Three HCHS Seniors named 2020 Georgia Scholars

Georgia’s State School Superintendent, Richard Woods, has announced the 2020 Georgia Scholars.

A total of 295 graduating seniors from across Georgia were recognized this year for their outstanding scholastic achievements and community involvement. Three seniors from Habersham Central High School – Jonah Free, Jacob Meredith, and Grace Wills – are among the fourteen students from the Pioneer RESA District to be recognized.

The Georgia Scholar program honors high school students who have achieved excellence in all phases of school and community life. Not only have the scholars performed at an exemplary level in challenging high school courses and college entrance examinations, but they have also participated in interscholastic events, been active in several extracurricular activities, assumed leadership roles within and outside of their school, and participated in community organizations.

“It is always special to recognize a new class of Georgia Scholars, but I have to say it is even more meaningful to recognize these students from the class of 2020,” Superintendent Woods says. “In the face of disappointing circumstances and delayed plans, these students have displayed great resilience, maturity, and grace. I am honored to recognize their accomplishments and wish them well as they proceed into futures that, despite this temporary setback, are still worthy of great hope.”

Jonah Free will attend the University of Georgia in the fall to pursue a degree in Social Studies education. Free has been a member of the Mock Trial team and has performed in several Stage Raiders productions. He serves as treasurer of the International Thespian Society and Senior Class Treasurer. He is a member of the Student Council and serves as Associate Worship Leader at Demorest Baptist Church. Free has also served as the lead drama teacher for First Baptist Church’s MOSAIC Arts Camp.

Jacob Meredith will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in Business Administration. Meredith is also active in Stage Raiders, participating in performances and the One Act Play competition. Meredith serves as vice president of the Interact Club, is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, and has assisted with the Special Olympics through the Youth Leadership program. He is a small group leader for his youth group at Bethlehem Baptist Church and has served as a camp counselor for Level Grove Baptist Church’s Camp Koinonia.

Grace Wills is Habersham Central’s Class of 2020 Star Student and Valedictorian. Wills has been accepted to the University of Georgia’s Honors Program and plans to pursue a degree in Political Science. Wills participated in the 2019 Governor’s Honors Program in the area of theatre performance. She has performed with the Stage Raiders, participated in the One Act play competition, and is a member of Mu Alpha Theta. She is the president of Thespian Troupe 4860 and public relations officer for the Advocates for Special Olympians. Wills serves as a Youth Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville and is a member of Youth Leadership Habersham.

In response to the announcement, Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper says, “Being named a Georgia Scholar is an exceptional honor for a high school student. Being named to this list places a student in quite an elite group. As superintendent, I am very proud of Grace, Jonah, and Jacob for this outstanding accomplishment!  I also want to commend those teachers and administrators who have worked with these students during their K-12 careers. These teachers and leaders can certainly share in this great success.”

“Grace, Jacob, and Jonah have all been exceptional high school students at Habersham Central,” says HCHS Principal Jonathan Stribling. “Their commitment to academics and participation in intra-curricular and extracurricular school activities earns them the distinction of being named Georgia Scholars and distinguishes them as extraordinary members of the Class of 2020. I am proud of each of them for their accomplishments.”

Other area Georgia Scholars

The Pioneer Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) District includes public county schools in Banks, Dawson, Fannin, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White. It also includes Gainesville City Schools and Mountain Education Charter High School.

Here is a list of the other eleven students in the district who were named Georgia Scholars.

The Georgia Scholar program is coordinated by the department of education’s Excellence Recognition office. Each recipient will receive a special diploma seal from the Georgia Department of Education.