Welcome to the Celebration of Excellence

Mission

To celebrate the educational achievement of youth in Georgia’s foster care system; acknowledge their individual accomplishments; and heighten the awareness of transitional resources needed as these youth transition out of Georgia’s foster care program.

"Celebration of Excellence" is an annual statewide event that honors and recognizes youth in Georgia’s foster care system who graduate from high school, vocational school, a GED program or college. 

In addition, deserving youth are awarded scholarships to pursue a college education. These youth have beat the odds, and have made great strides by overcoming many obstacles in order to attain scholastic success in their academic endeavors.

The event is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Human Services, Department of Family and Children Services, Independent Living Program, The Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, numerous private businesses and a host of community based non-profit organizations.

Read more about the mission of Celebration of Excellence. . .

 

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Celebration of Excellence
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2009 Event Highlights

 

On June 10th 2009, over 800 supporters from across the state packed The Rialto Center for The Arts at Georgia State University to celebrate the academic achievements of more than 300 of Georgia’s foster care youth that were honored at the 17th Annual Celebration of Excellence for their educational achievements. Over 250 high school graduates, GED recipients and 30 college graduates attended the event to be recognized.

Nearly $200,000 dollars in scholarship funds were awarded to 30 deserving youth statewide by Catalyst for CARE (20) and Nsoro Educational Foundation (10).

Governor Sonny & Mrs. Perdue graced the stage to applaud, congratulate the honorees and to offer a few words of encouragement.  The Metro Atlanta Youth Sin-Fonia Orchestra and Moving in The Spirit Dance Troup provided entertainment.

Keith L. Brown, Motivator of the Millineum, brought the house to its’ feet with a moving and powerful message to the honorees.

 Also,  the event featured a COE Alum during the “Where Are They Now” Feature.  Local and national celebrities, such as R&B Artist Case and Musiq Soulchild offered congratulatory messages and words of encouragement to the honorees.

At the conclusion of the event, many of the honorees shared heartfelt words of appreciation to family, friends, caseworkers and foster parents that have supported them along the way.

The "Celebration" ended with a fun and festive reception.
   

The Celebration of Excellence would like to thank our Sponsors and Community Partners

PLATINUM SPONSORS
                         
 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
                              The Lead Foundation  Young Lawyers Division  Catalyst for Care

 
  

 
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