Four outstanding students invested in community service in Rockdale County were named recipients of the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ 2025 John K. Morgan Family Scholarships. Ethan Barlay (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Ariana Boyd (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Ryan Rakestraw (Rockdale County High School) and Alaina Sneed (Heritage High School) each received $2,000 scholarships at the Rockdale Coalition’s Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon held on March 19, 2025, at the Rockdale County Public Schools Board Room.
This is the 15th year the Rockdale Coalition has offered scholarships for students who have demonstrated outstanding community service in Rockdale County with 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, more than $100,000 has been awarded to deserving students in Conyers and Rockdale County.
“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.
New this year, students were asked what community service organization was most impactful to them, and a $500 gift was given to the organization in the student’s name. Representatives from those organization were on hand to celebrate the students’ accomplishments and accept the donations. Highlights of community service demonstrated by the four finalists and the organization they honored include:
- Ethan Barlay considers his volunteerism at Rockdale Emergency Relief, Sophisticated Men of Excellence and the Beta Club as his most meaningful areas of service. Barlay’s $500 gift was designated for Rockdale Emergency Relief.
- Ariana Boyd cites her volunteerism with Rockdale Emergency Relief, serving on her school’s Green Team, and with the Rockdale Youth Action Team, as motivation for community service. Boyd’s $500 gift was designated for Rockdale Emergency Relief.
- Ryan Rakestraw’s community service passions include pursuing a Gold Award in Girl Scouts of America, volunteering with Lady T Homeless Ministry and the Black Stem Student Union. Rakestraw’s $500 gift was designated for the Rockdale Service Unit of the Girl Scouts.
- Alania Sneed considers her volunteerism with Beta Club, the National Art Honor Society and 4-H as her favorite community service opportunities, and her $500 gift was designated for Rockdale 4-H.
The 2025 recipient of the F. William Hughey Community Service Award was presented to Jennifer Wilds. The award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding, collaborative community service in Rockdale County. Rockdale Coalition Board of Directors member Megan Sayago presented the award to Wilds. Wilds is a mental health advocate for View Point Health. She is a tireless champion and advocates for youth and families at the personal, county and state levels. Wilds is involved in many professional organizations including various Local Interagency Planning Teams, local suicide prevention coalitions, Drug-Free Community Coalitions, Family Connection Partnerships, state prevention workgroups, and juvenile justice planning teams. A $500 cash donation will be given to the local community service organization of Wilds’ choice.
The luncheon also celebrated the accomplishments of the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families over the past 30 years. Michael Hutcheson introduced first chairman of the board, John K. Morgan, and former executive directors of the board, Mark Griffin and Bill Hughey, who shared remarks of the partnerships that have proven successful and fruitful to the Conyers/Rockdale community for 30 years.
“For 30 years, we have facilitated critical conversations, secured and administered grants, provided invaluable resources such as the Morgan Family Scholarships, Rockdale Health SafetyNet and the Community Resource Network, among others, and worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in Conyers and Rockdale. None of this would have been possible without the support of our incredible community,” said Hutcheson.
