Gwinnett County Public Schools May Celebrating

Transcription

1 Gwinnett County Public Schools May 2018 Celebrating CLASS of 2018

2 Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. Mahatma Gandhi This publication captures a snapshot of the Class of 2018, with photos, facts, and just a few of the scholarships and awards garnered by members of this outstanding group of students. We know that many, many more of our students earned prestigious honors and scholarships that are not part of this publication. And we estimate that listing just the names of all of our graduates would take 84 pages! Congratulations to all of the members of the Class of We are so very proud of you! A Salute to Our Seniors 1 Celebrating the Class of s and s 6 Table of Contents National, State, and Local Scholarships 9 Other Special Honors 14 Graduation Schedule inside back cover Front cover: This Brookwood senior dreams big.

3 A Salute to Our Seniors If anyone is counting, our graduating seniors are wrapping up their K 12 academic careers with more than 15,200 hours of teaching and learning. (That s 6.5 hours for 180 days for 13 years for those doing the math at home.) After all that hard work, we re not surprised that this largest-ever class of more than 12,600 on-track graduates is ready to cross the stage to accept their diploma and turn their tassels. Graduation ceremonies for the district s 22 diploma-granting high schools started with Phoenix HS on May 21 and wrap up on May 26 with Mountain View HS. College, careers, military service, and travel are on the horizon for our graduates. In the fall, most seniors 84% are headed to universities, colleges, and postsecondary schools in Georgia and around the country, with nearly 19% of college-bound graduates offered at least one scholarship. Most students (84%) will attend school in Georgia, with more than 86% enrolling in a four-year college or university and the balance attending a two-year college or technical college. Among the students heading out of state, 53 will matriculate at one of the eight prestigious Ivy League schools. We have nearly 700 students attending one of the top 50 schools in the country (based on U.S. News & World Report ranking). As of April 2018, our graduates have been offered close to $207.2 million in academic, athletic, and military scholarships, an increase of nearly $25 million over the previous year. Academic achievement earned offers of more than $106.5 million, including large, multi-year scholarships such as two recipients of Cooke College Scholarships, six Posse Scholars, and nine Gates Scholars. What s significant is the number and amount of scholarships that were not yet announced when senior information was compiled in April, including HOPE awards (typically, about a third of graduates), some National Merit Scholars, and the full-ride scholarships awarded to GCPS 22 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship recipients. Student athletes earned more than $93 million in athletic scholarships, an increase of $10 million over The nation s five military service academies Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine offered appointments to 19 young leaders, representing more than $7.6 million in scholarships. Ten high schools had one or more appointments. A total of 435 seniors will serve their country through military service after graduation. About 1,100 students will enter the workforce after high school, many armed with credentials and certificates earned through our career and technical education programs and sought after by local employers. Students graduating from the district s Academy high schools Berkmar, Central Gwinnett, Discovery, Lanier, Meadowcreek, Shiloh, and South Gwinnett complete high school with valuable exposure to college majors of interest and experience in potential careers. Another 500+ seniors have other post-graduation plans from gap year travel to mission work. A record number of seniors are graduating with a grade percent average of 90 or better. Among our 3,246 Honor Graduates are each school s highest ranking students the valedictorian (1st in class) and the salutatorian (2nd in class). More than half of Gwinnett seniors 7,100 took on the challenge and rigor of college-level Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses during high school. And here s another record, 1,231 seniors participated in the state s dual-enrollment program, earning both high school and college credit. Congratulations on this exciting milestone! We re can t wait to see what our graduating seniors accomplish in the years ahead. We wish the very best for the Class of 2018 as you head out into a future filled with Promise! The Shiloh Class of 2018 celebrates Senior Day. 1

4 Celebrating the Class of 2018 Fun facts, figures and photos from our graduating seniors A Collins Hill senior is one of three U.S. Presidential scholars from Georgia. 69% of all graduating Falcons took one or more AP course during high school. Central Gwinnett seniors Fred and Wilma celebrate Character Day. With $7.4 million in offers, Central Gwinnett studentathletes garnered the third largest amount of athletic scholarship offers in GCPS. North Gwinnett graduates were offered $12.4 million in academic scholarships, the most of any Gwinnett high school. North Gwinnett seniors turn back time on Decades Day. 2

5 Archer students show off their college destinations. Discovery seniors, forward and backward. Four of every five seniors at Discovery plan to pursue postsecondary studies. Parkview has two seniors with perfect attendance (K 12) and another 20 students with perfect attendance in HS. 85% of Archer graduates are headed to a public college or university. Brookwood seniors were offered more than $33.5 million in scholarships, the most in GCPS, with nearly a quarter of grads receiving at least one scholarship offer. Brookwood seniors are equipped for Career Day. Parkview seniors salute their Dads on Holiday Day. 3

