Thillen Foundation contributes $10,400 to GCHS post-graduate fund

Career Coach Recognition: Members of the Class of 2028 receive Dave Dollars for their achievements and commitment to career development.

Senior Achievement: Treveon Jackson, joined by his parents, is honored for his dedication and hard work in all his classes

Thillen Education Foundation, in collaboration with Greene College & Career Academy, revealed the latest recipients of the Dave Dollar Awards during its quarterly reception on Monday, Dec. 2. The event, hosted at the Greene College & Career Academy, brought together career coaches, parents, family members, friends and school staff to commend students for their exceptional efforts during the past quarter.

The Dave Dollars Award program is a unique program designed to students for their hard work throughout their four years of high school. These Dave Dollars transition into real dollars upon the students’ graduation from Greene County High School. In addition to providing each student with a career coach throughout high school, the program also provides earned financial incentives that can be redeemed upon graduation.

Academic Excellence: Freshman Jeff Alvarez, joined by his parents, celebrates earning all As this semester.

This year’s reception also underscored the growing importance of parental involvement in student success. Eleven parents who attended the event were each awarded $25 Dave Dollars to present to their son or daughter, highlighting the critical role families play in supporting and motivating their students’ educational and career goals.

Over the course of the 2023-24 school year, Greene County High School students earned more than $100,000 in Dave Dollar Awards. More awards and recognition will be presented at the Senior Honors Night in May of 2025.

Sophomore Stars: Matthew Janes, Abbigail Webb, and Nayeli Garcia-Ochoa receive their Dave Dollars in recognition of their outstanding community service contributions.

Students who earn Dave Dollars have the flexibility to utilize their funds based on their chosen path post-graduation. If furthering education, the earned funds become a scholarship. If entering the workforce, the funds can be used to acquire professional supplies needed to begin their careers. If entering the military, the funds can be used over a six-year period to purchase supplies, continue education or begin a career.

This article originally appeared on Lake Oconee News.

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