Gwinnett County Public Schools May 2018 Celebrating CLASS of 2018 “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 2018. We are so very proud of you!

Table of Contents A Salute to Our Seniors 1 National, State, and Local Scholarships 9 Celebrating the Class of 2018 2 Other Special Honors 14 Valedictorians and Salutatorians 6 Graduation Schedule inside back cover

Front cover: This Brookwood senior dreams big. 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 teach- ing 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 and around the country, with nearly 19% of college-bound gradu- ates 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 offeredclose to $207.2 million in academic, athletic, and military scholarships, an in- crease of nearly $25 million over the previous year. Academic achievement earned offers ofmore 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 scholar- ships 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 2017. The nation’s five military service academies— Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine— offered appoint- ments 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 Acad- emy 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-gradua- tion 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 Bac- calaureate (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 Celebrating the Class of 2018 Fun facts, figures and photos from our graduating seniors

A Collins Hill senior is one of three U.S. 69% of all graduating Presidential Falcons took one or scholars from more AP course during Georgia. high school.

Central Gwinnett seniors Fred and Wilma celebrate Character Day.

With $7.4 million in offers, Central Gwinnett student- athletes 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 Archer students show off their college destinations.

Discovery seniors, forward and backward.

Four of every five seniors at Discovery plan to pursue 85% of Archer postsecondary studies. graduates are headed to a public college Parkview has two seniors with perfect or university. attendance (K–12) and another 20 students with perfect attendance in HS.

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 Parkview seniors salute are equipped for Career Day. their Dads on Holiday Day.

3 Lanier seniors relive their younger days. A Norcross A quarter of Norcross Mathlete grads posted high school collects GPAs of 90 or higher, cap and earning the designation gown for of Honor Graduate. graduation on Mathlete and Athlete Day.

35 Lanier seniors attended The vast majority— college full-time during their 94.3%— of Berkmar senior year, earning both college HS grads with college and high school credit through plans will pursue dual enrollment. postsecondary studies in Georgia after graduation, with three-quarters headed to a four-year college or university. 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.

Forty South Gwinnett seniors have made a commitment to military service after graduation, including members of the school’s award-winning Army JROTC unit.

Sixty-five graduates of Peachtree Ridge are headed Online Campus Peachtree Ridge seniors on to Top 50 colleges and celebrates Woods or Wall Street Day. universities in the fall. December grads.

4 Every GSMST senior took AP classes during high school.

Grayson seniors Nearly 150 graduating were offered $2.4 Mustangs already have million in military employment plans after scholarships, graduation, some graduating with six students with certifications and accepted to Meadowcreek experience through work- one of the seniors decide based learning opportunities Six out of every 10 country’s five where “toga” and the school’s career- Phoenix graduates military service after graduation. focused academies. with college plans will With more than continue their education academies. 900 potential at a two-year or technical graduates, Mill college, many building on Creek boasts career-focused courses GCPS’ largest taken in high school. graduating class. 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.

Duluth seniors Mill Creek seniors on Senior Citizen Day. register to vote.

5 2018 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Photo not available.

Lois Williams Dennis Rodney Afsha B. Hossain Du Kieu Dang Valedictorian Crawford III Valedictorian Salutatorian Salutatorian Brookwood High School Central Gwinnett High School

Brian Cho Ruby Lee Andy Chea Devinne Moses Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian

Collins Hill High School

Jena Jibreen Michal Szurek William Braxton Maria-Isabelle V. Valedictorian Salutatorian Butcher Dittamo Valedictorian Salutatorian Discovery High School

Nabid Farvez Kaitlyn Choe Preethi Narayan Jackson Baird Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian 6 2018 Valedictorians and Salutatorians Gwinnett Online Campus

Aliza Shivanni Ramdass Melina Maleknia Connor Harris Caldwell Mary Collier Pritchett Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Lanier High School

Iris Galfas Frank Hu Gabrielle Burlison Gabriel Cranor Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian

Meadowcreek High School

Nhi Ngo Ashley Duong Jason Russell Camryn Petit Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian

Mountain View High School

Kaitlyn Catapano Matthew Kim Angela Lau Chloe Pak Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian 7 2018 Valedictorians and Salutatorians North Gwinnett High School Parkview High School

Peter (Yoon) Jang Kevin Kim Jeremy Levin Frank Tang Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian

Peachtree Ridge High School Shiloh High School

Terry Kang Morgan Broniec Nardos Solomon Oluwapelumi Oluleye Valedictorian Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian

South Gwinnett High School

Maxxis Scholarship

All Gwinnett County Public Schools Valedictorians and Salutatorians receive a one-time award of $500 from Maxxis International-USA.

Bailey McClain-Avant Hannah Keilani Blas Valedictorian Salutatorian 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 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 Oladeji David Salimonu of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Binisha Patel of  Science, and Technology Kaitlyn Choe of Discovery High School Nhi Ngo of Meadowcreek High School Doyoung Jeong of Duluth High School Matthew Kim of Mountain View High School Pooja Parmar of North Gwinnett High School Ashley Kyelem of Parkview High School

2018 Posse Scholars 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 Mill Creek High School Elizabeth Testamark— The College of Wooster Ethan Strauther— Boston University

Dacula High School Norcross High School Deborah Ayannusi— Texas A&M University Jerry Lu— Boston University Tsitsi Mambo— Bard College 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 Duluth High School Mountain View High School Buduka Ogonor— University of Chicago Karen Zheng— Dartmouth College Victoria Twumasi-Ankrah— Lois Williams— Stanford University Rice University Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Central Gwinnett High School Science, and Technology Norcross High School Devinne Moses— Duke University Patrick Aghadiuno— Rice University Seong Kim— Northwestern University Ama Asseh— Northwestern University Collins Hill High School Parkview High School Salome Birhanu— Rice University Soo Young Kang— Wesleyan University Ansel Ahabue— Rice University Donovan Carr— Vanderbilt University Binisha Patel— Duke University Ashley Kyelem— Pomona College Trinity Hoffman— Wesleyan University Michal Szurek— Princeton University Frank Tang— Duke University John Moreno Vazquez— Grinnell College Peachtree Ridge High School Dacula High School Alexis Osifo— Scripps College Abigal Blay— Emory University Jin Jeon— Amherst College Lanier High School Ameena Faruki— Princeton University 9 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 Grayson High School Norcross High School Lucas R. Bumgarner Saket P. Shirsath Jakob A. Burns Lois V. Williams Joanna J. Thomas Angela Lau Chloe D. Pak Brookwood High School Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Brian Cho Science, and Technology Matthew D. Sandry Andrew N. Funston Hannah Ann Riley K. Stark Neena R. Anthony Hilary Hsieh North Gwinnett High School Anna W. Hu Salome M. Birhanu Nolan L. Brown Kaelyn S. Kim Emma Q. Cooper Esther Choi Ruby C. Lee Micaiah Cowart Caitlyn A. Greene Iris A. Galfas Jenny Kang Central Gwinnett High School Nathaniel T. Gieseking Andy T. Chea Ahin Kim Frank Hu Alvin K. Kim Collins Hill High School Jamil F. Kassam Hongbum “Kevin” Kim Paul M. Matesevac Celia Mathew Allison H. Park Daniel S. Park Dhaivat M. Mehta Abigail L. Pinkerton Rubin Park Jayvon M. Nougaisse Evan M. Roussey Sarah V. Tillman David S. Pak Parkview High School Robert S. Payne Dacula High School Craig B. Burnett Mikayla G. Morgenroth Abinav R. Routhu Jeremy Levin Shruthi I. Santhanam Duluth High School Windsor I. Xu Jackson R. Baird Mill Creek High School Karen X. Ye Simon K. Chuang Joshua S. Hall Peachtree Ridge High School Preethi Narayan Garrett P. Lacina Sumedh S. Garimella Jason R. Russell Terry Kang Mountain View High School Phillip B. Kim Matthew 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 ofParkview  High School Matthew So of North Gwinnett High School