6 A Norcross Mathlete collects cap and gown for graduation on Mathlete and Athlete Day. A quarter of Norcross grads posted high school GPAs of 90 or higher, earning the designation of Honor Graduate. Lanier seniors relive their younger days. The vast majority 94.3% of Berkmar HS grads with college plans will pursue postsecondary studies in Georgia after graduation, with three-quarters headed to a four-year college or university. Forty South Gwinnett seniors have made a commitment to military service after graduation, including members of the school s award-winning Army JROTC unit. 35 Lanier seniors attended college full-time during their senior year, earning both college and high school credit through dual enrollment. More than 40 students will graduate in May, thanks to GOC s Graduate Gwinnett program. The program offers individualized online learning, and face-to-face support as needed, for students who might not otherwise be able to complete their high school education due to family responsibilities, illness, or work. With this year s class, the program has graduated more than 200 students. Peachtree Ridge seniors on Woods or Wall Street Day. Sixty-five graduates of Peachtree Ridge are headed to Top 50 colleges and universities in the fall. 4 Online Campus celebrates December grads.

7 Every GSMST senior took AP classes during high school. Meadowcreek seniors decide where toga after graduation. Nearly 150 graduating Mustangs already have employment plans after graduation, some graduating with certifications and experience through workbased learning opportunities and the school s careerfocused academies. With more than 900 potential graduates, Mill Creek boasts GCPS largest graduating class. Six out of every 10 Phoenix graduates with college plans will continue their education at a two-year or technical college, many building on career-focused courses taken in high school. Grayson seniors were offered $2.4 million in military scholarships, with six students accepted to one of the country s five military service academies. Nearly 87% of graduating Wildcats are enrolling in college after graduation, with 80% headed to four-year institutions and 20% matriculating at two-year and technical colleges. Mill Creek seniors on Senior Citizen Day. Duluth seniors register to vote. 5

8 2018 s and s Archer High School Berkmar High School Photo not available. Lois Williams Dennis Rodney Crawford III Brookwood High School Afsha B. Hossain Du Kieu Dang Central Gwinnett High School Brian Cho Ruby Lee Andy Chea Devinne Moses Collins Hill High School Dacula High School Jena Jibreen Michal Szurek Discovery High School William Braxton Butcher Maria-Isabelle V. Dittamo Duluth High School Nabid Farvez Kaitlyn Choe 6 Preethi Narayan Jackson Baird

9 2018 s and s Grayson High School Gwinnett Online Campus Aliza Shivanni Ramdass Melina Maleknia Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Connor Harris Caldwell Mary Collier Pritchett Lanier High School Iris Galfas Frank Hu Gabrielle Burlison Gabriel Cranor Meadowcreek High School Mill Creek High School Nhi Ngo Ashley Duong Jason Russell Camryn Petit Mountain View High School Kaitlyn Catapano Matthew Kim 7 Angela Lau Chloe Pak

10 2018 s and s North Gwinnett High School Parkview High School Peter (Yoon) Jang Kevin Kim Jeremy Levin Frank Tang Peachtree Ridge High School Shiloh High School Terry Kang Morgan Broniec Nardos Solomon Oluwapelumi Oluleye South Gwinnett High School Maxxis Scholarship All Gwinnett County Public Schools s and s receive a one-time award of $500 from Maxxis International-USA. Bailey McClain-Avant Hannah Keilani Blas Gwinnett County Public Schools FOUNDATION Donors make a difference! A gift to the GCPS Foundation Fund is the best way to ensure that current and future students are afforded the very best in educational opportunities. Gifts may be directed to dedicated scholarship funds, districtwide needs, or to a specific cluster or initiative. Please make your gift online today! 8

11 National Scholarship Winners 2018 Gates Scholars The Class of 2018 is the first to qualify for the Gates Scholarship, which eliminates barriers to college for high-potential, low-income minority students. Funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the all-expenses-paid scholarship will be awarded to 300 students per year. In addition to funding, The Gates Scholarship will provide further support to Scholars, by engaging with them and their institutions in a variety of ways, to ensure they have access to the resources and services they need, from their first to last day of classes, through graduation and the transition to their chosen careers. Anna Tran of Berkmar High School Binisha Patel of Collins Hill High School Kaitlyn Choe of Discovery High School Doyoung Jeong of Duluth High School 2018 Posse Scholars Oladeji David Salimonu of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Nhi Ngo of Meadowcreek High School Matthew Kim of Mountain View High School Pooja Parmar of North Gwinnett High School Ashley Kyelem of Parkview High School Founded in 1989, the Posse Foundation identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams Posses of 10 students. Partner colleges and universities award four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships to Posse Scholars. Posse Scholars go on to graduate at a rate of 90% and make a visible difference on campus and throughout their professional careers. GCPS seniors honored as Posse Scholars are: Collins Hill High School Elizabeth Testamark The College of Wooster Dacula High School Deborah Ayannusi Texas A&M University Tsitsi Mambo Bard College Mill Creek High School Ethan Strauther Boston University Jerry Lu Boston University South Gwinnett High School Annisa Pannell Texas A&M University 2018 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Recipients QuestBridge is a non-profit organization that links high-achieving, low-income students to some of the nation s most selective colleges. The organization partners with colleges to offer generous financial aid packages that cover 100% of demonstrated financial need. This list includes recipients of QuestBridge National College Match Scholarships and their college plans. Archer High School Buduka Ogonor University of Chicago Lois Williams Stanford University Central Gwinnett High School Devinne Moses Duke University Collins Hill High School Soo Young Kang Wesleyan University Binisha Patel Duke University Michal Szurek Princeton University Dacula High School Abigal Blay Emory University Duluth High School Karen Zheng Dartmouth College Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Patrick Aghadiuno Rice University Ama Asseh Northwestern University Salome Birhanu Rice University Donovan Carr Vanderbilt University Trinity Hoffman Wesleyan University John Moreno Vazquez Grinnell College Alexis Osifo Scripps College Lanier High School Ameena Faruki Princeton University 9 Mountain View High School Victoria Twumasi-Ankrah Rice University Seong Kim Northwestern University Parkview High School Ansel Ahabue Rice University Ashley Kyelem Pomona College Frank Tang Duke University Peachtree Ridge High School Jin Jeon Amherst College

