The Douglas County Education Foundation recognized 35 scholarship recipients from the Class of 2026 during a special reception held April 22 at the Douglas County School System Central Office.
A total of $49,000 was awarded to seniors representing all five high schools, thanks to generous community donors. Three of those donors addressed the students at the reception.
Karen Emory talked about honoring the memory of her late husband, longtime Atlanta
traffic reporter and Douglas County champion Captain Herb Emory. Mario West, a DCSS alumnus and former Atlanta Hawks player, explained the philosophy behind his “Defend the Dream” scholarship, noting the importance of paying it forward and encouraging students not to be deterred by financial obligations. Frank Winn talked about his family’s legacy in education in Douglas County, remembering his grandmother’s 30 years teaching first and second grade and his father’s belief in the importance of education.
The DCEF also presented special plaques to all of the scholarship donors in recognition of their support.
Douglas County Education Foundation Executive Director Kenya Elder called the reception a “special moment for our community.”
“We had the privilege of honoring 35 outstanding students and connecting them with the donors who are investing in their future,” Elder said. “It was a meaningful evening filled with pride, gratitude, and a shared commitment to supporting our students as they take their next steps.”
2026 Scholarship Awardees
Betty Hilton Scholarship
Allison Cintora Loeza - AHS
Captain Herb Emory Memorial Scholarship
Jayda Young - CHHS
Carmilla Hilton and Crystal Hilton Scholarship
Kelsey Thigpen - AHS
Don Remillard Scholarship
Mackenzie Dinkins - CHHS
Gavin Stewart - AHS
Juanita Williams Memorial Scholarship
Ja'Kyah Jackson - NMHS
Kathryn Milner Shehane Memorial Scholarship
Sofia Perezcassar - AHS
Mario West "Defend The Dream" Scholarship
Camille Scott - DCHS
Stevenson Vallere - DCHS
Destiny Hawkins - DCHS
Elliott Agyekum - DCHS
Mary Peace Winn, Frank M. Winn, and Judge Dan P. Winn Memorial Scholarship
Savannah Brooks - LSHS
Shaelynn Buggs - DCHS
Aidan Schilke - AHS
McKenzie Richmond - CHHS
Shadrea Camp - LSHS
Tamia Scott - DCHS
Brandon Fears - NMHS
Morgan Reese Wellons - NMHS
Ms. Billie Yancey Memorial Scholarship
Laila Byrd - LSHS
Uwem Macbeth - CHHS
Chanel Je - DCHS
Giovanni Guerrier - NMHS
Reverend Alvertis Hilton Memorial Scholarship
Kennedi Lewis - AHS
Douglas County Master Gardener's Scholarship
Natalie Paige Turner - CHHS
Microsoft STEM Scholarship
Paul Glenn - CHHS
Kai Hing Cheung - CHHS
Daniella Loh - LSHS
Ashley McLaughlin - LSHS
Soleil Beauzil - LSHS
Gabriel Tolbert - DCHS
Madisyn Johnson - NMHS
Jahcuyah Walker - NMHS
Emily Hindmon - AHS
Christopher Morgan - AHS