memorial Scholarship. Pictured from left are Lillian Colquitt, Sherri Grisham Bruce, and Jabari Elder.

The Charles Richard Mehaffey Scholarship
The Charles Richard Mehaffey Scholarship was awarded to Eli Slappey. Pictured are Eli Slappey and CHS Principal Ian Lyle.

The Chase McDaniel “Chase the Victory” Memorial Scholarship
The Chase McDaniel "Chase the Victory" Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Jacob Ricks. Pictured from left are Kiki McDaniel, Jacob Ricks, and Tracy McDaniel.

The Carrollton High School National Honor Society Scholarship
This year's CHS National Honor Society Scholarship recipient is Rhian Wright. Pictured with Rhian Wright is Michael Harvey, CHS teacher and NHS club sponsor.

The Clay Robinson Family Scholarship
This year’s Clay Robinson Family Scholarship recipient is Skyy Bonner. Pictured with Skyy is Clay Robinson.

The Don Hall Band Scholarship
CHS senior Hunter Moore was awarded the Don Hall Band Scholarship. Pictured from left are Dr. Chris Carr, Hunter Moore, and Don Hall.

The Dr. Jerry Robinson Scholarship
CHS senior Charlotte Collins was presented the Dr. Jerry Robinson Scholarship. Pictured with Charlotte are Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Robinson. 

The Officer Jason Rowell #208 Memorial Scholarship
This year's recipient of the Officer Jason Rowell #208 Memorial Scholarship is Gabriella Carnes. Pictured from left are Ava Rowell, Gabriella Carnes, and Amy Rowell.

The Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. McGinnis Memorial Scholarship
This year's Joseph B. McGinnis Scholarship recipient is Nifer Deka. Pictured with Nifer is Glen McGinnis.

The John Wesley Tanner, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
CHS senior Drew Mills was awarded the John Wesley Tanner Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Pictured with Drew is Johnny Tanner.

The Joshua Roy Mabry Memorial Scholarship
Kadyn Balson and C.J. Kelley received the Joshua Roy Mabry Memorial Scholarship. Pictured with Kadyn and C.J. are members of the Mabry family.

The Kyle Liam Barry Scholarship
This year’s Kyle Liam Barry Scholarship recipients are Katherine Tollerson and Carlos Hernandez. Pictured with Katherine and Carlos are Glenn Barry, Jackie Marshall, and Brian Hungerford. 

The Lisa Crawford Love Family Scholarship for the Performing Arts
CHS senior Alexis Hansen is this year’s recipient of the Lisa Crawford Love Scholarship for the Performing Arts. Pictured with Alexis is Kristie Hayden, daughter-in-law of Lisa Crawford Love.

The Mike Lankford Memorial Scholarship
The Mike Lankford Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Daniel Smith. Pictured with Daniel is CCS Education Foundation President Melina Douthit.

The RaLin Memorial Scholarship 
This year’s semifinalists are seniors Darwin Arias and Kishan Patel, and Tristan Morin is this year’s scholarship recipient. The award was presented at the CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 22 at City Station.

Pictured with scholarship recipient Tristan Morin is Andrew Stewart, representing RaLin.

Pictured with semifinalists Darwin and Kishan is Michael Heisey, representing RaLin.

The “Live Like Josh” Scholarship
This year's "Live Like Josh" Scholarship recipient is Candence Wilson. The award was presented at the CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 22 at City Station. Pictured with Cadence is Josh’s mom, Karen Waldrep.

The RGP Memorial Scholarship 
This year's scholarship was awarded to Allen Hawkins. Pictured with Allen are friends of Ralyx’s family, Allen and Ashley Newton. 

The Reico North Scholarship
CHS senior Amira Johnson was awarded the Reico North Scholarship. Pictured with Amira is CCS Education Foundation President Melina Douthit.

The Ronnie Walton Memorial Scholarship
The Ronnie Walton Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Blakelee Isbill. Pictured with Blakelee are Walton’s wife, Carol, and their daughter, Beth.

The Sheri Davis Memorial Scholarship
Presley Mashburn was awarded a Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation scholarship established in memory of Sheri Davis. Pictured with Presley is Steve Davis.

The Stanley Parkman/Times-Georgian Media Award
CHS senior Jayden Howard was awarded the Stanley Parkman/Times-Georgian Media Award. Pictured with Jayden are Rachael Raney and Rebecca Leftwich, representing the Times-Georgian.

The Susan W. Gordy Spirit Award
This year’s recipient of the Susan W. Gordy Spirit Award is Niyla Denson. Pictured with Niyla is Susan Gordy.