12 National Scholarship Winners 2018 National Merit Semifinalists The 2018 National Merit competition began with results of the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Competition Qualifying Tests, taken in the junior year. Last fall, semifinalists were designated, based on the highest scores in the states that make up each region. A rigorous selection process determines finalists for scholarship awards. Most National Merit scholarships are one-time awards of $2,500. Colors designate scholarship winners reported for corporate- and NMSC-funded scholarships. Additional scholarships will be awarded by colleges in June and July to students in this list. Archer High School Lucas R. Bumgarner Lois V. Williams Brookwood High School Brian Cho Andrew N. Funston Hilary Hsieh Anna W. Hu Kaelyn S. Kim Ruby C. Lee Central Gwinnett High School Andy T. Chea Collins Hill High School Paul M. Matesevac Daniel S. Park Rubin Park Sarah V. Tillman Dacula High School Mikayla G. Morgenroth Duluth High School Jackson R. Baird Simon K. Chuang Preethi Narayan Grayson High School Saket P. Shirsath Joanna J. Thomas Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Hannah Ann Neena R. Anthony Salome M. Birhanu Emma Q. Cooper Micaiah Cowart Iris A. Galfas Nathaniel T. Gieseking Frank Hu Jamil F. Kassam Celia Mathew Dhaivat M. Mehta Jayvon M. Nougaisse David S. Pak Robert S. Payne Abinav R. Routhu Shruthi I. Santhanam Mill Creek High School Joshua S. Hall Garrett P. Lacina Jason R. Russell Mountain View High School Matthew Kim Jakob A. Burns Angela Lau Chloe D. Pak Matthew D. Sandry Riley K. Stark North Gwinnett High School Nolan L. Brown Esther Choi Caitlyn A. Greene Jenny Kang Ahin Kim Alvin K. Kim Hongbum Kevin Kim Allison H. Park Abigail L. Pinkerton Evan M. Roussey Parkview High School Craig B. Burnett Jeremy Levin Windsor I. Xu Karen X. Ye Peachtree Ridge High School Sumedh S. Garimella Terry Kang Phillip B. Kim 2018 Cooke College Scholarship Recipients This highly competitive scholarship includes up to $40,000 per year to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate school to pursue any area of study, as well as advisement on college selection, financial aid, and the transition to college. Thuy Pham of Parkview High School Matthew So of North Gwinnett High School 10

