CLASS of 2021Celebrating

Gwinnett County Public Schools May 2021

Communique

Celebrating the Class of 2021

Table of ContentsA Salute to Our Seniors 1

Celebrating the Class of 2021 2

Valedictorians and Salutatorians 6

National, State, and Local Scholarships 9

Other Special Honors 14

This publication captures a snapshot of the Class of 2021, with photos, performances, 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 88 pages! Congratulations to all of the members of the Class of 2021.

We are so very proud of you!

Front cover: Senior Jazmyn Wright from Discovery HS. You can find a link on page 3 to hear her reflection on her high school experience.

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 our students for sharing their talents in this publication.

437 Old Peachtree Rd., NW • Suwanee, GA 30024-2978 • (678) 301-6000www.gcpsk12.org

2021 Gwinnett County Board of Education Everton Blair, Jr., 2021 Chairman, District IV; Karen Watkins, 2021 Vice Chairman, District I;

Steven B. Knudsen, District II; Dr. Mary Kay Murphy, District III; and Dr. Tarece Johnson, 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.

The Gwinnett County Board of Education congratulates the Class of 2021!The future is bright for the graduating seniors of the Class of 2021!

Click here to see video links from the Gwinnett County Board of Education, joined by CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks, sharing their greetings and well-wishes for the future. Congratulations to our graduates!

The FuTure AwAiTs The ClAss oF 2021!The best way to predict your future is to create it.~Abraham Lincoln

Whether they attended in-person classes or completed their high school career in a digital format, the seniors in the Class of 2021 have been through a lot over the last 15 months. Milestone events and senior activities have looked much different than what previous classes have experienced. Yet, with resilience and future-focused optimism, our graduates have made the most of their senior year!

More than 13,000 seniors are on track for graduation! Graduation ceremonies for the district’s 24 diploma-granting high schools start with Phoenix HS on May 24 and wrap up on May 31 with Lanier HS.

College, careers, military service, and travel are among the next stops for our 2021 graduates. In the fall, most seniors—77%—are headed to universities, colleges, and postsecondary schools in Georgia and around the country. Most students (85%) will attend school in Georgia, with 86% enrolling in a four-year college or university and the balance attending a two-year college or techni-cal college. Among the students heading out of state, 51 will matriculate at one of the eight prestigious Ivy League schools. We have more than 1,300 students (10% of grads) attending one of the top 50 schools in the country or one of the top 25 public colleges or universities in the U.S. (based on U.S. News & World Report ranking).

And our seniors will have financial help to complete their education. As of April 2021, our graduates have been offered more than

$161.8 million in academic, athletic, and military scholarships, with nearly 15% of college-bound graduates offered at least one scholarship. Academic achievement earned offers of more than $97.5 million, including large, multi-year scholarships such as 1 Co-ca-Cola Scholar, 2 Horatio Alger Scholars, 2 Cooke Scholars, 7 Posse Scholars, and 1 Complete Your Journey scholarship recipient. 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), National Merit Scholars, and the full-ride scholarships awarded to GCPS’ 31 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship recipients and 3 Gates Scholars. Student athletes earned more than

$61.5 million in athletic scholarships.Gwinnett grads continue to answer the call to military service. The nation’s military service academies offered appointments to 7

young leaders, representing more than $2.7 million in scholarships. A total of 344 seniors will serve their country through military service after graduation, including cadets who honed their leadership skills in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) units available at 14 GCPS high schools.

Nearly 1,900 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 700+ seniors have other post-gradu-ation plans—from mission work to “gap year” travel.

A record-breaking number of seniors are graduating with a grade percent average of 90 or better. Among our 4,022 Honor Gradu-ates are each school’s highest ranking students—the valedictorian (1st in class) and the salutatorian (2nd in class). More than half of our seniors—6,757—experienced the challenge and rigor of college-level Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses during high school, with more than half (3,746) of those students earning a 3 or better (5-point scale) on optional AP exams to earn college credit or advanced placement in college classes. Another group getting a head start on college? The 1,757 Gwin-nett grads who participated in the state’s dual-enrollment program, earning both high school and college credit.

Congratulations to our graduates and their families! We wish our seniors the very best in the future you create!

In a year unlike any other, schools and

seniors found a way to keep traditions alive. At left, Grayson HS moves Awards Night from the theatre to the stadium.

At right, Parkview seniors accessorize their

togas with masks.

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“Strawberry Fields” by Central Gwinnett HS senior Leslee Chavez

Collins Hill HS senior Kevin Tran plays all the instruments in this cover of “Wake Me Up” by Avicii. Click here or on the image to view his performance.

