Left to right: Michael Hutcheson, Director, Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families, congratulates this year’s John K. Morgan Family Scholarship winners Joanna Rhee, Savanna Giddens, Tarfari Woodard, Muna Yassin and Madison Cobb. Also offering congratulations is, right, Sandra Jackson-Lett, Health Safetynet Coordinator, Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families.
CONYERS, Ga. – Five outstanding students recognized for community service in Rockdale County are the recipients of the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ 2026 John K. Morgan Family Scholarships. Madison Cobb (Heritage High School), Savanna Giddens (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Joanna Rhee (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Tarfari Woodard (Rockdale County High School) and Muna Yassin (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology) each received $2,000 scholarships at the Coalition’s Annual Scholarship and Award Recognition Luncheon held on March 30, 2026, at Conyers First Methodist Church.
This is the 16th year the Rockdale Coalition has offered scholarships for students who demonstrate 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, community advocate and former president and chief executive officer of Acuity Brands Lighting.
Since the inception of the John K. Morgan Scholarship, more than $100,000 has been awarded to deserving students in the City of Conyers and Rockdale County.
“The Coalition is both inspired and encouraged by the steadfast dedication of this year’s recipients,” said Susan Paul Smith, Executive Board Chair for the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families. “Their commitment to serving the community through various nonprofits and organizations is in direct alignment with the Coalition’s mission to address the well-being of children and families in Rockdale County.”
In addition to their scholarship award, the Coalition donates $500 to a nonprofit in honor of each student.
Here are the community service interests for the five finalists and the organizations they’ve chosen to honor.
- Madison Cobb considers her volunteerism at Phoenix Pass, Students Without Mothers, Ronald McDonald House Charities and It’s My Birthday, LLC, as her most meaningful areas of service. Cobb’s $500 gift is designated for Phoenix Pass.
- Savanna Giddens cites her volunteerism with Generation Human Rights, Conyers Service Unit and New Rock Day Camp (Girl Scouts), Ebenezer United Methodist Church and Rockdale Career Academy’s Early Learning Center as motivation for her community service. Giddens’ $500 gift will go to Generation Human Rights.
- Joanna Rhee’s community service passions include volunteering with Cancer Kids First, Heartful Hospitality and New Church of Atlanta. Rhee’s $500 gift will benefit Cancer Kids First.
- Tarfari Woodard lauds his volunteerism with Rockdale Career Academy’s Key Club and Rockdale County 4-H as his favorite community service opportunities with his $500 gift dedicated to the Key Club.
- Muna Yassin is committed to volunteering with the ALS Association, Heartful Hospitality and Women on the Way to Success. Yassin’s $500 gift is designated for the ALS Association.
Rockdale County business owner and community advocate Yvette Morton Williams, center, receives the F. William Hughey Community Service Award from, right, Michael Hutcheson, Director, Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families and F. William “Bill” Hughey, community advocate and founding Director of the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families.
Also, as part of the 2026 recognition luncheon, the Coalition honored Yvette Morton Williams with the F. William Hughey Community Service Award. The award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding, collaborative community service in Rockdale County. Williams, owner of Conyers Best Laundry, is deeply dedicated to serving Rockdale County through her philanthropy and volunteerism. She has shared her expertise on the boards of Mercy Heart, View Point Health, PEARL and the Georgia Regional Sports Council. She even serves the laundry industry nationally through its only professional association. In the leadership realm, she served as the 2023–2024 President of the Rotary Club of Rockdale County and as an Assistant Governor. She is a proud graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute and Leadership Rockdale’s Class of 2020.
Additionally, Williams has been a dedicated member and volunteer for the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, supporting leads groups, special events, and Chamber programs. Her service has been recognized time and again — the Chamber’s 2021 James P. Culpepper Volunteer of the Year Award, the 2022 We3 Woman of the Year Award, the 2024 President Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award and, most recently, serving as the 2025 President of the Chamber.
“This is a well-earned honor,” said Executive Board Chair Smith.
“Yvette, your passion and dedication are undeniable. You are a force for good and demonstrate integrity in all that you do. You truly have a heart for servant leadership, and the Coalition is honored to recognize you and this year’s scholarship recipients.”
The Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families has served the county since 1995. Its overarching goal is to build a strong coalition of community partners who are committed to working together to ensure the well-being of children and families. For more information about the Coalition or this year’s award honorees, call 770-761-9244 or email Michael Hutcheson at director@rockdalecoalition.org.