13 State and Local Scholarship Winners 2018 Beauty P. Baldwin Scholarship This $1,000 scholarship co-sponsored by Upsilon Alpha Omega, the Gwinnett Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the GCPS Foundation is awarded to African American high school seniors to further their educational opportunities. Archer High School Janai Baxter Destiny Haynes Nyla Williams Brookwood High School Olubusola Banjoh Jordyn Edgerton Abiseniya Lemma Jayden Shepherd Renaldo St. James Tamia Williams Central Gwinnett High School Grace Fatoyinbo Kaelan Harris-Patrick Collins Hill High School Kwame Gaba Duluth High School Nia Rutherford Grayson High School Imani Davis Solomon Egbe Trinity Johnson Yazmeen Mayes Folasade Olaoye Leslie Rodgers Robert Shettlewood Meadowcreek High School Maya Mayes Calandra McCollins North Gwinnett High School Adrienne Latham Rachael Onyewuenyi Parkview High School Kennedy Reid Peachtree Ridge High School Lauren Seroyer Krystian Stevens Meghan Turner Shiloh High School Fallon Howard South Gwinnett High School Arnesha Clark 2018 Kappa Alpha Psi Scholars Through its annual scholarship program, the Lawrenceville-Duluth Alumni Chapter (LDAC) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity continues the tradition of supporting African American male students in pursuing a postsecondary education and building strong values and leadership in the community. This year, LDAC awarded $1,000 college scholarships to 22 GCPS seniors. LDAC has assisted a total of 365 Gwinnett students with postsecondary education, awarding $158,250 in scholarships over the last seven years. Archer High School Jalen Layfield Berkmar High School Kellen McGee Brookwood High School Jadon Pauling Renaldo St. James Central Gwinnett High School Frank Dadzie Collins Hill High School Kwame Gaba Dacula High School Yarayah St. Phard Duluth High School Walter Byrd III Discovery High School Kevin Washington, Jr. Grayson High School Jordan Dowdley GIVE Center West John Burger 2018 Liga de Campeones Scholars Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Donovan Carr Lanier High School Carl Hayes Mill Creek High School Ethan Strauther Mountain View High School Jayden Patterson Jayden Davis North Gwinnett High School Mosi K. Kamau II Parkview High School Myles Lehman Joseph Trenton Trammell Peachtree Ridge High School Michael Williams Shiloh High School Miles Moore South Gwinnett High School David Ochoa Flores The winners of the League of Champions award stand out for their entrepreneurial spirit and academic, athletic, and community achievements. Scholars each receive $1,000 toward college tuition with this award, sponsored by Univision Atlanta. Leilani Leon of Archer High School Freddy Ayala of Central Gwinnett High School Alitzel Serrano of Meadowcreek High School Nathaly Torrealba of Mill Creek High School 11 Alexa Cobo of Peachtree Ridge High School

14 GCPS Scholarship Winners 2018 Scholarships awarded through the GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc. Gwinnett County Public Schools FOUNDATION Annually, the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., awards a number of one-time scholarships to graduating seniors, funded through the generosity of local businesses and organizations and contributions from generous staff and community members. More than 130 graduating seniors earned $129,750 in district and school-specific scholarships administered through the Foundation, including the one-time awards on these pages. The 2019 Scholarship Catalog will be released online in fall of J. Alvin Wilbanks Educator Scholarship ($2,000) Co-sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union (PSFCU) and the Foundation Established in 2007 in honor of CEO/ Superintendent Wilbanks more than four decades of service to public education, and in recognition of his leadership in guiding the district to state and national prominence, this scholarship is awarded to seniors pursuing a career in education. Isabella Rose Fiorentino of Dacula High School Myra Ashley Gray of Mill Creek High School 2018 Louise Radloff Scholarship ($2,000) Co-sponsored by PSFCU and the Foundation This scholarship recognizes two Gwinnett County seniors who have overcome a significant personal challenge in order to graduate. This fund was established in 2004 in honor of four decades of service by Gwinnett County Board of Education member Louise Radloff. Freddy Ayala of Central Gwinnett High School Monica Cordova of Meadowcreek High School 2018 Alton C. Crews Educator Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by the Foundation Since 2002, donations made in memory of Dr. Crews (GCPS superintendent, ) have funded this scholarship, awarded to GCPS seniors pursuing a teaching career. Haley Hosty of Mill Creek High School 2018 Robbie Susan Moore Scholarship ($1,000) Co-sponsored by United Ebony Society of Gwinnett and the Foundation Founded in 2011 to honor the community service of Robbie Susan Moore, this scholarship recognizes college-bound seniors dedicated to serving the community. Veronica Feldman of Grayson High School Lauren Seroyer of Peachtree Ridge High School 2018 Teaching as a Profession Scholarship ($500) Sponsored by the Foundation This scholarship is awarded to seniors enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Teaching as a Profession programs who are planning to pursue education degrees in college. Isabel Coke of South Gwinnett High School Gianna DeSandre of Mountain View High School Anna Galucki of Peachtree Ridge High School Yamil Guzman of Meadowcreek High School 2018 Dr. Frances Davis Legacy Student Scholarship ($2,000) Sponsored by PSFCU This scholarship is in honor of Dr. Frances Davis, Associate Superintendent of District Performance and Community Engagement, who served more than two decades on PSFCU s Board of Directors. This scholarship is awarded to a senior pursuing a career in education. Molly Wolf of North Gwinnett High School 2018 Rick Cost Legacy Student Scholarship ($2,000) Sponsored by PSFCU This scholarship is in honor of Rick Cost, retired Chief Financial Officer at Gwinnett County Public Schools, for his contributions to the Gwinnett County school system. This scholarship is awarded to a senior pursuing a career in education. Yazmeen Mayes of Grayson High School 2018 Georgia United Credit Union Young Leaders Scholarship ($2,000) Co-sponsored by Georgia United Credit Union and the PGA Foundation in partnership with the GCPS Foundation This award is presented to graduating females who have distinguished themselves as a community volunteer, entrepreneur, or school leader. Bailey Curtis of Mill Creek High School Shannon Davis of Peachtree Ridge High School Reina Mitchom of Archer High School Hannah Roebuck of Parkview High School Maggie Grace Yan Yan Simmons of Grayson High School 2018 GCPS Foundation STEM Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by the Foundation This scholarship is awarded to one or more GCPS seniors who plans to enroll in a college course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Dante Allen of Brookwood High School Anisha Jayachandran of Duluth High School 2018 GCPS Foundation Mathematics Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by the Foundation Established in 2013, the scholarship is awarded to one or more GCPS seniors with plans to enroll in an undergraduate course of study in or related to mathematics. Shruthi Santhanam of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

