Superintendent donates his performance bonus to fund students’ college applications

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) - College applications are typically a laborious, anxiety-riddling process, but students at one Georgia high school were all smiles going over their early applications on Friday.

“I think kids are excited about the next chapter,” said Marietta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera.

At Marietta High School, there were smiles and high fives all around.

Rivera is donating his performance bonus of about $10,000 to district seniors who are applying to college.

“This is about just honoring our kids and saying to them that when you do the right thing, we’re here as a community, and certainly my family and I are here to support you,” Rivera said.

According to the Education Data Initiative, college tuition has increased nearly 37% since 2010. But it’s not just tuition students have to worry about.

“Usually, the average price [of applying] is around $65,” said senior Mahi Patel.

Patel is applying for early admission into Georgia Tech, one of seven schools to which she intends to apply. The application fees can quickly add up.

“I’m not willing to pay $70 out of my pocket," said senior Brayden Paolini. “And I don’t think my mom is willing, either.”

Rivera uses his credit card to pay for one early application for each student. Most are applying to Georgia schools or schools on the East Coast. Rivera laments none are applying to his alma mater, Northwestern.

“I’ve been waiting for one of them to apply to my alma mater!” he joked.

He is serious, however, about education.

“Any bonus that I might earn due to the performance of this school district is done so on the backs of the teachers and educators,” Rivera said.

The timing isn’t a coincidence, either. According to U.S. News and World Report, college applicants who apply for early admission are 34% more likely to get accepted.

“I don’t want them waiting until April or May to start making major life decisions,” Rivera said.

The students said they appreciate it, as evidenced by the never-ending line to spend a few minutes with Rivera.

His work doesn’t end at Marietta High School, though. Rivera will visit other high schools in the district to lend the same help. Any money left goes to the Marietta Schools Foundation, which goes toward students in need and scholarship funds.

“It shows how invested he is in our education,” Patel said.

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