Celebration of Excellence

The Celebration of Excellence (COE) is a statewide annual graduation event and scholarship program designed to recognize the academic achievements of youth in the Georgia foster care system who are graduating from high school, GED programs, vocational school or college. The event includes a formal awards ceremony much like a commencement exercise, with celebrity presenters and guests, notable speakers and a social gathering with food and entertainment. Graduates receive certificates of recognition for their outstanding achievements, graduation gifts and scholarships. The Juvenile Law Committee has been involved in planning and executing the Celebration of Excellence since its inception.

In 2007, almost 400 graduates were honored at the 15th annual Celebration of Excellence at the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech. In addition, more than 30 students received scholarship awards. 

This year marks the 16th Anniversary of the COE, and we anticipate yet another extraordinary event. This year's Celebration of Excellence will take place on June 11, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Georgia Tech's Ferst Center for the Arts.

The Celebration of Excellence sub-committee is made up of many volunteers who include those in the legal and child advocacy communities. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2008 Celebration of Excellence, please contact Rachel Davidson at 404-294-2179 or rhdavidson@co.dekalb.ga.us.

For more information visit http://www.celebrationofexcellence.org/.