10 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 Collins Hill High School Janai Baxter Kwame Gaba Maya Mayes Peachtree Ridge High School Destiny Haynes Duluth High School Norcross High School Lauren Seroyer Nyla Williams Nia Rutherford Calandra McCollins Krystian Stevens Meghan Turner Brookwood High School Grayson High School North Gwinnett High School Olubusola Banjoh Imani Davis Adrienne Latham Shiloh High School Jordyn Edgerton Solomon Egbe Rachael Onyewuenyi Fallon Howard Abiseniya Lemma Trinity Johnson Parkview High School South Gwinnett High School Jayden Shepherd Yazmeen Mayes Kennedy Reid Arnesha Clark Renaldo St. James Folasade Olaoye Tamia Williams Leslie Rodgers Central Gwinnett High School Robert Shettlewood Grace Fatoyinbo Kaelan Harris-Patrick

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 Dacula High School Gwinnett School of North Gwinnett High School Jalen Layfield Yarayah St. Phard Mathematics, Science, Mosi K. Kamau II and Technology Berkmar High School Duluth High School Donovan Carr Parkview High School Kellen McGee Walter Byrd III Myles Lehman Joseph Lanier High School Trenton Trammell Brookwood High School Discovery High School Carl Hayes Jadon Pauling Kevin Washington, Jr. Peachtree Ridge High School Mill Creek High School Renaldo St. James Michael Williams Grayson High School Ethan Strauther Central Gwinnett High Jordan Dowdley Shiloh High School School Mountain View High School GIVE Center West Miles Moore Frank Dadzie Jayden Patterson John Burger South Gwinnett High School Norcross High School Collins Hill High School David Ochoa Flores Kwame Gaba Jayden Davis

2018 Liga de Campeones Scholars 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 . Leilani Leon of Archer High School Alitzel Serrano of Meadowcreek Alexa Cobo of Peachtree Ridge High School High School Freddy Ayala of Central Gwinnett High School Nathaly Torrealba of Mill Creek High School 11 GCPS Scholarship Winners

2018 Scholarships awarded through Gwinnett County Public Schools the GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc. Annually, the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., awards FOUNDATION 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 Scholar- ship Catalog will be released online in fall of 2018.

