Carver Early College Students Win $20 Million in Scholarships

ATLANTA — One of Atlanta’s most historically disadvantaged neighborhoods is making sure its students are valued and supported, and it’s paying off.

The halls of Carver Early College are full of promise. This year, students collectively won more than $20 million in scholarships for their futures.

“The potential of all the kids at the school here is amazing,” senior Herman McGhee said.

He earned a full scholarship to Duke University through his time at Carver Early College. He appreciates the foundations his studies in a public school gave him.

“Never give up on your dreams. Life is going to be hard. That’s the way it’s supposed to be – especially for African-American students,” McGhee said.

U.S. News and World Report shows that 99 percent of Carver’s children are minority students and 100 percent are economically disadvantaged.

“Carver Early College is located in one of the poorest communities in the city of Atlanta,” said Principal Dr. Christina Rogers. “So we may not be aware of the greatness that still happens when we put education first.”

She says her students don’t let their struggles define them.

“Our graduating class has a theme: From Adversity to Success,” she said, “and each of them really embraced adversity, and they overcame every obstacle to realize that success was theirs from the start.”

Taurin Kemp is a first-generation high school graduate in his family who earned a full athletic scholarship to Concord University.

“It gives me a lot of confidence knowing that I can go out there and achieve what I want and improve,” he said.

Carver’s head football coach is his mentor.

“I don’t know where I would be without Coach Darren Myles. He is like a real father figure to me in school, in football and in life,” Kemp said.

Aden Richardson earned the school’s highest ACT score and recognizes the importance of seeking out mentors.

“Networking is an important part of life. Meeting the right people will give you access to opportunities you never knew about,” he said.

Richardson earned a scholarship to Florida A&M University.

Austin Chalmers, who earned a scholarship to Georgia State University, agrees. It also encourages students to follow their own path.

“Have a plan when you get out of high school. You don’t have to go to college, there are trade schools, vocational schools, two-year institutions,” he said, “But have a plan to get an education. That alone will give you a head start,” Chalmers said.

Check out the students’ words of wisdom below. Story continues after slideshow.

Judith Yelibora earned a scholarship to Georgia Tech and says her high school experience was an advantage.

“There are a lot of opportunities here. The fact that it’s a small school adds to its appeal. Everyone knows your name. All students have their doors open. There are so many opportunities. Just ask questions, put yourself in those positions and you will be prepared for life,” she said.

Leonardo Molina-Gonzalez also earned a scholarship to Georgia Tech and is excited about the future.

“It feels like a dream. Ever since I was little, driving on the highway and passing the school, I knew this was where I was supposed to be,” he said .

He wants to encourage other students to never give up on their dreams.

“It took a lot of studying, a lot of hours, asking teachers and students for help. There was always a friend I could ask for help,” Molina-Gonzalez said.

Amir Hunter has won a full trip to the Citadel and hopes to become an officer in the army.

“The standard that the school sets – I think it’s important to go somewhere where the best is expected of you. I want to go there,” she said.

Students all expect the best from themselves – and that is invaluable.