Special Purpose Funds
Trojan Student-Athlete Development Fund
The Trojan Student-Athlete Development Fund was started in 2023 by founding donor, Trojan alum and athletic standout Jonathan Jones ('12). As a junior in high school, Jones was one of the top high school hurdlers in the country. From track star to the football field and the classroom, Jones maintained a 3.9 GPA and served as an avid community student volunteer. He was a dual-threat running back and cornerback who went on to play for Auburn University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and for the New England Patriots in the NFL. Jonathan's passion for community is evident in his mission to educate youth on practical life applications, encourage professional development and empower youth through education and mentorship. Jones credits the individuals who poured into his life as a student-athlete for helping shape who he is today. This fund will support student-athletes at Carrollton High School by supporting programs promoting Jonathan's mission, character development, leadership, and healthy lifestyle programs.
Brooks, Glanton, Waters Fund
Founded in 2024, the Brooks, Glanton, Waters Fund honors the legacy of Bess Z. Miller and her heart for supporting the local community. This fund aims to offer tangible support to students enrolled in Carrollton City Schools. This assistance is intended to address fundamental requirements for a student's well-being, allowing the student to focus on receiving an education. The fund will annually provide three school grants to meet the essential needs of students facing challenges in our community.
Kid's First Scholarship
The fund, established in 2008, provides financial support to special education classrooms at Carrollton City Schools for programs that are not funded by state and federal dollars. The funding allows students to have enhanced educational opportunities in community environments that teach functional and life skills giving students "real-life experiences.”
Richard Bracknell Debate Scholarship
The Richard Bracknell Debate Scholarship Grant was established by Carrollton High School debate program friends to honor Bracknell, the team’s long-time coach. Coach Bracknell led the program to its first state title in 1987 and continued to capture ten more state wins during his tenure, which is the second-highest number of state championships in the school’s history. Although the program boasts numerous title championships from region to state, the program goes far beyond the competition. Mr. Bracknell garnered national spotlight for the team through competition at prestigious university tournaments such as Columbia and Harvard. In addition, the program has given students opportunities to learn life skills such as critical thinking and discernment and make life-long friends. This scholarship will be used to help support student needs within the CHS debate program.
Brooks Family Fund
The purpose of this fund is to provide support for those choosing to pursue a career in the field of education. Melanie and David Brooks Scholarship for Future Educators.
Melanie and David Brooks dedicated more than 50 combined years to the Carrollton City School System. David served for 25 years as a math teacher, Athletic Director, and Principal at Carrollton High School, while Melanie served for 20 years as a teacher and Assistant Principal at Carrollton Elementary.
Their children—and son-in-law—are CHS graduates, with Hannah Kay and Zach Gordon now teaching in the district and Katey volunteering as a cross-country lay coach.
Inspired by the impact Carrollton schools have had on their family, the Brooks created this fund to support future students and aspiring educators, continuing their legacy of service and excellence.
Dr. Ernest McClendon Band Fund
Dr. Ernest McClendon was a devoted champion of education and the arts. A graduate of LaGrange College, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and Georgia State University, Dr. McClendon dedicated his career to serving students and the Carrollton community.
He led Carrollton High School’s band and chorus for 14 years and later served more than two decades as junior high principal and director of public relations for the school system. Beyond his work in the schools, he directed the Carrollton Youth Orchestra and shared his talents to enrich community life.
In his memory, this fund supports programs that provide resources, experiences, and opportunities to grow and strengthen student participation in band.