2018 J. Alvin Wilbanks Educator Scholarship ($2,000) 2018 Dr. Frances Davis Legacy Student Scholarship Co-sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union (PSFCU) ($2,000) Sponsored by PSFCU— This scholarship is in honor and the Foundation— Established in 2007 in honor of CEO/ of Dr. Frances Davis, Associate Superintendent of District Per- Superintendent Wilbanks’ more than four decades of service formance and Community Engagement, who served more than to public education, and in recognition of his leadership in two decades on PSFCU’s Board of Directors. This scholarship is guiding the district to state and national prominence, this schol- awarded to a senior pursuing a career in education. arship is awarded to seniors pursuing a career in education. Molly Wolf of North Gwinnett High School Isabella Rose Fiorentino of Dacula High School 2018 Rick Cost Legacy Student Scholarship ($2,000) Myra Ashley Gray of Mill Creek High School Sponsored by PSFCU— This scholarship is in honor of Rick 2018 Louise Radloff Scholarship ($2,000) Co-sponsored Cost, retired Chief Financial Officer at Gwinnett County Public by PSFCU and the Foundation— This scholarship recognizes Schools, for his contributions to the Gwinnett County school two Gwinnett County seniors who have overcome a signifi- system. This scholarship is awarded to a senior pursuing a cant personal challenge in order to graduate. This fund was career in education. established in 2004 in honor of four decades of service by Yazmeen Mayes of Grayson High School Gwinnett County Board of Education member Louise Radloff. 2018 Georgia United Credit Union Young Leaders Freddy Ayala of Central Gwinnett High School Scholarship ($2,000) Co-sponsored by Georgia United Monica Cordova of Meadowcreek High School Credit Union and the PGA Foundation in partnership with 2018 Alton C. Crews Educator Scholarship ($1,500) Spon- the GCPS Foundation— This award is presented to graduat- sored by the Foundation— Since 2002, donations made in ing females who have distinguished themselves as a community memory of Dr. Crews (GCPS superintendent, 1977–89) have volunteer, entrepreneur, or school leader. funded this scholarship, awarded to GCPS seniors pursuing a Bailey Curtis of Mill Creek High School teaching career. Shannon Davis of Peachtree Ridge High School Haley Hosty of Mill Creek High School Reina Mitchom of Archer High School Hannah Roebuck of Parkview High School 2018 Robbie Susan Moore Scholarship ($1,000) Co-sponsored by United Ebony Society of Gwinnett and Maggie Grace Yan Yan Simmons of Grayson High School the Foundation— Founded in 2011 to honor the community 2018 GCPS Foundation STEM Scholarship ($1,500) Spon- service of Robbie Susan Moore, this scholarship recognizes sored by the Foundation— This scholarship is awarded to one college-bound seniors dedicated to serving the community. or more GCPS seniors who plans to enroll in a college course Veronica Feldman of Grayson High School of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Lauren Seroyer of Peachtree Ridge High School Dante Allen of Brookwood High School 2018 Teaching as a Profession Scholarship ($500) Spon- Anisha Jayachandran of Duluth High School sored by the Foundation— This scholarship is awarded to 2018 GCPS Foundation Mathematics Scholarship seniors enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Teach- ($1,500) Sponsored by the Foundation— Established in ing as a Profession programs who are planning to 2013, the scholarship is awarded to one or more GCPS seniors pursue education degrees in college. with plans to enroll in an undergraduate course of study in or Isabel Coke of South Gwinnett High School related to mathematics. Gianna DeSandre of Mountain View High School Shruthi Santhanam of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Anna Galucki of Peachtree Ridge High School Science, and Technology Yamil Guzman of Meadowcreek High School GCPS Scholarship Winners

