KBA SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO NCHS STUDENTS

Marlon Longacre, Chair of the Education Committe and the Big Shanty Festival is proud to share the NCHS students that were awarded scholarships at the April meeting of the Kennesaw Business Association.  KBA members get to know many of these students as they are interns at our meetings and volunteers at our various functions.  Funds for these scholarships are raised by the Big Shanty Festival.

THE CAROL THOMPSON JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP

The Carol Thompson Journalism Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated dedication and commitment in print or media-based journalism. Carol Thompson is the founder and owner of the Bright Side Community Newspaper. Founded in 1992, the paper publishes positive news and events for Acworth, Kennesaw and Marietta. Carol is also an original member of the Kennesaw Business Association, which was formed in 1975.

THE CAROL THOMPSON JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO: ELYSSA ABBOTT

Elyssa Abbott is a senior in North Cobb High School Magnet Program for International Studies. Elyssa has served as the editor-in-chief of North Cobb High School’s newspaper. She was also selected and participated as a Kennesaw Business Association Intern.

Elyssa holds a 4.3 grade point average, is a 2-year AP Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society

Elyssa has earned over 200 Community Service Hours, has served as a Peer Tutor, served on the Magnet Advisory Board, participated in Shop with A Warrior for all four years, and participated in two Miracle Network Events, raising money to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
And Elyssa has volunteered in NorthStar Church’s nursery for 4 years. In addition to her volunteer work Elyssa has worked as a manager at Georgia Fitness for 2 years, and is currently a host at 1885 Grill in Acworth. Elyssa plans to attend the University of Georgia to double-major in Journalism and International Affairs on the pre-Law track.

 

THE DAVID GRANT ROTC SCHOLARSHIP

The David Grant ROTC Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from North Cobb High School who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the ROTC program, as well as support both present and future for our United States Military. David Grant was President of the Kennesaw Business Association in 1990. He served in the United States Air Force for 24 years (5 years active duty, 19 years in the reserves) and retired as a Colonel. He is a veteran of Desert Storm. David Grant is a State Farm Insurance agent serving the Cobb County community.

THE DAVID GRANT ROTC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER IS AWARDED TO MATHEUS LAGO

A senior in North Cobb High School’s Magnet Program for International Studies, Matheus is the commanding officer of North Cobb and Harrison High Schools’ NJROTC joint units. He is a member of Beta Club and Model UN, and has participated in multiple North Cobb Magnet events as a member of the student panel.

Matheus holds a 4.5 grade point average and is an AP Scholar and holds an AP Seminar/Research Certificate.

He plans to attend Emory University to major in Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track.

THE DEBBIE UNDERKOFLER CULINARY ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

The Debbie Underkofler Culinary Arts Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated talent and excellence in the field of culinary arts. Debbie Underkofler was president of the Kennesaw Business Association in 2007 and presently serves as Chair of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation. She is President and CEO of North Georgia Staffing, a Human Resource Consulting and Staffing Service based in Kennesaw.

THE DEBBIE UNDERKOFLER CULINARY ARTS SCHOLARHIP IS AWARDED TO: NATHAN BAXTER

Nathan is graduating from North Cobb High School. He has participated in marching band all 4 years of high school with 2 years in leadership. He was a part of both GMEA and JanFest, annual state band and music conventions where he participated along with the band as an honored guest.

Nathan is a member of National Honor Society, and has averaged 1 to 6 hours a week of community service at his church and through Boy Scouts.

Nathan has a 4.1 grade point average. He says becoming involved in Culinary Arts has changed his life and plans on studying Food Science in college. He is currently deciding between the University of Florida, University of Tennessee, Mississippi State, Auburn and Clemson University.

Nathan believes communities are stronger the more connected they are. He says that to change a community for the better means to become more connected to that community and its members.

THE KEVIN JABBARI ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP

The Kevin Jabbari Athletic Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates talent and excellence in athletics. Kevin Jabbari was President of the Kennesaw Business Association in 2004 and has a deep love of sports. Kevin Jabbari is the owner of Jabbari Property Services, a commercial real estate and property management firm in Kennesaw.

THE KEVIN JABBARI ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO TREVOR LOVETT

Trevor is graduating from North Cobb High School and holds a 3.9 grade point average. He is a 4-year varsity letterman in both baseball and football. Trevor was honored to receive a leadership award named after him: The Lovett Leadership Award.

