Foundation

Niesi Ashe from Abbeville in Wilcox County has 18 years experience, has her MA and is working on her SEd. She teaches eighth grade math. She wants her specialist degree to be in Instructional Technology. She wants to help prepare her students for life in the technology driven world. Her supervisor stated that Niesi has transitioned into her role as Lead Math Teacher where she is engaging, innovative, and student-centered. She finds ways to make complex mathematical concepts accessible to all learners. Niesi’s leadership, dedication, expertise, and passion for life-long learning exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator.

Tomika Campbell of Stonecrest (Lithonia) in Dekalb County has a Provisional Elementary BA. She is working on certification in SPED.  Her goal is to become a fully certified SPED teacher who is equipped to meet the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of diverse learners.  Her supervisor summarized her letter of recommendation for Tomika by saying that she is an exceptional educator and advocate who brings knowledge, heart, and professionalism to her role every day, and she is an asset to our school.

Pamela Canty from Norman Park in Colquitt County is a papa-professional who works with Special Education in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades and has eleven years of experience. Her aim for herself is her BS is Elementary Education so she can be a third grade mathematics teacher. Her assistant principal stated that Pamela’s flexibility, strong work ethic, and reliability made her an invaluable asset to the school community. For her outstanding performance she was recognized as the 2025-2026 BRAVO Award winner. This is a district wide award for employees who exemplify excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and school spirit.

Jada Castillo is a para-pro in middle school in Griffin in Spalding County. She is working on her initial education degree in Secondary Education. Jada states that she is dedicated to improving her life and others through knowledge that she receives in and out of the classroom. She wrote that during working hours, she dedicated her time to the school, students, and its activities. Outside of working hours she dedicated her time to improving the life of her daughter. Her supervisor wrote that Jada is a proactive contributor to the growth of the school’s program. If she sees a need, she works independently and brings ideas to the table for us to try. Her level of initiative is rare.

Idelma T. Cecilio is a Para-Professional who works as a translator for all subjects grades 9-12 in Ellijay in Gilmer County. She has five years experience, and she is working to get a Certificate of Completion and be a Professional Interpreter in Education. She wants the students and parents that she works with to know that the translation comes from a real, live person who knows the content. Her principal writes that Idelma plays a critical role in supporting communication between our school and the Spanish-speaking students and families. He continued by saying that this was a high-need area, and her pursuit of the certification would benefit the school and community population.

Nicole Fillman from Suwanee in Gwinnett County has 22 years of experience. She teaches 9-12 grade Career and Technology Education. She has her MA and is working toward her T-6. She is the mother of two and one will start college this fall. The scholarship will definitely help with two in college. She said that she had intentionally chosen a degree that aligns with her professional goals and strengthens her skills as an educator. Her supervisor stated that Nicole, while teaching her marketing classes, creates engaging, real-world learning experiences that prepares students for both college and career pathways.

Lakesha Green is a para-professional who works one-on-one with eighth graders in all subjects. She is from Butler in Taylor County. She has a goal for herself; to help her students recognize their potential and overcome barriers that could limit their educational success. Her principal says Lakesha’s interaction with her students is a particular strength. Lakesha is patient, respectful, and calm; she builds positive relationships with encouragement and support.

Rachael Heffner has 9 years experience, has a BA, teaches elementary music, (Pk- 5), and lives in Lilburn in Gwinnett County. She is working on her Master’s degree. She wrote that she taught all 900 students in her school each year and taught them all 6 years of their years in the school. She continued by saying that her school district funds many of the teachers seeking graduate degrees, but the arts continue to be undervalued and financial support is not available in her area. Her supervisor stated that her passion, creativity, and commitment have enriched the musical experience of the students; she has created a school Chorus Club that is a beloved part of the school community. She has been able to galvanise a true love for music in her students.

The Dr. Leona Raughton Georgia Retired Educators Foundation Legacy scholarship is presented to Kelsie Hicks who lives in Carrollton but teaches at Heard County Middle School in Franklin. She has 3.5 years of experience, has her Level 5 MEd and is working on her SEd. She is a sixth grade Special Education teacher. She says that the better she is informed educationally, she will be more able to help her students and their families which will help them become better advocates for themselves. Her assistant principal commends her for her leadership in the school community. He further states, “Kelsie interacts with students in a way that is both encouraging and empowering”. Kelsie sets high expectations for all her students and is meticulous in her professional responsibilities.

Carley Dane Holcomb from Roswell in Cherokee County, has a certificate in Level 4 Sp. Ed. Adapted Curriculum and is working on her Master’s in Special Education (autism). She was a para-pro for 17 years, but has finished three years as a full-time educator. She has three children; the oldest is a daughter in nursing school. Dane is helping the daughter with her college expenses as well as paying her own. Her supervisor stated that Dane stands out for her dedication, responsibility, and thoughtful approach to her goals. He added that she approaches her academic work with determination and takes pride doing her best in every situation.

Abigail Hughes, an Economics and Finance teacher in Blue Ridge In Fannin County, has a BA but a Provisional Certificate and is working to receive her Professional Certificate. She wrote that she has just completed her Master’s Degree in Public History while working to get her professional certificate. According to Abigail, paying for these educational costs while worrying about her 20 year old car has been a financial strain. Her supervisor wrote that Abigail’s decision to leave the collegiate level and begin teaching at the secondary level has benefitted the students through an increase in rigor helping students prepare for undergraduate studies.