15 GCPS Scholarship Winners 2018 GCPS Foundation Science, Engineering, and Technology Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation In recognition of outstanding performance at the regional level, a one-time award of $1,000 is presented to GCPS senior(s) with plans to enroll full-time at the postsecondary level in a course of study in science, technology, engineering, or math. Ashley Galanti of Peachtree Ridge High School Melina Maleknia of Grayson High School Jayvon Nougaisse of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology 2018 Jim Maran Scholarship for STEM Studies ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation Established in 2013 and named in honor of the longtime Gwinnett Chamber president, this award is for a senior who plans to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Peter Do of Meadowcreek High School 2018 Reid Mullins Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation This award is presented to one or more seniors in honor of Reid Mullins, Gwinnett s first middle school principal. Kyera Harvey of South Gwinnett High School 2018 GCPS Multicultural Scholarship ($1,000) Co-sponsored by the Gwinnett Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Foundation This scholarship is awarded to one or more seniors of Hispanic, African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, or other minority origin, who has demonstrated a commitment to community service. Trinity Johnson of Grayson High School 2018 Atlanta Gladiators Aim High Scholarship ($750 $1,000) Sponsored by the Atlanta Gladiators This award is presented to seniors with a desire to pursue a profession in sports medicine, sports management, entertainment, event planning, or a related field. Camryn Petit of Mill Creek High School Aliana Stehr of Mountain View High School 2018 Dr. Barbara Reed Science Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation Honoring a longtime Gwinnett educator who served as the district s director of science, this award is geared to those interested in science education. Brooke McKenzie of Lanier High School 2018 Infinite Energy STEAM Scholarship ($2,500) Sponsored by Infinite Energy This award is presented to a GCPS high school graduating senior who plans to enroll fulltime in an undergraduate course of study in science, technology, engineering, fine arts or mathematics. Kaitlyn Gina Choe of Discovery High School Medha Madangarli of Peachtree Ridge High School 2018 Rick Case Automotive Group Scholarship ($2,000) Sponsored by the Rick Case Automotive Group Established in 2015, this scholarship is presented to a senior advancing to an Automotive Technology program offered through Gwinnett Technical College. Jessica Janet Jahuey of Lanier High School and Maxwell High School of Technology 2018 Community-Based Mentoring Program Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation This scholarship is awarded to participants in the program who have distinguished themselves academically and as examples for others. Amahd Adams of Lanier High School Jared Bogues of Collins Hill High School Jadon Escarment of Lanier High School Ian Henley of Archer High School Marlon Moore of Grayson High School Taiyi Morrison of Lanier High School Ian Smith of Peachtree Ridge High School Calvin Terry of Archer High School 2018 Beth Rihm Global Language Scholarship ($200 $1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation Scholarships are awarded to seniors who have demonstrated a proficiency in a spoken foreign language and expressed a desire to deepen fluency through cultural immersion or extracurricular study. Established in 2015 by Rachel B. Mehravari, a Brookwood grad and former Rihm memorial scholarship recipient. Neena Anthony of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology ($1,000) John Quach of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology ($500) Madeleine Lee of Peachtree Ridge High School ($500) Anna Vo of Central Gwinnett High School ($200) Laura Jarrel of Collins Hill High School ($200) Elias Binchamo of Grayson High School ($200) Shoichi Hayashi of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology ($200) Saman Muhammad of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology ($200) 2018 Belli Memorial Scholars Awarded through the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, the Belli Memorial Scholarship provides college tuition and expense monies to graduates with documented economic need who may not be identified as academic or athletic leaders in their schools but possess the skills to be academically successful in college. The annual award of $5,000 may be renewed for up to four years. Jordyn McCartney of Grayson High School Shurama (Joy) Tubillas of Lanier High School

