Meet This Year's Recipients

STAR LESLE ORJI 

 

Star Lesle Orji is a graduating senior from Osborne who exemplifies the values this scholarship was created to honor. Through dedication to academics, leadership, and personal growth, she has made a meaningful impact both in and outside the classroom.


ABOUT STAR


Star plans to attend Emory University, with aspirations of pursuing a career in pharmaceutical entrepreneurship. During high school, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative as the founder and CEO of BlessBloom and Flow, where she educated over 1,000 girls on menstrual health and led efforts to donate more than 3,000 hygiene products to those in need. She has been actively involved in numerous organizations, including serving as president of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club, vice president and Region 7 officer for Future Business Leaders of America, and an executive council leader in Student Government. Star has also contributed extensively to her community through Girls Inc., youth advocacy groups, and various service initiatives, impacting hundreds of individuals. Her commitment to service, academic excellence, and passion for creating meaningful change reflect a strong work ethic and a clear vision for her future goals. 

TALIYAH ALYXSS WALKER 


Taliyah Alyxss Walker is a graduating senior and recipient of the Wilmer Hicks Memorial Scholarship at Campbell High School. Through her dedication to her future goals and commitment to continuing her education, she represents the values of perseverance, ambition, and hard work that this scholarship was created to honor. 


ABOUT TALIYAH


Taliyah plans to attend Georgia State University as she begins the next chapter of her academic journey. As a recipient of the Wilmer Hicks Memorial Scholarship, she has demonstrated the determination and vision needed to pursue her goals and build a meaningful future.


The Wilmer Hicks Memorial Scholarship recognizes students who reflect the values Mr. Hicks carried throughout his life—education, service, responsibility, and dedication to personal growth. At Campbell High School, the scholarship supports students with a commitment to Culinary Arts, celebrating the creativity, discipline, and perseverance required to succeed in the industry. Taliyah’s achievement highlights her hard work throughout high school and her readiness to continue pursuing excellence beyond graduation.

About the Wilmer Hicks Scholarship

The Wilmer Hicks Memorial Scholarship was established to honor a legacy rooted in hard work, education, and opportunity. Created in his memory, this scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, strong character, and a commitment to their future.

By investing in graduating seniors, the scholarship helps open doors to higher education and meaningful careers. It stands as a lasting tribute to Wilmer Hicks’ belief in empowering young people to succeed and make a positive impact in their communities.

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2026 Terry Watson Scholarship Recipient

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

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.