Trevor has given his all to the North Cobb community, on and off the field. He served as a volunteer at Must Ministries and for the Junior Warrior football organization. Trevor plans to play baseball at Georgia Highlands.

THE MARLON LONGACRE HEART OF A CHAMPION SCHOLARSHIP

The Marlon Longacre Heart of a Champion Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates tenacity and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and adversity. Marlon Longacre served as President of the Kennesaw Business Association in 2003 and continues to serve as the Chair of the annual Big Shanty Festival and the Education Committee. Marlon is a Community Pastor at Piedmont Church.

THE MARLON LONGACRE HEART OF A CHAMPION SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO ZARI MASSAY

Zari is graduating from North Cobb High School’s Magnet Program in International Studies. She is a member of National Honor Society, Tribal Connections, manager of the Girls’ Lacrosse Team, discussion leader and member of the Black Student Union, President and founder of the By Kids for Kidz organization, and Vice-President of Finance for the HEROS organization. She has volunteered for Shop With a Warrior, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and the Guyana Association of Cultural Events. Zari also completed a 2-year internship with Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.

After observing the disparity in scholastic opportunity in her home school district as compared to North Cobb, Zari co-created Kids for Kidz, a leadership and entrepreneurship club based at her former middle school, Smitha. Her efforts increased magnet school applications and acceptance by 30% in the first year.

Zari holds a 4.2 grade point average. She is an AP Scholar with Honor, completed the AP Capstone and Spanish Language Pathway, and is an Ambassador for the National Society of High School Scholars. Zari plans to attend Emory University at the Oxford Campus in the fall, and is considering a career path in Pediatrics.

THE RENE DOLLAR FUTURE BUSINESS LEADER SCHOLARSHIP

The Rene Dollar Future Business Leader Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from North Cobb High School who has demonstrated leadership in the field of business in the local community. Rene Dollar has served on the KBA Board of Directors, has been Chair of Wake-Up KBA and 5th Tuesday Luncheons, and has served on the Education Committee. In 2016, she was named the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Kennesaw Citizen of the Year, as well as the KBA Citizen of the Year. Rene Dollar is Vice President of ServisFirst Bank.

THE RENE DOLLAR FUTURE BUSINESS LEADER SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO: OLUWATITO OMOTESO

Oluwatito is graduating from North Cobb High School with a 4.4 grade point average, and has been accepted to the University of Georgia and Berry College.

Oluwatito works as a freelance graphic designer, and creates promotional material for businesses and non-profit organizations. She won 1st place in Graphic Design at the Cobb County Technology Fair, and 2nd place in Graphic Design at the Georgia Technology Fair Competition.

As a member and current President of the Future Business Leaders of America organization, Oluwatito received 1st place in Business Ethics at FBLA Regionals, and 7th place in Political Science at FBLA Nationals. Oluwatito credits her involvement with FBLA with shaping her future educational goals and career plans. She has stated, “As a first generation American, I’ve learned the importance of hard work and discipline, and I still believe in the American dream.”

Oluwatito will be attending Emory University to study Business.

THE RJ PATEL INTERNATIONAL MAGNET STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

The RJ Patel International Magnet Student Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from North Cobb High School who demonstrates excellent academic performance and development of a global perspective on politics, culture, scientific understanding and communication. RJ Patel was President of KBA in 2002 and 2008. Born in England, RJ and his family moved to the United States when he was in his teens. He is the owner of Prestigious Cleaning Team in Kennesaw.

THE RJ PATEL INTERNATIONAL MAGNET STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO: KAYLEIGH EVERHART

Kayleigh is a University of Georgia Merit Scholar, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, and President of National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Kayleigh was selected to attend the Governor’s Honors State Program for Dance in 2019. She was selected and served as a Kennesaw Business Association Intern, and participated in Relay For Life throughout high school. She has danced with Great Gig Dance Co. for 15 years and performed with the dance Ensemble for 12 years. Kayleigh has achieved pathways in Fine Arts and Foreign Language for Latin. She has documented more than 300 hours of community service.

Kayleigh is graduating from North Cobb High School’s Magnet Program in International Studies with a 4.5 grade point average. She plans to pursue a Master’s and Doctoral Degree in Marine Science. Accepted and considering college programs at the University of Georgia, University of Florida, University of Miami, Northeastern University, Boston University, Eckerd College, University of Tampa, and Stony Brook University, her family eagerly awaits her decision on where she will attend. Kayleigh has a life-long passion for the ocean and marine life. She hopes to participate in research that will one day make a positive impact on the environment and the effects of climate change.