2018 GCPS Foundation Science, Engineering, and Technol- 2018 Rick Case Automotive Group Scholarship ($2,000) ogy Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation— In Sponsored by the Rick Case Automotive Group— Established recognition of outstanding performance at the regional level, a in 2015, this scholarship is presented to a senior advancing to one-time award of $1,000 is presented to GCPS senior(s) with an Automotive Technology program offered through Gwinnett plans to enroll full-time at the postsecondary level in a course of Technical College. study in science, technology, engineering, or math. Jessica Janet Jahuey of Lanier High School and Maxwell Ashley Galanti of Peachtree Ridge High School High School of Technology Melina Maleknia of Grayson High School 2018 Community-Based Mentoring Program Scholarship Jayvon Nougaisse of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation— This scholarship Science, and Technology is awarded to participants in the program who have distin- 2018 Jim Maran Scholarship for STEM Studies ($1,000) guished themselves academically and as examples for others. Sponsored by the Foundation— Established in 2013 and Amahd Adams of Lanier High School named in honor of the longtime Gwinnett Chamber president, Jared Bogues of Collins Hill High School this award is for a senior who plans to pursue studies in sci- Jadon Escarment of Lanier High School ence, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Ian Henley of Archer High School Peter Do of Meadowcreek High School Marlon Moore of Grayson High School 2018 Reid Mullins Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Taiyi Morrison of Lanier High School Foundation— This award is presented to one or more seniors in Ian Smith of Peachtree Ridge High School honor of Reid Mullins, Gwinnett’s first middle school principal. Calvin Terry of Archer High School Kyera Harvey of South Gwinnett High School 2018 Beth Rihm Global Language Scholarship ($200– 2018 GCPS Multicultural Scholarship ($1,000) Co-spon- $1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation— Scholarships are sored by the Gwinnett Multicultural Advisory Committee awarded to seniors who have demonstrated a proficiency in and the Foundation— This scholarship is awarded to one or a spoken foreign language and expressed a desire to deepen more seniors of Hispanic, African American, Asian/Pacific fluency through cultural immersion or extracurricular study. Islander, or other minority origin, who has demonstrated a com- Established in 2015 by Rachel B. Mehravari, a Brookwood grad mitment to community service. and former Rihm memorial scholarship recipient. Trinity Johnson of Grayson High School Neena Anthony of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology ($1,000) 2018 Atlanta Gladiators Aim High Scholarship John Quach of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, ($750–$1,000) Sponsored by the Atlanta Gladiators—This Science, and Technology ($500) award is presented to seniors with a desire to pursue a profes- sion in sports medicine, sports management, entertainment, Madeleine Lee of Peachtree Ridge High School ($500) event planning, or a related field. Anna Vo of Central Gwinnett High School ($200) Camryn Petit of Mill Creek High School Laura Jarrel of Collins Hill High School ($200) Aliana Stehr of Mountain View High School Elias Binchamo of Grayson High School ($200) Shoichi Hayashi of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, 2018 Dr. Barbara Reed Science Scholarship ($1,000)— Science, and Technology ($200) Sponsored by the Foundation— Honoring a longtime Gwin- Saman Muhammad of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, nett educator who served as the district’s director of science, Science, and Technology ($200) this award is geared to those interested in science education. Brooke McKenzie of Lanier High School 2018 Belli Memorial Scholars Awarded through the Community Foundation for Northeast 2018 Infinite Energy STEAM Scholarship ($2,500) Georgia, the Belli Memorial Scholarship provides college tuition Sponsored by Infinite Energy—This award is presented to a and expense monies to graduates with documented economic need GCPS high school graduating senior who plans to enroll full- who may not be identified as academic or athletic leaders in their time in an undergraduate course of study in science, technol- schools but possess the skills to be academically successful in college. ogy, engineering, fine arts or mathematics. The annual award of $5,000 may be renewed for up to four years. Kaitlyn Gina Choe of Discovery High School Jordyn McCartney of Grayson High School Medha Madangarli of Peachtree Ridge High School Shurama (Joy) Tubillas of Lanier High School Other Special Honors 2018 Gear Up for Graduation This group of 170 seniors will graduate from several GCPS high schools with their peers, thanks to the Gear Up for Graduation pro- gram. 