Kimberly Lawson from Douglas in Coffee County is a K-2 para-professional in reading, math, and science. She has three years experience and is working on her BA. She wrote that she is pursuing her education so she can better understand how to become a strong, inspiring teacher while motivating her students to believe in themselves and value education. Her supervisor added that Kimberly demonstrates remarkable perseverance and strength in her personal life by balancing the responsibilities of parenting, work, and continued personal growth with grace and determination.

The Madison County GREA Dr. Rodney A. Teasley Award is presented to Kayde McCain of Colbert in Madison County. She is a first grade Para-Professional working on her initial education degree. After high school, Kayde went to college but dropped out to go into health care. She worked there for fifteen years and then decided to follow her dream of teaching. She took a big drop in pay and started as a para-pro. Her supervisor wrote that in her role as a para-pro, Kayde is an exceptional educator in the making - one whose dedication, compassion and natural teaching ability set her apart.

The Edith L. Pierce Georgia Retired Educators Foundation Legacy Scholarship goes to Ashley Millsaps in Canon in Franklin County. She is a Para-professional in kindergarten with three years experience and is working for her initial education degree. She stated that earning this degree was really about growth, opportunity, and impact. She is the mother of three and the higher-paying job would help reduce financial stress and provide different experiences - better housing, travel, hobbies – all leading to an improved lifestyle. Her supervisor wrote, “ Ashley is a kind-hearted young woman who has passion for her students and their success. She provides a caring and compassionate presence in her classroom; her students respect and love her”.

Kristen Murphy from Daisy in Evans County is a kindergarten para-pro with fifteen years experience. She is working on her initial education degree. Kristen wrote that reading was a challenge for her in her early years, but she is now caring for a two-year old child and a disabled mother, and paying for her college expenses. She wants her students, her son, and herself to know that even with challenges, it’s possible to achieve your goals through dedication and determination. Her supervisor wrote “Kristen is currently a junior at VSU, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education….. Balancing full-time course work with full-time teaching, yet she manages this challenge with maturity, dedication, and a clear commitment to her students and her profession.

Kara Opp is a first grade teacher with 11 years experience. She is from Dawsonville in Dawson County. She has her BS and is working on her MEd in elementary education. She says that she stresses to her students that anyone can do the easy things, but it takes effort, dedication, and perseverance to do the hard things. She states that her daughter will be a sophomore in college while she is working on her master’s degree. Her principal states that Kara is a natural leader who leads with wisdom and grace. He says that what he admires most about her is her relentless drive to keep growing so that her students can do the same.

The Dr. B.J. Bassett Georgia Retired Educators Foundation Legacy Scholarship is presented to Jeffreia Raines of Milner in Lamar County. She teaches first grade with her MA in Elementary Education and has nine years of experience. She is working on her SEd. She wrote that in pursuing this degree she wanted to gain more knowledge and be able to help her students meet their academic needs.  She stated that the goal for this degree “is to exemplify persistence and intellectual ambition”.  Her supervisor said that Jefferia is an exceptional first grade teacher who has a deep commitment to student learning, professional growth, and excellence in teaching.

Katrena L. Ready from Conyers in Rockdale County has an MA with a Provisional certificate to teach 9-12 Social Studies. Her immediate goal is to earn her T-6. She is a retired police officer who resides at home with her parents to help care for her father who has dementia. Her principal wrote “Ms. Ready’s committee to service, collaboration, and student-centered leadership reflects her readiness to continue growing professionally. She approaches her work with integrity, consistency, and a genuine care for students”.

Melinda Sheffield is a media-center para-professional who is working on her MA in Elementary Education. She is from Dawsonville in Lumpkin County. She wrote that as a media-center para-pro, she has the “what” of education - the books, the digital resources, and the organizational system. Now she wants the “how”. She said that the salary now supports her, but it does not stretch to educating at a higher level; therefore, she is grateful for the scholarship. Her principal wrote that Melinda has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the learning community in Dawsonville.

Robert Todd from Valona in McIntosh County has ten years of teaching experience and is seeking an advanced degree in Workforce Education. He is the advisor of the McIntosh County Academy (MCA) SkillsUSA team which was named a 2025 Model of Excellence chapter (top 24 in the nation). He supervises the MCA Middle SkillsUSA chapter and the Todd-Grant Elementary School Tiger Skills team. He is the faculty advisor for MCA’s Buccateers club which is a student lead volunteer/community service initiative. He serves on the superintendent’s faculty advisor committee, the school’s safety committee, and is a faculty member of the school's logistics pathway advisory board. AND he is the district Teacher of the Year. His principal says that everyone around him is a beneficiary of his dedication, passion, and hard work.

Amanda S. Williams is a 10-12 grade Healthcare Science, EMT Instructor from Sale City in Mitchell County. She has a provisional certificate with 4 years of experience; she is working on her first initial education degree. She states that she is a committed teacher as well as a mother of five children whose youngest child is in a battle with cancer. She comments that this scholarship provides much needed support that allows me to continue my studies. One of her supervisors stated that Amanda was one of her English students in the 1990’s. Despite not having an educational background, she has worked with educators in the school and built an EMT pathway at the high school. She understands balancing knowledge with hands-on skills training,