Impact Update: First Quarter 2026

Student Recognition Receptions Keep Parents Involved

The Thillen Education Foundation, in collaboration with Greene College & Career Academy, recognized the recipients of Dave Dollar Awards during its second-semester receptions held March 17. Student earnings exceeded $37,000. The event, hosted at Greene College & Career Academy, brought together career coaches, family members, school staff and parents. Family support is extremely important to the ultimate success of each student and more than 40 parents were in attendance.

Each attending parent was awarded $25 in Dave Dollars to present to their son or daughter reinforcing the value parental encouragement and motivation is in helping their child achieve their educational and career goals.

GCHS Students Participate IN TEDx Youth: Beyond Limits Event

On March 28, 2026, three students from Greene County High School gathered at Lakeside Church to deliver polished seven to ten minute oral presentations on topics each felt passionate about and are helping shape their plans for the future. This was the first TEDx Youth event ever organized by a school district in the state of Georgia.

Each student delivered their speech on stage using a microphone. The three GCHS students who presented include:

• Jailyn McKellar – (Speech Title: Little Tiger Surviving in the Big Jungle) Jailyn is driven to inspire change and be a difference maker in the lives of others. He plans to attend Georgia Southern University, major in Nursing and ultimately specialize in plastic surgery combining his interest in medicine with his passion for helping others build confidence and self-esteem.

• Arrissa Robinson – (Speech Title: Finding Your Voice) Arrissa is a junior who is committed to personal growth and making a positive impact on her community. She plans to join the Army National Guard and major in education at Georgia State University. She is passionate about helping others and strives to be the best version of herself in all she pursues.

• Brianna Tirado – (Speech Title: Finding Your Dreams) Brianna is passionate about aviation and plans to study Aviation and Flight Management in college with a goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot. In her free time Brianna enjoys learning about aircraft, working on cars, staying active in sports and developing new skills. Her TEDx talk highlighted the dedication, training and perseverance required to succeed in aviation.

As Dr. Akella shared in his opening remarks, “We often say that students are the leaders of tomorrow. Today proves something even more powerful—our students are leaders right now. They are thinkers, innovators, storytellers, and change-makers who have something meaningful to say to the world.”

And on the TEDx stage, they proved exactly that.

GCCA Students Volunteer!

GCCA students, in coordination with Georgia Public Schools Statewide Day of Service, had an opportunity to volunteer at several organizations around Greene County. Students had the privilege of helping out at four separate local organizations - the Senior Center, Greene County Food Pantry, Lake Oconee Humane Society, and Circle Ranch.

It was a great day for students to get involved and learn more about the good work going on in our community while creating a strong sense of belonging by working together to give back.

John Ellenberg – Good-Bye and Hello

The Greene County School System recently announced John Ellenberg as the district's first Director of Safety, Facilities and Community Engagement starting in June.

John served as Principal of Greene County High School (GCHS) for the past two years while continuing his leadership as CEO of Greene College & Career Academy (GCCA) since 2018. In fall 2025 GCCA was named Georgia’s College & Career Academy of the Year in recognition of its strong programming and community partnerships, including Thillen Education Foundation. There are over 60 College & Career Academies in Georgia.

John expressed both gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve the district in his new capacity: “Serving as Principal of Greene County High School and CEO of Greene College & Career Academy has been among the greatest honors of my career,” he said.

The progress we have made is a direct result of the dedication of our students, staff, families and community partners. As I step into this new role, I look forward to continuing that work by ensuring our schools are safe, our faculties support excellent teaching and learning and our community remains deeply connected to the success of every student.

While we will all miss the affable and dedicated John, he has assured many people in the organization that he may be moving up within the district but plans to be visible throughout the Greene County School System and continue to support the partnership with Thillen Education Foundation.

Congratulations John!

Get to Know More about Dave Thillen

You probably know Dave Thillen as the CEO of the Thillen Education Foundation and creator of an innovative approach to high school education providing students with a personal career coach and substantial financial assistance.

But did you know he grew up poor in the inner city of Chicago and was one of five children in a family with a single mother who had her first child at 15? He realized a good education would be his ticket out of poverty and was the only child to graduate high school.

His journey from poverty to successful businessman to the development of the Thillen Education Foundation that helps underprivileged high school students graduate to become productive citizens is truly inspiring.

Over the past five years graduating students earned over $1 million to use for post graduate education, or starting a business, or entering the workforce or joining the military. And over the past three years every student (100%) in the program graduated on time or early.

Dave’s life story and how he has been reshaping outcomes for high school students was recently chronicled by Jim Masters in a nationally broadcast “Close Up Radio” podcast. In it Dave speaks plainly and openly about his early struggles with poverty, how he worked to overcome it, was employed for 30 years at IBM, volunteered for 15 years with Habitat for Humanity and eventually created a truly unique education foundation helping underprivileged students realize a more fulfilling life after high school.

The "Close-Up Radio" podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, etc. by searching “Dave Thillen" or click on one of the following links: Spotify, Apple Radio, iHeart Radio, Amazon Podcast

Celebrating Student Success

Senior Tyquavious “Mon” Evans, a third-level GCCA Automotive Technology pathway student was recently recognized for his outstanding performance at Georgia regional SkillsUSA competition!

Mon placed 2nd in Region 5, earning him a spot in the SkillsUSA Georgia State Competition in February. He competed in the Maintenance and Light Repair event which was judged using ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) industry standards.

This accomplishment marks a major milestone for the GCHS Automotive Technology program, and Mon is excited and eager to represent our school at the state level.

Big shout-out to Mon for this great achievement—we’re proud of you!

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