Six CCSD Class of 2023 Graduates Earn $1,000 ABM Scholarships

Six Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 graduates have earned scholarships from ABM Industry Groups LLC!

The company, which provides custodial services for CCSD schools, each year awards a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each of CCSD’s traditional high schools.  The six winners are selected by a scholarship committee of retired CCSD educators and ABM representatives based on a student’s involvement in school and community activities and service; personal essays; and references.  Next month, the company will award its first-ever scholarship to a graduating senior from i-Grad Virtual Academy, CCSD’s online high school.

The Class of 2023 winners are: Cherokee HS, Gabriel Souza Aca; Creekview HS, Sophia Cook; Etowah HS, Brooke Belsito; River Ridge HS, Clay Love V; Sequoyah HS, Taryn Mareau; and Woodstock HS, Annette Esteban-Zuniga.

“Congratulations to each of our winners for earning this scholarship and best wishes as you continue your education,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “Thank you to ABM for continuing its support of our schools by honoring students for outstanding school and community service.  We look forwarding to celebrating out first i-Grad winner next month!”

Gabriel is headed to Georgia Tech to study mechanical engineering with a concentration in automation and robotics.  His career goal is to earn a doctorate in robotics and pursue a career as a robotic engineer specializing in robotic control systems for prosthetics and exoskeletons for physically disabled individuals.  He founded two clubs at Cherokee: the Cherokee Coders programming and computer science club and Youth Voice to engage students in school improvement and is a member of the National Honors Society and Beta Club.

Sophia plans to study business at University of North Georgia – Dahlonega and is considering a career in real estate and home renovation. A four-year member of the Creekview marching band, Sophia also is a member of the American Sign Language Club, Beta Club and Friends Club and volunteers with BEATS (Bethany’s Equine & Aquatic Therapy Services).

Brooke will study biology and the University of Georgia and plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology.  She serves as president of Etowah’s student government association, co-president of National Honor Society, vice president of National English Honor Society and volunteers as a tutor at the school’s Etowah East Wing Tutoring Center.

Clay is headed to Kennesaw State University to study mechanical engineering to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer.  An Eagle Scout, Clay is very involved in the River Ridge band program as a member of marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble and the trombone choir he founded.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and competed on the track and field team for two seasons.

Taryn is headed to the University of Georgia to study biomedical engineering on the pre-law track toward her career goal of developing biotechnology and associated patents.  A Cherokee County School Board Delegate, Taryn has been a Sequoyah student government association representative for four years and is the debate team captain.  She served as president of the National Honors Society and Junior Optimist Club and is an officer and section leader in chorus.

Annette plans to pursue a cybersecurity degree at Chattahoochee Technical College.  She is a member of the C5 Georgia Youth Foundation leadership program, through which she has volunteered more than 300 hours for numerous community service projects, and Woodstock’s Color Guard.

The Cherokee County School Board and Dr. Hightower congratulated the winners at this month’s School Board meeting.
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