DCHS Class Of 2024 Sets New Scholarship Offer Record

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

Last week, Dade County High School’s graduation festivities recognized many of the accomplishments of the Class of 2024, and this class set a new school record for scholarship offers received.

Families and friends of the graduates, teachers, school leaders, and other local representatives gathered on May 16th for Class Night. Amanda Clark (guidance counselor) kicked off the scholarship portion of the evening by thanking the local organizations and individuals who presented local scholarships for their generosity.

Clark noted that all five students who were selected for the REACH Georgia Scholarship when they were in eighth grade completed the program, are attending college, and each will receive $10,000 over four years for their continuing education.

Clark said that 28 students provided information about scholarship offers, and some students received multiple offers. Surpassing the Class of 2022’s record high of just over $3 million in scholarship offers, the Class of 2024 received offers totaling $3,766,370. Of that total, $2,453,770 comes from colleges while $77,250 is from local businesses and community members.

Clark told the Sentinel, “This is the highest amount of scholarship offers we have had from colleges, as well as the highest amount from local scholarship donors. This is such a huge blessing to our students!”

The guidance counselors and principals often remind students and families that free money is out there for those who seek it and apply, and Clark stated this again at Class Night.

Students who complete 100 or more community service hours are recognized each year at Class Night, and in this year’s class, 27 students reached the milestone. The two who completed the most service hours were Cameron Carter with 367 and Lexi Wallin with 317.

As for the graduates’ plans for the future, Clark told the Sentinel that of the 150 graduates, 65 percent plan to attend post-secondary education (35 percent for a four-year undergraduate program and 30 percent for two-year/technical programs). 28 percent plan to begin working immediately, 2 percent plan to enter apprenticeship programs, 1 percent plan to join the military, and 4 percent are unsure.

Those who plan to serve in the military are recognized at Class Night, and this year, Jackson Collins was recognized for choosing to enter the United States Army Reserve.

During the Outstanding Senior Awards portion of the evening, heads of departments told story after story of specific students who worked diligently, served their classmates, helped their teachers, excelled in particular areas, or went above and beyond in some other way.

Wrapping up the night, LaMerle Howard was named Alumni of the Year while Landon Williams and Anna Ballard were named Mr. and Miss Dade County High School.

Last year, the Sentinel sat down with Clark, James Emmett (guidance counselor), and Brent Cooper (DCHS principal) to discuss the Class of 2023’s accomplishments and how DCHS prepares students for future success. Much of what they shared then is still relevant.

As quoted in the June 8th, 2023 article, Clark said, “We do a lot surrounding college because it’s so confusing, but there are other opportunities. If you want help with something else, we’re happy to help. We don’t think that college is for everybody, and we want students to know that when we talk to them.”

The school combines student-teacher relationships, hands-on experience, exposure to a variety of careers, and a career guidance program to help students discern the best aptitude and interest combination for future careers.

Last year, the counselors and Cooper discussed the role that soft skills play in future success, and the school continues to emphasize soft skills and work ethic. Cooper said, “The details seem small to the students, because they’re 17 and 18, but we see the big picture. We’re trying to train them to be a little bit better in every area.”