Cornelius Early Scholars is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) scholarship Christian preschool that provides children with the first steps in their early childhood education. Our mission is to ensure every child receives a quality education in a nurturing and safe environment. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we strive to provide the tools and resources necessary to make it happen.
Meet our Board
Board Chairman
David Judge
Rev. David Judge has been serving as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Cornelius since November 1, 2015.
Prior to that he had a 30-year sales career, the majority of which was in the health insurance industry.
He lives in Cornelius with his wife Christy and his six children. Rev. Judge earned his Master of Divinity at
Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He also holds an M.B.A. from the University of Houston.
Rev. Judge serves the local community on the Mayor’s Housing Committee, the Town of Cornelius Grant Committee, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Equity Committee and the Cornelius Elementary School Leadership Team.
Board Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Miltich
Michael F. Miltich, MD, locally known as “Dr Mike,” has lived in Cornelius with his wife Ann for 28 years. He has 5 adult children and 6 grandchildren. He is a retired ENT physician and surgeon who practiced in the area for 35 years. He is also a former Cornelius Town Commissioner having served three terms, including one as Mayor Pro Tem. As Town Commissioner, he was impressed of the generosity of its citizens and the very significant needs of those economically challenged. When he learned of Pastor Judge's vision for a scholarship based pre-school, he was joined in the formation of Cornelius Early Scholars. He also serves on the Cornelius Community Development Corp (affordable housing) and is a recognized regional transportation advocate.
Board Member
Rhonda Cheek
Rhonda Cheek has spent over 20 years advocating for the educational needs of children. She and her husband Brent are long time North Meck residents; currently living in Davidson. They have 5 children and 4 grandsons.
Rhonda was the local representative on the CMS Board of Education from 2009-2022; serving in various capacities. Prior to that she served on the PTA of 5 local schools and was the 2003 NC PTA Volunteer of the year. Rhonda has over 2 decades as a volunteers in numerous organizations; most involving children or public education.
Rhonda is a CMS, CPCC (Nursing) and UNCC (Business) graduate and currently works as a Nurse Case Manager.
Board Member
Manny Rosado
Manuel “Manny” Rosado Jr. relocated with his wife and family to Charlotte, NC approx. 28 years ago. Manny is a carpenter by trade and owned and operated a home remodeling business. In late 2002, He joined Our Towns Habitat for Humanity as a site supervisor and after several years was promoted to Construction Manager. While working for Our Towns Habitat for Humanity he obtained his General Contractors License.
Manny has been married for 35 years and have (2) adult sons and (1) grandson; He became an Ordained Minister in 2017 by the Christian Leaders Institute. In August 2019, Manny joined The Neighborhood Care Center as Executive Director. His passions include spreading the love of Jesus Christ, serving, empowering others, and creating programs that will help others with life change and sustainability in their lives.
I am Blessed to be on the board of the Cornelius Early Scholars we are truly excited about the possibilities and blessings the Lord is going to bring though this this wonderful ministry.
Board Member
Tricia Sisson
Tricia is the Director of Market Strategy and Planning for the Americas at Waterwipes, and is also
a local business owner of The Range at Lake Norman in Cornelius. Tricia holds a B.S. in Business
Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and an MBA from the
University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Tricia lives in Cornelius with her husband of 32 years,
Brian. They have two adult children, Kaitlyn who resides with her husband Justin in Kannapolis,
and Sam who lives in Huntersville.
Tricia is a former Cornelius Town Commissioner, past Chairman of the Board of the Lake
Norman Chamber of Commerce, and past Chairman of the Board of Lake Norman Charter
School. She served on the Cornelius Educations Options Study Commission in 2018. She also
currently serves on the Pastoral Council at St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville. Tricia has
served her faith community and the Lake Norman community for over 20 years with a
passionate focus on improving education to develop future leaders in our community.