Celebrating the spirit and voice of the

Class of 2021Creative expressions of our

graduating seniors

Art by Archer HS senior Aliyah Garcia.

Matthew Kwon and Hugo Mejia, Meadowcreek HS

“Over the past year, we were blessed with the opportunity to serve on the Executive Board for the Georgia Association of Student Councils (GASC). The Georgia As-sociation of Student Councils prides itself on being an organization dedi-cated to serving, growing, and in-spiring the future generation of leaders. Being able to make an impact in just the smallest fraction of this big movement was a gift we never would have imagined. GASC taught us patience and taught us how to love unconditionally through our actions. From the nights we spent writing the gazette to the afternoons we spent taking minutes, it was truly the purest form of service. We will continue to grow and make an impact in our community thanks to the wonderful lessons GASC instilled in us. It will always be a blessing and our heart wishes for the growth of this wonderful organization.”

Poem from Brookwood HS senior Ethan Schloss. Click here or on the image to see the performance.

Creative expressions of our graduating seniors

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Duluth HS participated in the Shuler Hensley Musical Awards this year via Zoom. Seniors Caylyn Kelly, Marlena Collins, and Isabelle Ponder were all recognized by The Shuler Awards for their performances and work on “Sister Act.” Duluth High School’s production of “Sister Act, Jr.” received the Shuler Showstopper Award in the 13th Annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards. Click here or on the image to see a clip from the performance.

Art from McClure Health Science HS senior Brayan Valdez Magana. “This scene of a butterfly and a bee was inspired by a childhood memory in which I visited a butterfly sanctuary. I chose to use subtle colors for all other subjects except the butterfly because the butterfly is the focal point of my story. The butterfly represents my childhood and how I’ve changed since then. It is a coming-of-age story. I represented myself in the orange and yellow butterfly with the themes of freedom and spirituality in mind. These two themes are themes that have been present for much of my years, leading up to today.”

Violin performance from GSMST senior Milan Nayak. Click here or on the image to view his performance.

Painting from Dacula HS senior Grace Miller.

“Red Bride” by Norcross HS senior Esmeralda Hernandez-Vasquez.

Senior Jazmyn Wright from Discovery HS speaks about her experience. Click here or on the image to hear her reflection.

“Overwhelmed” by Lanier HS senior Rhyleigh Mills.

The Mill Creek HS Dance Team. Click here or on the image to view the performance.

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Gwinnett Online Campus senior Ethan Caldwell: A Digital Production on a Bright Future Ahead. Click here or on the image to view his performance.

Artwork by Paul Duke STEM HS senior Gisselle Fernandez. “This year has been inexplicably difficult for everyone, for more than one reason, and I am no exception. Ever since quarantine started, I have felt a disconnection from friends and family. I have classmates whom I haven’t seen for a year and family as well. This piece was made to demonstrate how I feel under the unprecedented times we are in.”

North Gwinnett HS Gameday State Champs. Seniors on the squad are Ashley Bogtong, Christina Cuadra, LaDania Dean, Kelly FitzGerald, Isabella Long, Kylie Sobh, Kelly Tharp, and Ashlyn Wood. Click here or on the image to see a video of the competition.

Courtney Abdul-Azis, Shiloh HS

“Completing my senior year through these unprecedented times is not what I always dreamed of. I wanted to be like my childhood friends from High School Musical, and spend this year carefree and with the people that I love. However, the evil hands of COVID-19 crushed my dreams. For months, I laid in anguish, heartbroken over what could have been. I thought of everything that I was being denied, and everything that I would never be able to tell my grandkids about. After this sadness that I drowned myself in, the rain began to stop, and the sun began to shine. I finally saw my situation for what it was—a blessing. I was confined to the four walls of my room, but at least I was healthy, unlike so many others.

I remembered that I have teachers that continue to persevere through these daunting times, and continue to shine their light on me. They have helped me with my col-lege essays, recommendations, and have given me a vir-tual shoulder to cry on. Their tenacity to teach to a screen full of seniors always seems to motivate me to do my very best. I owe it to the people that have continued to help me throughout my high school journey to succeed.

As I am wrapping up my senior year, I realize how in-debted I am to Shiloh High School. COVID-19 may have stolen my final year from me, but the mentors, friends, and memories that I made here are mine forever. I can only hope to go out in the world and continue to pay homage to the school that has done so much for me.”

Photography by South Gwinnett HS senior Trase Lee. An Entrepreneurship student, Trase recently received a business license for his company, Tray Productions Photography.

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“Cirque” performance by Mountain View HS senior Emma Stewart. Click here or on the image to view the performance.

Art by Parkview HS senior Anusha Kotadiya.