16 2018 Gear Up for Graduation Archer High School Victor Manuel Barrios Roblero Taylor Monae Green Courtney Anne Mauldin Latees Maurice Thomas, Jr. Berkmar High School Adetayo Adeyemi Nahum Alberto Alcantara- Gonzalez Gabriela Flores Arcos Stephanie Avila Castro Yessica Mendoza Blanco Jocelyn Bonilla Leslie Yamileth Cortez Josue Samuel Delgado-Rodriguez Prisca Ekpahomah Heylin Denisse Galdamez Edwin Christopher Galdos Aidah Gonzalez Ana Leticia Gutierrez Erica Antoinette Harper Katherine Hernandez Gustavo Herrera Alfonso Cortez Juarez Anamika Kamal Nakayla Tymera Mace-Cook Cindy Coralia Mejia-Osorio Candace U. Mitchell Brayan Steven Monegro-Abreu Marelin Moreno Rosas Karan Singh Munday Alondra Navarro Oscar Navarro Rafael Moises Nuñez-Aleman Juan Daniel Plascencia JaDarius TyShawn Pouncey Carlos Axel Reyes Garcia Miguel Angel Rodarte Alex Manuel Rodriguez Maykol Alexander Samuel-Torres Domonique Lynn Simmons Semra Suljic Jamal Maxell Turner Katherine Valerio-Almonte Heidy Janet Velasquez Brent Bradley Verret Brookwood High School Julius Davon Richardson Other Special Honors This group of 170 seniors will graduate from several GCPS high schools with their peers, thanks to the Gear Up for Graduation program. These seniors, who were not on track for on-time graduation, completed 8th and 9th grade coursework in one year. Rejoining their peers in 10th grade, these students completed all requirements to earn their high school diploma. Central Gwinnett High School Destiny Oluwatosin Aladegbemi Hamza Maher Altamimi Ricko Dewayne Anderson Ahrei Malehi Bailey Shabana Basharee Brenda Sarahi Bastida Armon Da vion Bell Nicholas Ramon Benton Carmen Zulema Campuzano- Martinez Asanteaira Charmane Carson Fabiola Monique Caseres Janelle Marie Cassagnol Salim Cvrk Jacob Alexander Elder Christian Josue Escobar Jennifer Lissett Flores Randoll Arturo Garcia Judith Marie Garza Adisa Hadzic Rasani Ahmad Hawkins Linda Sokunthea Heng Kevin Loc Ho Paris Yanyonoh Hoff Brianna Michelle Holton Ryan Aigboje Iriajen Ariesse S Alethea Jackson Jeudy Lopez Luis Gustavo Martin-Rodriguez Victor Tomdune Meabara Johnny Nguyen Jesse Mai Nguyen Peyton Padmore, Jr. Joselin Briana Pecina Daniel Pelaez Loren Evan Perry Mary Cruz Quezada-Lucio Kimberly Gabriela Rivera Bengi Javier Rubio-Hernandez Tivon Antonio Skeete Ugochukwu Goodluck Umeh Dalimar Velasquez-Velazquez LeAsia Eyesha Jusirah Williams Marissa Zapata-Morales Collins Hill High School Denise Housseynatou Diarra Charles Daniel Smallwood 14 Discovery High School Diamond Rasha Jennings Javia Jamaal Griffin Natnael Mussie Abreham Yosief Mussie Abreham Christopher Becerra Galaxy Bernice Benitez Starr Emily Benitez Marcel Deonte Brown Araya Santrice Chaney Viondre Lamarr Chapman Aleem Eric Elmore Genesis Alyaris Erazo Carlos Gonzalez Jonathan Melesio Heredia Caiden M. Johnson Malyk Montell Leath Juan Jose Lopez Assariah Chante Moore Geselle Morales Giselle Andrea Nino Paola Peguero Mahin Rahman German Leonay Rios Alexandra Romero Pedro Oscar Silverio Destini Beyoncae Turner Christian Albert Vasquez Davionagh Emanuel Vibar Elena Yisel Villatoro-Diaz Tionnah Jemini Willis Duluth High School Jesus Chairez Chavez Melvin Lee Holmes Grayson High School Tahir Larae Brown Tahyra Janae Brown Maria Fernanda Franco Perez Ahkeelah Sasheema Gabrielle Lindo Tamia Krystine Madry Gwinnett Online Campus Hannah Lindsay Aguilar DaNaya Torrian Robinson Lanier High School Luis Fernando Martinez Omana Steve Martinez Vela Mill Creek High School Carina Marie Brown Meadowcreek High School Sovara Abbasi Eduardo Munoz Luis Arevalo Jacob Candelaria Juan Leonardi Cortez Ashley Cortez-Cisneros Jennifer Diaz Antony Abel Diaz Morales Odalis Candelaria Gomez-Garcia Kennedy Guerra Juan Carlos Guerrero Garza Jeremy Jesus Japa Calderon Sa Myia Shakerra Jenkins Jennifer Leon Jordan Kadima Lobo Ariel N. Morris Kevin Vladimir Nunez Carol Lizbeth Pena Carlos Eduardo Pineda Vargas Maria Guadalupe Quiroz Jaime Ramirez Chavez Adamaris Lucero Ramos- Rodriguez Eduardo Ruelas Alejandro Saavedra Angel Bokye Sarpong Cynthia Marlene Sosa Emely Guadalupe Turcios Noah Renee Holman Antonio Tarquinus Holt Kennedy Nicole Scott Joseph Ashbee Toppin Parkview High School Elizabeth C. Hernandez Tanees Shahid Laysha Nineth Tunchez Peachtree Ridge High School Jada Jemya Smith Phoenix High School Brett Elijah Frost Jennifer Carmen Garcia Sandra Phoeuk Shiloh High School Dazah Lanique Goodwin Darrian Spragg