The Trojan Spirit & Leadership Scholarship
CHS senior Madison Swint was awarded the Trojan Spirit & Leadership Scholarship. Pictured with Madison is Grace Brooks.

Wendy Mason Memorial Scholarship
This year’s Wendy Mason Memorial Scholarship recipient is Jacey Sabo. Pictured with Jacey is the Mason family. 

William Traylor Jr. Leadership-Athlete Scholarship 
This year’s William Traylor Jr. Leadership-Athlete Scholarship recipient is Maddison Hoffman. Maddison is pictured with members of the Traylor family. 

The Whitley Morris Scholar-Athlete Award
CHS seniors Madison Reese and Jason Ackey were awarded the Whitley Morris Scholar-Athlete Award. Pictured with Madison and Jason is Elizabeth Sanders, CHS Athletic Director.

Trojan Memorial Scholarship - Wendy Mason
The Trojan Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Audrey Browning. Pictured with Audrey is the Mason family. 

Trojan Memorial Scholarship - Rikisha Timilsina
The recipient of this memorial scholarship is Jaylyn Rooks. Pictured with Jaylyn is CCS Education Foundation President Melina Douthit. 

Mentor Fund honoring Robert and Judy Myers
This year’s scholarship recipient is Joshlin Hill, pictured with Beth and Bob Graf. 

The David Brooks Family Fund
Education Pathway teacher Kaley Blankinship, pictured with David and Melanie Brooks, accepted the grant on behalf of the program. 

The Brooks, Glanton, Waters Grant
CES Counselor Nakeshia Duncan and CMS Counselor Jason Sidel, pictured with members of the Brooks, Glanton and Waters families, accepted the grant on behalf of their schools.

CARROLLTON, GA – A 1979 graduate of Carrollton High School, known for his lifelong commitment to service and community, has been named the 21st recipient of the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jeff Jennings was honored April 24 during the 39th annual Academic Achievement Awards program at the Mabry Center for the Arts.

Jennings’s foundational values of humility, faith, and “service over self” were established and cultivated during his years in Carrollton, leading him to both personal and professional success. These principles would become the driving forces behind much of his life's work as he dedicated himself to his family, community, and career. 

As a recipient of the “Mr. CHS” superlative, captain of the football and basketball teams, and class president during his sophomore and junior years, Jennings exemplified what it meant to be a student leader, demonstrating strengths that translated to his life beyond the classroom. 

During his remarks at the awards program, Jennings celebrated the students’ achievements and challenged them to be diligent. He encouraged every student, whether a top performer or one who persevered for the honor they received, to actively use their talents to improve the world around them.

Throughout his own formative years at CHS, Jennings earned opportunities to develop as a leader, which allowed him to establish the confidence and compassion necessary to rally others together for causes he championed, including decades of mission work both locally and internationally.

Upon high school graduation, Jennings went on to study at West Georgia College, where he earned a degree in Marketing, and then a master’s degree in Management from Georgia State University. He married his wife of 35 years, Kathy, and fostered small-town values as they raised three children, Tyler, Cal, and Jordan, in the Atlanta area. 

Jennings built a highly successful career, spending more than 30 years in corporate America with Procter & Gamble, UPS, and Equifax, where he rose to the roles of Vice President and Senior Vice President, managing hundreds of people, teams, and multimillion-dollar budgets. 

Despite accumulating impressive titles and earning leadership positions, he never let success change his character.

Jennings remembers a deep sense of belonging and how the Carrollton community supported, encouraged, and equipped its young people for the future, recalling former teachers and coaches who were mentors to him, including legendary Trojan football Coach Charlie Grisham. Playing sports and representing the Trojan Nation developed a strong sense of hometown pride and the importance of investing in others.  

His parents, Sherry and Theron Jennings, served as examples of compassionate and dedicated civic servants who instilled the values of service, humility, and integrity that Jennings exhibits to this day. By their example, he saw the power of showing up for others and was inspired to pursue philanthropic efforts. 

From assembling teams for outreach events to leading the charge for charitable causes, Jennings lives out his values. He has dedicated years of service to First Baptist Church of Roswell, Foster Care Support Foundation, Family Promise, Hope Roswell, and MUST Ministries. With unwavering commitment, Jennings continues to rally around causes that support those in need. 

While retirement often signals a slowdown for many, Jennings chose a different path, increasing his community involvement. He serves as the Missions and Benevolence Coordinator for his church, where he leads their annual Beyond Our Walls service day — a large-scale outreach event mobilizing hundreds to address critical needs in the Roswell community. As an active voting advocate, Jennings manages the Mountain Park precinct, ensuring that all can have their voices heard. 

