(Marietta, GA - June 10th, 2024) Neva Miller of Blessed Trinity High School and Emma Bayer of Cobb Online Learning Academy both received a $1,000 Positive Energy Award scholarship from Cobb EMC during the Positive Athlete Georgia awards ceremony at the NorthStar Church in Kennesaw last week. The Positive Energy Award is given to local student-athletes based on character and the positive energy they can bring to every practice and competition.

Pictured L to R: Cobb EMC Director of PR Mike Codichini, Neva Miller, Cobb EMC Sr. Manager Education & Community Relations Mark Justice, & Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo. 

Pictured L to R: Cobb EMC Director of PR Mike Codichini, Emma Bayer, Cobb EMC Sr. Manager Education & Community Relations Mark Justice, & Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo. 

“Each year, we are so proud to work with Positive Athlete and award scholarships for not only outstanding academic distinction but for the positive character of local students,” said Kris Delaney, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Cobb EMC. “Neva and Emma are exceptional students and demonstrate how hard work and a positive attitude can create opportunities and help others in our community.”

Neva Miller, a senior at Blessed Trinity High School, fosters a culture of positivity and success with the school’s flag football team. Her dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the field is evident through her numerous achievements and contributions. She co-founded Smiles for Cancer, an organization that has raised over $30,000 for cancer research, packed hundreds of goodie bags, and made blankets for oncology patients. Inspired by her mother's journey as a cancer survivor, Neva's commitment to supporting patients and their families reflects her compassion and empathy.

Emma Bayer is a senior at Cobb Online Learning Academy with an impressive, weighted GPA of 4.167 and excels in her studies with all honors and accelerated courses. Beyond her academic achievements, Emma is deeply committed to serving her community. As a co-founder of the Pictured L to R: Cobb EMC Director of PR Mike Codichini, Neva Miller, Cobb EMC Sr. Manager Education & Community Relations Mark Justice, & Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo. Pictured L to R: Cobb EMC Director of PR Mike Codichini, Neva Miller, Cobb EMC Sr. Manager Education & Community Relations Mark Justice, & Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo. charity "Em-Powerment," she has spearheaded fundraising initiatives that have raised over $65,000 for breast cancer education. Moreover, her nonprofit extends support to address critical needs in animal shelters and food banks, showcasing Emma's unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Nominations were received by Positive Athlete Georgia from coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers, and parents representing all Georgia public and private high schools. Last year, Falcons All-Pro kicker Younghoe Koo joined former University of Georgia and Pittsburgh Steelers star, Hines Ward, and local businessman Scott Pederson in this movement for more positivity in youth sports.

“The Cobb EMC Positive Energy Award is one of our favorite scholarships because it embodies what our program is all about,” said Pederson, President of Positive Athlete Georgia. “The winners always mirror Cobb EMC's commitment to playing a significant and positive role in our communities.”

In addition to excellence on the field, each nominated Positive Athlete was required to show characteristics such as an optimistic attitude, teammate encouragement, leadership, heart for others, ability to admit imperfections, and realizing the team is more important than the individual.