Six outstanding students invested in community service in Rockdale County are finalists for the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ 2015 John K. Morgan Scholarship.

This is the fifth 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, more than $27,000 has been awarded to deserving students in Conyers and Rockdale County. Finalists for the 2015 John K. Morgan Scholarship include: Jaire Duncan (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Daniel Chase Hall (Heritage High School), Aliyah Hill (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Alexis Nation (Rockdale County High School), Lilia Perju (Salem High School) and Natalie Smith (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology). 

“We were once again overwhelmed by the talent and commitment these students have shown throughout their careers by giving so much of their time and talents to help others in need,” said Director of Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Michael Hutcheson.

Highlights of community service demonstrated by the six finalists include:

Jaire Duncan is a faithful tutor to students at Memorial Middle School, assists with a friend’s ministry called Jasmine House to help provide clothing and food for the homeless, participates in Hands Across Rockdale and volunteers for PTA family fun nights, dances and carnivals at Flat Shoals Elementary School.

• Daniel “Chase” Hall is active in volunteering at his church, Highland Park Baptist Church, participating in canned food drives with the Heritage High School Beta Club and providing Christmas cheer to patients during the holidays at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
• Aliyah Hill participates weekly in Emmanuel Church of God’s food pantry ministry, is an Upward cheerleading coach, has participated in Hands Across Rockdale and is a peer mentor for incoming freshman at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology.
• Alexis Nation has given of her time volunteering at Morningside of Conyers, has assisted in multiple volunteer capacities at her church, Crossroads United Methodist Church, and participated in numerous mission trips locally at Smyrna Campground and throughout the southeast.
• Lilia Perju has served as a Rockdale Career Academy ambassador and assisted with the school system’s Parent Academies. She is part of Rockdale Medical Center’s Volunteen program and teaches a Sunday school class at her church, Bread of Life Moldavian Baptist Church.
• Natalie Smith actively volunteers in several areas at her church, Crossroads United Methodist Church, with the Magnet Association of Student Activities and the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation.

The scholarship winner will be announced at the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Annual Awards Reception at the Rockdale Career Academy at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The event is open to the public and tickets are available at the Rockdale Coalition office for $15.00. The event includes food catered by students in the Rockdale Career Academy culinary arts program, entertainment by saxophonist Jaylen Gilstrap, a past recipient of the John K. Morgan Scholarship, a silent auction and recognition of the scholarship finalists.

The 2015 recipient of the F. William Hughey Community Service Award will be presented to Ed Conway. The award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding community service in Rockdale County. Conway is executive director of Mercy Heart, Inc. and the Lakeview Action Committee. He has served on innumerable volunteer committees and is an active participant in the community. A $500 cash donation will be given to the local community service organization of Mr. Conway’s choice.

For more information or tickets to the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Annual Awards Reception, call 770-761-9244 or email Michael Hutcheson at [email protected] . Tickets may also be purchased online at http://coalitionawards.brownpapertickets.com/.