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. Archer High School Central Gwinnett High School Discovery High School Mill Creek High School Victor Manuel Barrios Roblero Destiny Oluwatosin Aladegbemi Diamond Rasha Jennings Carina Marie Brown Taylor Monae Green Hamza Maher Altamimi Javia Jamaal Griffin Meadowcreek High School Courtney Anne Mauldin Ricko Dewayne Anderson Natnael Mussie Abreham Sovara Abbasi Latees Maurice Thomas, Jr. Ahrei Malehi Bailey Yosief Mussie Abreham Eduardo Munoz Luis Arevalo Berkmar High School Shabana Basharee Christopher Becerra Jacob Candelaria Adetayo Adeyemi Brenda Sarahi Bastida Galaxy Bernice Benitez Juan Leonardi Cortez Nahum Alberto Alcantara- Armon Da’vion Bell Starr Emily Benitez Ashley Cortez-Cisneros Gonzalez Nicholas Ramon Benton Marcel Deonte Brown Jennifer Diaz Gabriela Flores Arcos Carmen Zulema Campuzano- Araya Santrice Chaney Antony Abel Diaz Morales Martinez Stephanie Avila Castro Viondre Lamarr Chapman Odalis Candelaria Gomez-Garcia Asanteaira Charmane Carson Yessica Mendoza Blanco Aleem Eric Elmore Kennedy Guerra Fabiola Monique Caseres Jocelyn Bonilla Genesis Alyaris Erazo Juan Carlos Guerrero Garza Janelle Marie Cassagnol Leslie Yamileth Cortez Carlos Gonzalez Jeremy Jesus Japa Calderon Salim Cvrk Josue Samuel Delgado-Rodriguez Jonathan Melesio Heredia Sa’Myia Shakerra Jenkins Jacob Alexander Elder Prisca Ekpahomah Caiden M. Johnson Jennifer Leon Christian Josue Escobar Heylin Denisse Galdamez Malyk Montell Leath Jordan Kadima Lobo Jennifer Lissett Flores Edwin Christopher Galdos Juan Jose Lopez Ariel N. Morris Randoll Arturo Garcia Aidah Gonzalez Assariah Chante Moore Kevin Vladimir Nunez Judith Marie Garza Ana Leticia Gutierrez Geselle Morales Carol Lizbeth Pena Adisa Hadzic Erica Antoinette Harper Giselle Andrea Nino Carlos Eduardo Pineda Vargas Rasani Ahmad Hawkins Katherine Hernandez Paola Peguero Maria Guadalupe Quiroz Linda Sokunthea Heng Gustavo Herrera Mahin Rahman Jaime Ramirez Chavez Kevin Loc Ho Alfonso Cortez Juarez German Leonay Rios Adamaris Lucero Ramos- Anamika Kamal Paris Yanyonoh Hoff Alexandra Romero Rodriguez Nakayla Tymera Mace-Cook Brianna Michelle Holton Pedro Oscar Silverio Eduardo Ruelas Cindy Coralia Mejia-Osorio Ryan Aigboje Iriajen Destini Beyoncae Turner Alejandro Saavedra Candace U. Mitchell Ariesse S’Alethea Jackson Christian Albert Vasquez Angel Bokye Sarpong Brayan Steven Monegro-Abreu Jeudy Lopez Davionagh Emanuel Vibar Cynthia Marlene Sosa Marelin Moreno Rosas Luis Gustavo Martin-Rodriguez Elena Yisel Villatoro-Diaz Emely Guadalupe Turcios Karan Singh Munday Victor Tomdune Meabara Tionnah Jemini Willis Johnny Nguyen Norcross High School Alondra Navarro Duluth High School Jesse Mai Nguyen Noah Renee Holman Oscar Navarro Jesus Chairez Chavez Peyton Padmore, Jr. Antonio Tarquinus Holt Rafael Moises Nuñez-Aleman Melvin Lee Holmes Kennedy Nicole Scott Juan Daniel Plascencia Joselin Briana Pecina Grayson High School Joseph Ashbee Toppin JaDarius TyShawn Pouncey Daniel Pelaez Tahir Larae Brown Carlos Axel Reyes Garcia Loren Evan Perry Parkview High School Tahyra Janae Brown Miguel Angel Rodarte Mary Cruz Quezada-Lucio Elizabeth C. Hernandez Maria Fernanda Franco Perez Alex Manuel Rodriguez Kimberly Gabriela Rivera Tanees Shahid Ahkeelah Sasheema Gabrielle Maykol Alexander Samuel-Torres Bengi Javier Rubio-Hernandez Laysha Nineth Tunchez Tivon Antonio Skeete Lindo Domonique Lynn Simmons Tamia Krystine Madry Peachtree Ridge High School Semra Suljic Ugochukwu Goodluck Umeh Jada Jemya Smith Dalimar Velasquez-Velazquez Gwinnett Online Campus Jamal Maxell Turner Phoenix High School Katherine Valerio-Almonte LeAsia Eyesha Jusirah Williams Hannah Lindsay Aguilar Marissa Zapata-Morales DaNaya Torrian Robinson Brett Elijah Frost Heidy Janet Velasquez Jennifer Carmen Garcia Brent Bradley Verret Collins Hill High School Lanier High School Sandra Phoeuk Brookwood High School Denise Housseynatou Diarra Luis Fernando Martinez Omana Charles Daniel Smallwood Steve Martinez Vela Shiloh High School Julius Davon Richardson Dazah Lanique Goodwin 14 Darrian Spragg Other Special Honors 2018 Service Academy Appointments 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar The U.S. Service Academies are four-year postsecondary in- The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, stitutions that combine educational excellence with military by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of