We are thrilled to announce that, through the Toler Velissaris Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Breakthrough Atlanta has provided $10,000 each to four graduating seniors to pursue post-secondary education. Each of the scholars participated in Breakthrough Atlanta’s High School Readiness and College Prep Programs during high school.
Please join us in celebrating our scholars!
- Taylor Thomas graduated from Tri-Cities High School and is attending Berry College, where she is pursuing a degree in animal science. She is the recipient of Berry’s Gate of Opportunity Scholarship, HOPE, and a 5Strong Foundation scholarship. In high school, she was a National Honor Society member and a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet.
- Shawn David Freeman graduated from Sparkman High School in Alabama, where he participated in Breakthrough Atlanta virtually after his family’s move from Atlanta. He is attending Alabama A&M University and will major in forestry or agribusiness. In high school, Shawn was a track and field athlete, vice president of the Spanish club, and a Smyrna Youth Council member.
- Emmanuella Katz graduated from Maynard Jackson High School and is attending the University of Pennsylvania, where she is majoring in English with plans to pursue a career in film. During high school, Emma co-founded the Diversifying International Baccalaureate (IB) Initiative, Latino Student Association, Movie Club Monday, and the Crimson Quarterly publication. She was also active in student government and played on the softball team. Emma is a recipient of the Penn Grant, providing her with significant funding throughout her college journey.
- Kellsey Yarbrough graduated from Charles R. Drew Charter High School and is attending Alabama A&M University, where she is a pre-med major. While at Drew Charter School, Kellsey was involved in student government, Beta Club, orchestra, Girl Scouts, and LPGA Girls Golf, amongst other activities. She is a recipient of the Normalite and Heritage Gold Award scholarship, covering a substantial portion of her tuition and fees.
In the past four years, the Toler Velissaris Scholarship for Academic Excellence has awarded $150,000 in scholarships to 15 Breakthrough students. These notable scholars were accepted into a four-year college or university with the intention to complete their degree.
Highly qualified applicants for the scholarship showed academic merit, volunteer service, civic engagement, and financial need.
For more information about Breakthrough Atlanta’s High School Readiness and College Prep Programs, please visit https://breakthroughatlanta.org/program.