News & Events

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) –  Caroline Moon, a senior at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing her among less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide.

“Caroline’s achievement reflects the dedication, curiosity and commitment to excellence that we encourage in every student,” said Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb. “Earning a place among the nation’s highest-performing students is an incredible accomplishment, and we are proud to celebrate Caroline as she represents Davidson Fine Arts and the Richmond County School System on the national level.”

Moon now has an opportunity to advance to finalist standing and compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million that will be awarded next spring. More than 1.2 million high school juniors from about 20,000 high schools entered the 2027 competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as the initial screening for program entrants. Semifinalists represent the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

To advance to finalist standing, Moon and a school official must submit a detailed scholarship application outlining her academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership experience, employment, and honors and awards. Semifinalists must also maintain an outstanding academic record, receive a recommendation from a school official, submit an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their performance on the qualifying test.

More than 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to finalist standing and will be notified in February. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the finalist group, with scholarship announcements beginning in April 2027. 

Caroline Moon, senior, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) –  Two Richmond County School System graduates were selected for the inaugural Augusta cohort of the Earl Woods Scholar Program, a national college access and scholarship program of TGR Foundation.

Kaesha Ford, a Westside Comprehensive High School graduate, and Kaleyah Turmon, a John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School graduate, are among 22 students nationwide selected for the 2026 cohort. Ford will attend Augusta University, while Turmon will attend Howard University.

“As the Earl Woods Scholar Program expands to Augusta, we are excited to see new opportunities opening for our students and look forward to watching these young women continue to thrive, adapt and lead,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, superintendent of schools. “We are incredibly proud of Kaesha and Kaleyah for earning this opportunity and representing Richmond County on a national stage.”

As Earl Woods Scholars, Ford and Turmon will receive renewable scholarships, one-to-one professional mentorship, professional development, internship placement assistance and other support throughout college. This year’s 22 scholars were selected from 984 applicants referred by teachers and school counselors. Established in 2006 in honor of Tiger Woods’ father, Earl Woods, the program selects scholars based on academic excellence, financial need and commitment to community service.

The Earl Woods Scholar Program currently serves 96 students nationwide and has a 98% alumni graduation rate.

Founded by Tiger Woods in 1996, TGR Foundation provides educational opportunities for students from under-resourced communities, with a focus on STEAM enrichment and college and career readiness. The foundation has served more than 217,000 students.