His legacy serves as an inspiring reminder to current students that the seeds of leadership and compassion can grow into a lifetime of meaningful contribution.

Jennings joins an impressive list of distinguished alumni who have been recognized through this initiative. Launched in 2012, the program to date has honored 17 other exceptional CHS graduates: Edith Foster, Class of 1922; Albert Jones and J. Stewart Martin, Class of 1930; J.Willis Hurst, Class of 1937; E.C. “Sonny” Bass, Class of 1938; Hollis Harris, Class of 1949; John H. Burson, Class of 1951; Richard M. Ingle, Class of 1964; D. Garvin Byrd, Class of 1969; Jane Crosson, Class of 1974; William Crosson, Class of 1976; Scott Deviney, Class of 1989; James C. Pope, Class of 1962; Shereta Williams, Class of 1992; Jim Borders, Class of 1979, Eric D. Cole, Class of 1994; Mark Parkman, Class of 1983; and Antoine Poythress, Class of 1987.  This slate includes the induction of two honorary alumni, W.W. Fitts, who was a founding member of the Carrollton Board of Education, and Tom Upchurch, former Carrollton City Schools superintendent and lifelong educator, who not only made a significant impact in education at home in Carrollton but across the state of Georgia.

Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus (left) presented Jeff Jennings (right), 2025 Carrollton High School Distinguished Alumni award recipient, an engraved commemorative tray following an induction presentation. 

CARROLLTON, GA – Over spring break, two Carrollton High School students visited Washington, D.C. to present an app they designed to members of Congress, thanks to funding provided by the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation.

In January, Carrollton High School junior Omar DeJesus, sophomore Wade Ballard and freshman Alaina Dhople won the Congressional App Challenge for Georgia's Third District, securing the CHS computer science program a victory for the seventh year in a row. This is Omar’s second consecutive win as a part of the team creating an app for this competition. The challenge, spearheaded by the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to inspire middle and high school students to delve into coding and contemplate future paths in computer science.

Omar, Wade, and Alaina collaborated to develop an app called Trojan Advocate, an AI-driven application that provides self-advocacy tools for students with disabilities. This year, the challenge encouraged participants to incorporate AI into their app. In addition to the Congressional App Challenge, Trojan Advocate earned the highest distinction, the Platinum Prize, at the 2025 Computer Science for Georgia (CS4GA) Student App Competition at the end of March. 

As winners of the challenge, the students were given the opportunity to present their app to members of Congress. Due to a previously scheduled commitment, Alaina did not travel to D.C. with the team but contributed to the app creation and preparation. Omar and Wade represented the group to share their app and celebrate their accomplishments. 

The #HouseOfCode 2025 event hosted by Congress is the largest student app demonstration event in the country, allowing students the unique opportunity to share their winning applications with representatives. 

“Connecting with innovators and decision makers from across the nation allows students to strengthen their skills and see their work in action,” said CHS teacher Robby Blakemore. “The generosity of the CCS Education Foundation made this unforgettable experience a reality for our team.”

Omar said he is thankful to the CCS Education Foundation for making trips like this possible and for their ongoing support of students. 

“It was an honor to be able to go to D.C. and share our app,” said Omar. “I am incredibly grateful for the chance to represent our school and community on such a big stage.” 

Kristen Gill, executive director of the CCS Education Foundation, said she was proud to see the students’ hard work recognized nationally.

"These students put in tremendous effort to create an app that has the potential to help so many people,” said Gill. “Having the chance to present their work in Washington, D.C., was an incredible experience for them — and I’m proud the Foundation could help make that possible."

In 2024, the Foundation significantly expanded opportunities for student learning beyond the classroom by allocating nearly $150,000 for field trips. This was made possible, in large part, by a generous donation earmarked specifically to support field trip experiences across the district.

Thirteen unique experiences across various destinations were approved. These trips included visits to Chattanooga, TN, Zoo Atlanta, Walt Disney World, New York City, the Georgia Aquarium, Truist Park, Washington, D.C., and Jekyll Island, among others.

To learn more about the CCS Education Foundation, visit https://www.carrolltoncityschools.net/community/foundation. 

To download the Trojan Advocate application, visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trojanadvocate/id6744109497. 

Carrollton High School students Wade Ballard (center) and Omar DeJesus (right) with CHS Computer Science teacher Robby Blakemore (left) visiting the White House during their trip to present at the Congressional App Challenge #HouseOfCode 2025 event. The Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation helped fund the students' trip.