Rockdale Coalition Awards 2024 Community Service Scholarships, Hughey Award
Five outstanding students invested in community service in Rockdale County were named finalists for the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ 2024 John K. Morgan Scholarship. Of the finalists, Bianca Christie, a senior at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, was named the recipient of the 2024 John K. Morgan Scholarship at the Rockdale Coalition’s Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon held on March 20, 2024, at the Rockdale County Public Schools Board Room.
This is the 14th 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 $96,000 has been awarded to deserving students in Conyers and Rockdale County. Finalists for the 2024 John K. Morgan Scholarship are Abigail Buchanan (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Noah Buchanan (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Bianca Christie (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Kendyl Nimmons (Heritage High School), and Sydney Toney (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 five finalists include:
- Abigail Buchanan considers her volunteerism as a Rockdale STEAM Camp counselor, Rockdale Magnet ambassador, and with Rockdale Youth Leadership, as her most meaningful areas of service.
- Noah Buchanan cites his volunteerism with the RCHS Youth Commission International, Southside Christian Fellowship and as creator and instructor of Project Inspire Technology, as motivation for community service.
- Bianca Christie’s community service passions include serving as a Piedmont Rockdale Emergency Department Volunteen, a volunteer at St. John Neuman Catholic Church and founder and president of the Rockdale Career Academy Key Club
- Kendyl Nimmons considers her volunteerism as a HHS peer leader, Bethany Presbyterian Church youth leader and coach for the Rockdale Swim League, as her favorite community service opportunities.
- Sydney Toney’ volunteer resume includes devoting time to helping at Rockdale Emergency Relief, and as a volunteer at youth cheer camp and at the “A Night to Shine” special needs prom.
In addition to the $4,000 John K. Morgan Scholarship, a $1,000 Rotary Club Community Service scholarship was awarded to Abigail Buchanan by the Rotary Club of Conyers. A $1,000 Allan Jones Scholarship was awarded to Kendyl Nimmons in memory of the former chairman of the Rockdale Coalition.
The 2024 recipient of the F. William Hughey Community Service Award was presented to Rebeca Gibbons. The award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding, collaborative community service in Rockdale County. Rockdale Coalition Board of Directors member Kevin Taffe presented the award to Gibbons. Gibbons is a business owner, mental health and community advocate, youth mentor, servant leader and public speaker. Gibbons is co-founder of the Unidos Latino Association, Conyers Latin Festival, Courageous Conversations Rockdale, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Nu XI Chapter. She is co-chair of the city of Conyers Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and the Conyers-Rockdale Library System Board of Trustees, as well as co-owner of Forever Mis Quinces Formalwear Boutique, a licensed professional counselor, and program director of View Point Health STRIVE Clubhouse. A $500 cash donation was given to Unidos Latino Association in honor of Ms. Gibbons.
For more information on the scholarship recipients and honorees, call 770-761-9244 or email Michael Hutcheson at director@rockdalecoalition.org.
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