17 Other Special Honors 2018 Service Academy Appointments The U.S. Service Academies are four-year postsecondary institutions that combine educational excellence with military officer training. Students accepted to the academies receive a free, four-year education in return for a commitment to serve in the active-duty military after graduation. In order to be admitted, students must receive a congressional nomination from either their U.S. Representative or Senator and must meet the highly competitive educational and extracurricular standards that are set by the individual academies as well as standards for physical aptitude and medical fitness. Brookwood High School Hamilton Dodd U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) Trent Ho U.S. Coast Guard Academy Matthew Key U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Michael Neacsu U.S. Air Force Academy Collins Hill High School Darius Penton U.S. Air Force Academy Dacula High School Shayne Buckingham U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) Payton Rawson U.S. Air Force Academy Duluth High School William English U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) Grayson High School Ethan Bigness U.S. Air Force Academy Demetrius Goggans U.S. Naval Academy Tiger McIntosh U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) India McKalope U.S. Coast Guard Academy Joel-Timothy Purnell U.S. Air Force Academy William Vanpamelen U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) Lanier High School Chadwick Keever U.S. Air Force Academy Mill Creek High School Kathryn Brewer U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Mountain View High School Berechiah David Austin U.S. Naval Academy Marquel Broughton U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) Riley Stark U.S. Coast Guard Academy Peachtree Ridge High School Wilson Catoe U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. This year, 161 graduating seniors were honored as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation s highest honors for high school students. U.S. Presidential Scholar Paul Matesevac of Collins Hill High School (one of three in Georgia) 2018 Georgia Scholars The Georgia Scholar Program is a recognition program by the Georgia Department of Education honoring high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Brookwood High School Surya Akella Busola Banjoh Marnie Castaneda Sophia Collins Kaylan Fomby Drew Grier Kaelyn Kim Parvathi Kumar Ruby Lee Priscilla Yan Lin Aanjaney Pathak Michael Smith Philena Yang Dacula High School Jennifer Ramsay Discovery High School Kaitlyn Choe Grace Nguyen Grayson High School Anna Calaicone Grace Hale Trinity Johnson Sara Makawi Melina Maleknia Aliza Ramdass Saket Shirsath Semifinalists Ruby Lee of Brookwood High School Matthew Kim of Mountain View High school Mill Creek High School Kinsey Miller Camryn Petit Kaylen Phillips Lauren Walters Janat Batra Maya Lachev Maggie O Leary Madison Reddic Katherine Starcher North Gwinnett High School Savannah Hearn Ally Varitek Parkview High School Ansel Ahabue Qing Gao Grace Hu Fateemaa Sohani Shiloh High School Nardos Solomon

18 Other Special Honors 2018 GCPS Career and Technical Education Student of the Year District winners were selected from among local school Career and Technical Education Students of the Year for outstanding work in the classroom and leadership in technical education student organizations. Scholarships are funded through the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., with contributions from the Gwinnett Employer Committee and the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association. Winner: Aanjaney Pathak, Brookwood High School, $1,000 scholarship 1st runner-up: Peter Doro,, $750 scholarship 2nd runner-up: Gabriela Yalitza Ruvalcaba, Phoenix High School, $500 scholarship Career and Technical Education: The Class of 2018 Thousands of students take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses during high school, giving them exposure to the work world and preparing them for college and careers. Here are a few stats from this year s CTE seniors: Work-Based Learning (WBL) allows students to apply knowledge and skills from the classroom to real-life situations in the workplace. Nearly 1,200 seniors participated in WBL, earning $3.1 million this school year. A total of 2,088 seniors completed a Career Pathway, a concentration of three to four designated technical and/or academic courses that offer a seamless path to postsecondary work in college or technical school in a career field. Many students also pursue industry-specific certificates, credentials, or endorsements related to a Pathway. Hundreds of students participate in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) units at 13 GCPS locations. Some students will continue their ROTC commitment in college, with 23 of our JROTC seniors enlisting in the military after their high school graduation Gwinnett Student Leadership Team Seniors The Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Inc., (GSLT) is a two-year student leadership program that provides opportunities for high school juniors and seniors in Gwinnett County Public Schools and Buford City Schools to develop personal and organizational leadership skills and an awareness of community issues. GSLT develops a cadre of student leaders who facilitate leadership development among peers in their own schools and leave a legacy of leadership that promotes student involvement and overall excellence. The program is a cooperative effort sponsored by Gwinnett County Public Schools and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in partnership with other community agencies, institutions, and business leaders. Archer High School Jessica Flynt Taylor Porchá Amanda Walker Berkmar High School Evan King Kaela Mijos Judy Nguyen Brookwood High School Paige Allen Shea Jones Grant Martin Central Gwinnett High School Melissa Flores Drew Miles Devinne Moses Collins Hill High School Chandler Black Chandré Opperman Merin Williams Dacula High School Tayo Akinsanya Cassidy O Neill Paulo Andre Santos Discovery High School Kaitlyn Choe Isabella Miranda Samantha Retana-Garcia Duluth High School Preethi Narayan Victoria Oglesby Kendal Reeves Grayson High School Trinity Johnson Shreya Sharma Cameron Turner Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Stephanie Anderson Donovan Carr Xing Teng 16 Lanier High School Tamia Michele Jones Brooke Hayley McKenzie Erick Turner Meadowcreek High School Janiah Bowler Peter Do Cindy A. Montoya Mill Creek High School Sarah Grace Harrison Alex LoCicero Megan Lee Smith Mountain View High School Megan Peta Philip Konnor Sanders Zaynah Bashir Benjamin Chapin Cassandra Muenchen North Gwinnett High School Elena Abbott Marisa Ridgely Parkview High School Cameron Christine Huggins Spencer Lail Hannah Roebuck Peachtree Ridge High School Andrés Catter Oliver Stephan Shiloh High School Tamera J. Edwards Zakiya Kagiso George Jordan Aerial Goolsby South Gwinnett High School Maysa Berhanu Hannah Keilani Blas Thalia Hall