officer training. Students accepted to the academies receive a our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. This free, four-year education in return for a commitment to serve year, 161 graduating seniors were honored as Presidential Scholars, in the active-duty military after graduation. In order to be one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. admitted, students must receive a congressional nomination from either their U.S. Representative or Senator and must U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists meet the highly competitive educational and extracurricular Paul Matesevac of Collins Ruby Lee of Brookwood High standards that are set by the individual academies as well Hill High School School as standards for physical aptitude and medical fitness. (one of three in Georgia) Matthew Kim of Mountain Brookwood High School View High school Hamilton Dodd— U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) Trent Ho— U.S. Coast Guard Academy 2018 Georgia Scholars Matthew Key— U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Michael Neacsu— U.S. Air Force Academy The Georgia Scholar Program is a recognition program by the Georgia Department of Education honoring high school seniors Collins Hill High School who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Darius Penton— U.S. Air Force Academy Brookwood High School Mill Creek High School Dacula High School Surya Akella Kinsey Miller Shayne Buckingham— U.S. Military Academy at West Point Busola Banjoh Camryn Petit (Army) Marnie Castaneda Kaylen Phillips Payton Rawson— U.S. Air Force Academy Sophia Collins Lauren Walters Duluth High School Kaylan Fomby Norcross High School William English— U.S. Military Academy at West Point Drew Grier Janat Batra (Army) Kaelyn Kim Maya Lachev Grayson High School Parvathi Kumar Maggie O’Leary Ethan Bigness— U.S. Air Force Academy Ruby Lee Madison Reddic Demetrius Goggans— U.S. Naval Academy Priscilla Yan Lin Tiger McIntosh— U.S. Military Academy at West Point Katherine Starcher Aanjaney Pathak (Army) North Gwinnett High School India McKalope— U.S. Coast Guard Academy Michael Smith Savannah Hearn Joel-Timothy Purnell— U.S. Air Force Academy Philena Yang Ally Varitek William Vanpamelen— U.S. Military Academy at West Point Dacula High School (Army) Parkview High School Jennifer Ramsay Ansel Ahabue Lanier High School Discovery High School Qing Gao Chadwick Keever— U.S. Air Force Academy Kaitlyn Choe Grace Hu Mill Creek High School Grace Nguyen Fateemaa Sohani Kathryn Brewer— U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Grayson High School Shiloh High School Mountain View High School Anna Calaicone Nardos Solomon Berechiah David Austin— U.S. Naval Academy Grace Hale Marquel Broughton— U.S. Military Academy at West Point Trinity Johnson (Army) Sara Makawi Norcross High School Melina Maleknia Riley Stark— U.S. Coast Guard Academy Aliza Ramdass Peachtree Ridge High School Saket Shirsath Wilson Catoe— U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army) Other Special Honors 2018 GCPS Career and Technical Career and Technical Education: Education Student of the Year The Class of 2018 District winners were selected from among local school Thousands of students take Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career and Technical Education Students of the Year courses during high school, giving them exposure to the work world and for outstanding work in the classroom and leadership preparing them for college and careers. Here are a few stats from this in technical education student organizations. Scholar- year’s CTE seniors: ships are funded through the Gwinnett County Public • Work-Based Learning (WBL) allows students to apply knowledge Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., with contributions and skills from the classroom to real-life situations in the workplace. from the Gwinnett Employer Committee and the At- Nearly 1,200 seniors participated in WBL, earning $3.1 million this lanta Electrical Contractors Association. school year. Winner: Aanjaney Pathak, Brookwood High School, • A total of 2,088 seniors completed a Career Pathway, a concentration $1,000 scholarship of three to four designated technical and/or academic courses that 1st runner-up: Peter Doro, Norcross High School, offer a seamless path to postsecondary work in college or technical $750 scholarship school in a career field. Many students also pursue industry-specific 2nd runner-up: Gabriela Yalitza Ruvalcaba, Phoenix certificates, credentials, or endorsements related to a Pathway. High School, $500 scholarship • 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.

