Students Honored at Fernbank Ceremony

College will be a little bit easier for some students in the metro Atlanta area, thanks to a $1,000 college scholarship and tablet from Aio Wireless.

Some 30 students from the Atlanta metro area were recently honored at a celebration at Fernbank as part of Aio’s “30-Days, 30-Dreams.” 

The program partnered with local nonprofit organizations to create opportunities for future leaders in the communities it serves.  

“’30 Days, 30 Dreams’ is about working together with organizations that make dreams a reality for our leaders of tomorrow,” said Norelie Garcia, Aio’s director of sponsorships and community engagement.

In Atlanta, Aio collaborated with three community-based organizations to identify the scholarship recipients: 100 Black Men of Atlanta (North and South metro councils); the Latin American Association; and Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.  

The students were honored Wednesday night at the Fernbank event and presented with the scholarships and tablets. 

Students honored were:

1. Chessa Birrell, Harrison High School: Technology will help make it possible for me to reach my full potential, have a successful career, and contribute to society.
2. Meghan Devine, Holy Spirit Preparatory School: This scholarship gives me confidence.
3. Jordan Fessehaie, North Cobb High School: This scholarship inspires me to be the best I can be.
4. Sarah Hicks, Faith Academy: My advice for young and old is to follow your dreams.
5. Carolina Maurersberg, North Gwinnett High School: There is always something new out there to discover or to learn.
6. Priscilla Ryan, Wheeler: My family motivates me to do my best.
7. Courtney Sehested, Brookwood High School: I love learning new things. The feeling that I get when I finally understand something is amazing.
8. Jaya Sharma, Johns Creek High School: I like to be involved in community services and give back to the community that has helped me so much.
9. Jeanette Soledad Lopez, Meadowcreek High School: My dream is to leave behind a legacy of progress that will guarantee the well-being of retired and upcoming generations. 
10. Katrina Winnett, Homeschool: Technology will help me in the future because it will amplify my efforts to impact the world.
11. Alex Andu, Etowah High School: Whenever you limit your education, you limit your future choices.
12. Gregory Espy, Peachtree Ridge High School: This scholarship inspires me to show others that their dreams can come true with hard work.
13. Javae Frazier, Creekside High School: I dream to help as many children as I possibly can fulfill their own dreams and aspirations. 
14. Bakari George, Joseph Wheeler High School: Young entrepreneurs motivate me to create innovative solutions. 
15. Alexandria Jones, Booker T. Washington High School Early College: My dream is to teach. I love children and I dream to fill their minds with knowledge. 
16. Kyle Likely, South Gwinnett High School: A man’s ability to influence comes from his ability to understand. The more that I learn and understand, the more I can achieve within my lifetime.
17. Maduka Okonkwo, North Clayton High School: There is always room for new innovations. Technology will be a necessity for me to succeed.
18. Christopher Pettis, North Springs Charter High School: This scholarship inspires me to work harder than ever before because someone, other than my family, believed in me.
19. Prince Smoot, North Clayton High School: Technology keeps me connected with the world.
20. Tio’Monee Tyler, Charles Drew High School: My dream is to be someone great in life and to bring much happiness to others.
21. Alexander Allen, Chamblee Charter High School: College is the gateway to opportunity and options. 
22. Andrea Arroyo, Dacula High School: I want to be a teacher who helps her students reach their own goals and dreams.
23. Louis Conde, Dacula High School: My dream is to make a difference in the world. I want to show that no matter what, anybody can do anything with hard-work, perseverance, and dedication.
24. Ja'leia Johnson, Cross Keys High School: Never get discouraged. If you have the drive and the determination to succeed, nothing can hold you back.
25. Blanca Licona, Buford High School: I want an opportunity to have a better life and to inspire immigrants. Not only across the border, but also across the line of education.
26. Chao Lin, Cross Keys High School: My dream is to become someone else’s inspiration. I want to be remembered as someone who has positively impacted this society.
27. Cristian Padilla Romero, Cross Keys High School: My family gives me the motivation needed to stay on track and do my best.
28. Abel Rivera Ramirez, Riverwood International Charter High School: This scholarship inspires me to continue to follow my dreams and ambitions.
29. Ivan Sanchez, Marietta High School: My passion for learning fuels my initiative to keep learning. I am curious to learn about the world and about myself.
30. Esther Velez Arce, Archer High School: I would advise younger kids to think as an individuals when choosing a career. I’ve learned that college is not 'one size fits all'.   

For more information about the initiative, visit Aio's Community Blog, Instagram and Facebook pages.