Meet This Year's Recipient

JOSE ZAVALA 

 

This year, we are proud to recognize an outstanding student as the recipient of the Terry Watson Scholarship — an honor that reflects not only academic achievement, but compassion, resilience, and a commitment to serving others.


Jose Zavala embodies the spirit of Terry Watson through their dedication to helping others, leadership within the school community, and determination to overcome challenges. Whether through academics, extracurricular involvement, or personal character, he has made a lasting impact on those around them.


ABOUT ZAVALA


Jose Zavala is a graduating senior from Osborne High School who plans to attend Chattahoochee Technical College to pursue a career as a radiologic technician. Throughout high school, he has demonstrated dedication and consistency through his involvement in Beta Club, where he served as Historian and Social Media Officer, managing service records and creating content to highlight volunteer efforts. Jose has also shown long-term commitment and discipline as a classically trained violinist, participating in orchestra for eight years.


With a strong interest in both science and technology, Jose is passionate about entering the medical field in a role that allows him to support patients while working with advanced imaging tools. His desire to help others, combined with his curiosity and hands-on experience with technology, has shaped his goal of becoming a radiologic technician who provides compassionate and accurate care.

About the Terry Watson Scholarship

The Terry Watson Scholarship was created to honor a beloved school social worker whose impact reached far beyond the classroom. Known for his compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support for students, Terry Watson dedicated his life to helping others find hope and direction.

This scholarship ensures that his legacy lives on through students like Jose, who reflect the same commitment to kindness, service, and perseverance.


A Lasting Impact

By supporting this scholarship, you not only honor Terry Watson’s legacy but also invest in the future of students who will continue to uplift their communities.

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2026 Wilmer Hicks Memorial Scholarship Recipients

By Kiara Garcia • May 15, 2026
Meet This Year's Recipients

Dr. Kathie Elliott Educational Leadership Scholarship

By Web Team • May 4, 2026
Dr. Kathie Elliott devoted 33 years of dedicated service to the Cobb County School District, leaving a lasting impact on students, educators, and future leaders across the district. Her career began in the classroom as an elementary school teacher and evolved into school leadership, where she served as principal at Eastside Elementary, Varner Elementary, and Kennesaw Elementary. Along the way, Dr. Elliott also shared her expertise in Human Resources, supporting and strengthening the district from multiple perspectives. Even after retiring, Dr. Elliott’s passion for developing others never slowed. She continued to mentor and coach aspiring school leaders through Berry College and supervised student teachers through Kennesaw State University—ensuring that the next generation of educators was prepared, confident, and inspired. In honor of her remarkable legacy, the Dr. Kathie Elliott Scholarship was established to support current Cobb County School District employees who are continuing their educational journeys to advance professionally. This scholarship is designed to uplift those who are investing in their growth and expanding their impact within the district. Eligible applicants may be pursuing: A GED Paraprofessional certification Specialized credentials related to their current role Other educational pathways that enhance skills and career opportunities within CCSD Each scholarship award is $1,000 and may be applied toward tuition, certification fees, or other approved educational expenses. Applications are reviewed year-round, ensuring ongoing opportunities for professional development and advancement. By supporting this scholarship, you are helping to carry forward Dr. Elliott’s commitment to leadership, education, and lifelong learning. Click here to support the Dr. Kathie Elliott Scholarship and invest in future teacher leaders. Click here to learn more about applying for this scholarship.

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026
Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.