2018 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 Dacula High School Lanier High School North Gwinnett High School Jessica Flynt Tayo Akinsanya Tamia Michele Jones Elena Abbott Taylor Porchá Cassidy O’Neill Brooke Hayley McKenzie Marisa Ridgely Amanda Walker Paulo Andre Santos Erick Turner Parkview High School Berkmar High School Discovery High School Meadowcreek High School Cameron Christine Huggins Evan King Kaitlyn Choe Janiah Bowler Spencer Lail Kaela Mijos Isabella Miranda Peter Do Hannah Roebuck Judy Nguyen Samantha Retana-Garcia Cindy A. Montoya Peachtree Ridge High School Brookwood High School Duluth High School Mill Creek High School Andrés Catter Paige Allen Preethi Narayan Sarah Grace Harrison Oliver Stephan Shea Jones Victoria Oglesby Alex LoCicero Shiloh High School Grant Martin Kendal Reeves Megan Lee Smith Tamera J. Edwards Central Gwinnett Grayson High School Mountain View High School Zakiya Kagiso George High School Trinity Johnson Megan Peta Jordan Aerial Goolsby Melissa Flores Shreya Sharma Philip Konnor Sanders Drew Miles South Gwinnett High School Cameron Turner Devinne Moses Norcross High School Maysa Berhanu Gwinnett School of Zaynah Bashir Hannah Keilani Blas Collins Hill High School Mathematics, Science, Benjamin Chapin Thalia Hall Chandler Black and Technology Cassandra Muenchen Chandré Opperman Stephanie Anderson Merin Williams Donovan Carr Xing Teng 16 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 Mathemat- ics, 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 2018. 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 Health- care 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 Joseph Seibert, Lanier High School Students in red tied Anna Tran, Berkmar High School Nhi Ngo, Meadowcreek High School for the Brian Cho, Brookwood High School Joanna Moon, Mill Creek High School honor of county Andy Chea, Central Gwinnett High School Matthew Kim, Mountain View High School winner Rubin Park, Collins Hill High School Oluremi Owoseni and Matthew “Matt” Sandry, and went Norcross High School Mikayla Morgenroth, Dacula High School on to earn Savannah Hearn and Hongbum “Kevin” Kim, region honors. Nabid Farvez, Discovery High School North Gwinnett High School Jackson Baird, Duluth High School Windsor Xu, Parkview High School Saket Shirsath, Grayson High School Brittney Hagenbarth, Peachtree Ridge High School Connor Caldwell, Gwinnett Online Campus Benjamin Koschella, Shiloh High School Micaiah Cowart, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Bailey McClain-Avant, South Gwinnett High School Science and Technology

2018 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 2018. High School Male Athlete Female Athlete High School Male Athlete Female Athlete Archer Will Choloh Jayla Gillis Lanier Erick Turner Zoie Gardner Berkmar Gary Sanchez Charis Stanfield Meadowcreek Samuel Evan Celina Espinoza Johnson Brookwood Keegan Walsh Emily Dover Mill Creek Alex LoCicero Madison Schroer Central Gwinnett Andy Chea Gabriella Ajibade Mountain View Chase Chaney Lillian Kennedy Collins Hill Andrew Winton Haley Arner Norcross Cole Hanna Maggie O’Leary Dacula Shayne Skylar English Buckingham North Gwinnett Warren Ericson Marianne Allard Discovery Kalu Ezikpe Kennedy Moody Parkview Will Marshall Zoe Walker Duluth Matthew Lee Kathy Guardado Peachtree Ridge Oliver Stephan Mary Kathryn Knott Grayson Parker Meadows Conner Batchelor Shiloh Eric Kinloch Tamera Edwards Gwinnett Heat Derek Claros Giselle Zavala South Gwinnett Ta’San King Xian Lopez

17 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 30024-2978 • (678) 301-6000 www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us 2018 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.