NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 31, 2023
Media Contact: Michael Hutcheson, 770-761-9244, director@rockdalecoalition.org
Three outstanding students invested in community service in Rockdale County were named finalists for the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ 2023 John K. Morgan Scholarship. Of the finalists, Itandehui Cruz, a senior at Heritage High School, was named the recipient of the 2023 John K. Morgan Scholarship at the Rockdale Coalition’s Annual Scholarship Awards Reception held on March 30, 2023, at Piedmont Rockdale.
This is the 13th year the Rockdale Coalition has offered the $4,000 scholarship for a student who has demonstrated outstanding community service in Rockdale County and plans to continue that level of commitment while pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarship is named for John K. Morgan, former president and chief executive officer of Acuity Brands Lighting and community advocate.
Since the inception of the John K. Morgan Scholarship, nearly $90,000 has been awarded to deserving students in Conyers and Rockdale County. Finalists for the 2023 John K. Morgan Scholarship are Dylan Burkey (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Itandehui Cruz (Heritage High School) and Stewart Oser (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology).
“The talent and commitment these students have shown throughout their careers by giving so much of their time and gifts to help others in need is to be commended and celebrated,” said Director of Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Michael Hutcheson.
Highlights of community service demonstrated by the three finalists include:
- Dylan Burkey considers his volunteerism with Rockdale Baptist Church, Rockdale Magnet School Student Council, Sophisticated Men of Excellence, and as a Rockdale Magnet STEM counselor, as his most meaningful areas of service.
- Itandehui Cruz cites her volunteerism through Heritage High School Student Council, as an ambassador for Rockdale Career Academy, serving in numerous ways at St. Pius X Catholic Church, and as a volunteer for the Unidos Latino Association, as motivation for community service.
- Stewart Oser’s community service passions include serving as a Magnet School ambassador, a peer tutor, and through service with youth, technology and Vacation Bible School at Heritage Hills Baptist Church.
In addition to the $4,000 John K. Morgan Scholarship, a $1,000 Rotary Club Community Service scholarship was awarded to Stewart Oser by Rotary Club of Conyers member Moses Kabia. A $1,000 Allan Jones Scholarship was awarded to Dylan Burkey in memory of the former chairman of the Rockdale Coalition.
The 2023 recipient of the F. William Hughey Community Service Award was presented to the Reverend Tim Hogg. The award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding, collaborative community service in Rockdale County. Rockdale Coalition Board of Directors member Claire Cline and past Hughey Award recipient, presented the award to Hogg. Hogg serves as the senior leader at The Father’s House in Conyers that he and his wife, Debbie, helped establish in 1991. He has been in pastoral leadership for 42 years. Hogg serves on the board of Foundations International Ministries and is one of their main teachers. He has a servant’s heart for his community and has invested his time in multiple committees and boards including: Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families (serves as secretary/treasurer); Restoration Storehouse (serves as secretary/treasurer), and Mercy Heart (serves as secretary). He is currently working on his certification as a chaplain at Piedmont Rockdale. A $500 cash donation will be given to the local community service organization of Reverend Hogg’s choice.
For more information on the scholarship recipients and honorees, call 770-761-9244 or email Michael Hutcheson at director@rockdalecoalition.org.