19 Other Special Honors 2018 STAR Students Each STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition) student is the senior in the top 10% of his or her class with the highest SAT score. The STAR students from Brookwood High School, Duluth High School, and Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology share the title of Gwinnett County s 2018 STAR Student for the highest SAT score among the members of the Class of As part of the recognition, each STAR student selects a teacher as an educator who had a strong influence on his or her academic career. Local sponsors of the event include Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce; Presenting Sponsor Children s Healthcare of Atlanta; Leading Sponsor Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia Campus; Principal Sponsor Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc.; and Supporting Sponsors Georgia Power Company, Gwinnett Technical College, and Peach State Federal Credit Union. Buduka Ogonor and Lois Williams, Archer High School Anna Tran, Berkmar High School Brian Cho, Brookwood High School Andy Chea, Central Gwinnett High School Rubin Park, Collins Hill High School Mikayla Morgenroth, Dacula High School Nabid Farvez, Discovery High School Jackson Baird, Duluth High School Saket Shirsath, Grayson High School Connor Caldwell, Gwinnett Online Campus Micaiah Cowart, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Joseph Seibert, Lanier High School Nhi Ngo, Meadowcreek High School Joanna Moon, Mill Creek High School Matthew Kim, Mountain View High School Oluremi Owoseni and Matthew Matt Sandry, Savannah Hearn and Hongbum Kevin Kim, North Gwinnett High School Windsor Xu, Parkview High School Brittney Hagenbarth, Peachtree Ridge High School Benjamin Koschella, Shiloh High School Bailey McClain-Avant, South Gwinnett High School Students in red tied for the honor of county winner and went on to earn region honors Outstanding Senior Athletes The Outstanding Senior Athlete Award is presented to a male and female student at each high school who has shown excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership roles in the school and community service. These students are not necessarily the best athletes in their senior class, but have shown to be outstanding in a variety of areas. The activities director at each high school works with the coaching staff to select the students who will represent their school. Students listed in red are the top senior student-athletes of High School Male Athlete Female Athlete Archer Will Choloh Jayla Gillis Berkmar Gary Sanchez Charis Stanfield Brookwood Keegan Walsh Emily Dover Central Gwinnett Andy Chea Gabriella Ajibade Collins Hill Andrew Winton Haley Arner Dacula Shayne Skylar English Buckingham Discovery Kalu Ezikpe Kennedy Moody Duluth Matthew Lee Kathy Guardado Grayson Parker Meadows Conner Batchelor Gwinnett Heat Derek Claros Giselle Zavala High School Male Athlete Female Athlete Lanier Erick Turner Zoie Gardner Meadowcreek Samuel Evan Celina Espinoza Johnson Mill Creek Alex LoCicero Madison Schroer Mountain View Chase Chaney Lillian Kennedy Norcross Cole Hanna Maggie O Leary North Gwinnett Warren Ericson Marianne Allard Parkview Will Marshall Zoe Walker Peachtree Ridge Oliver Stephan Mary Kathryn Knott Shiloh Eric Kinloch Tamera Edwards South Gwinnett Ta San King Xian Lopez 17

20 North Gwinnett seniors get into character during their last days of high school. Communiqué is produced by Gwinnett County Public Schools Department of Communications and Media Relations. Thanks to the staff and administrators who helped us honor our seniors in this issue. Special thanks to Kondria Woods for many of the photographs. 437 Old Peachtree Rd., NW Suwanee, GA (678) Gwinnett County Board of Education Carole C. Boyce, Chairman District I Daniel D. Seckinger, Vice Chairman District II Dr. Robert McClure, District IV Dr. Mary Kay Murphy, District III Louise Radloff District V J. Alvin Wilbanks, CEO/Superintendent It is the policy of Gwinnett County Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.