APS students earn second highest number of Gates Millennium Scholarships in nation in 2011

Twenty-one Atlanta Public Schools students have been awarded 2011 Gates Millennium Scholarships — the second highest number of any school district in the nation.

A total of 1,000 students nationwide were awarded these prestigious college scholarships, which can be used to pursue degrees in any undergraduate major at a college or university of the recipient’s choice.  These scholarships cover student’s tuition, room and board through undergraduate school and beyond for recipients who elect to pursue advanced degrees.

APS students who earned this year’s Gates Millennoim Scholarships are:

Benjamin E. Mays High School

Frederica Lamar

Booker T. Washington Senior Academy

Shaquitta Bell

Marshanae Davis

Crystal Harris

Taylor Hart

Elizabeth Jenkins

Malina Moses

Carver Early College

Paul Harris, Jr.

Carver School of Health Sciences & Research

Marquis Bell

Shontel Coleman

Gregory Stalls

Elisha Pittman

Keiana Raven

Frederick Douglass High School

Jeremy Hughes

Ebony Reid

Vivian Stepp

Maynard Jackson High School

Zicuria Ussery

North Atlanta High School

Mishka Moncrieffe

South Atlanta School of Law & Social Justice

Teanna Glass

Glenisha Smith

Raven Tukes

“This remarkable achievement is the direct result of the hard work and dedication of our principals, teachers and staff who have excelled at making our high school transformation program work for the benefit of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall.  “These scholarships provide clear evidence that the small schools and learning communities concept associated with all of our high schools now is spearheading escalating student achievement.”

In addition to financial assistance, Gates Millennium Scholars receive academic support, mentoring and leadership training.  Past recipients have a five-year college graduation rate of nearly 80 percent.