Photography by Phoenix HS senior TJ Winking.

Photography by Grayson High School Technical Education Program senior Sydney Pope, who attends Collins Hill HS. “This year has been an especially difficult year for all of us. Nature has always been an escape for me, and photography is the way I share my thoughts and feelings about nature to others.”

Berkmar HS seniors Melani Juarez-Estrada and Jaqueline Morales Navas perform a piece they created as part of the school’s digital/in-person student choreography showcase. Click here or on the image to view the performance.

Seniors from Grayson HS perform “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Click here or on the image to see their performance.

Monologue by Peachtree Ridge HS senior Rong Xin Hu. Click here or on the image to hear the performance.

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2021 Valedictorians and SalutatoriansArcher High School

Collins Hill High School

Brookwood High School

Berkmar High School

Dacula High School

Central Gwinnett High School

Colin Cooper ClicknerValedictorian

Ethan Alexander BowenSalutatorian

Kim NguyenValedictorian

Faizaan BaigValedictorian

Caitlyn CokerValedictorian

Jennifer TranValedictorian

Lois Ibukunoluwa Omorara

Valedictorian

Kaylie ChinSalutatorian

Andrea AnSalutatorian

Duluth High SchoolDiscovery High School

Srikar NarayanValedictorian

Chanh NguyenSalutatorian

Sahil PunwaniSalutatorian

Vicky TongSalutatorian

Nayzet PenaSalutatorian

Rayna DykeSalutatorian

Saeeda Osei FrimpongValedictorian

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2021 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Mill Creek High School

McClure Health Science High School

Lanier High School

Mountain View High School

Meadowcreek High School

Gwinnett Online Campus

Donghao JiangValedictorian

Lauren GomezValedictorian

Jocelyn MirandaValedictorian

Sharfa KhanValedictorian

Katie ShinValedictorian

David GallagherValedictorian

Jeremhy CesarValedictorian

Avyesh KapadiaSalutatorian

Phillip KimSalutatorian

Risala GafurovaSalutatorian

Linh-Tu BuiSalutatorian

Ethan Thomas CaldwellSalutatorian

Veronica RobersonSalutatorian

Sydney ScottSalutatorian

Grayson High School

Christopher RhineValedictorian

Zion BrannonSalutatorian

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2021 Valedictorians and SalutatoriansNorth Gwinnett High School

Paul Duke sTem High School

Shiloh High School

South Gwinnett High School

Sarah ParkValedictorian

Aaron PinderValedictorian

Kennedy OdibohValedictorian

Leah YadessaValedictorian

Parkview High School

Lawrence ZhouValedictorian

Peachtree Ridge High School

Isaac HwangValedictorian

Caren KimSalutatorian

Lauren AntonowichSalutatorian

Anya BibbsSalutatorian

Olivia BowersSalutatorian

Velda WangSalutatorian

Nikita DandekarSalutatorian

Norcross High School

Eric Van NessValedictorian

Joshua MaoSalutatorian

Maxxis Scholarship

All Gwinnett County Public Schools Valedictorians and Salutatorians

receive a one-time award of $500 from Maxxis International-USA.

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!

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NATioNAl sCholArship wiNNers

2021 Gates ScholarsThe Gates Scholarship eliminates barriers to college for high-potential, low-income minority students. Funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this last-dollar scholarship is awarded to 300 students per year. Scholars receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by FAFSA, or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university. Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs. In addition to funding, The Gates Scholarship provides 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.

Berkmar High SchoolJennifer Tran

Peachtree Ridge High SchoolShivani Desai

Shiloh High SchoolAnya Bibbs

2021 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship RecipientsQuestBridge is a non-profit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income high school seniors with full scholarships to the nation’s top colleges. College Match Scholarship Recipients are admitted early to QuestBridge college partners with guaranteed, full four-year scholarships that are provided by QuestBridge’s 45 college partners, including top liberal arts colleges and exceptional research universities. This list includes recipients of QuestBridge National College Match Scholarships and their college plans.

Archer High SchoolGeorge Adae-Mensah—

Vanderbilt UniversityYosenlis Fabian—Boston CollegeObutor Ogonor—Columbia UniversityMaryam Shariff—University of Chicago

Berkmar High School Sam Hassan—University of Notre DameAbram Toledo—Emory UniversityJennifer Tran—University of Notre Dame

Central Gwinnett High School Lois Omotara—Princeton University

Collins Hill High SchoolKristine Motta Maldonado—

Washington & Lee UniversityAyman Tewfik—University of Pennsylvania

Discovery High SchoolMohammed Fahim—

University of Pennsylvania

Duluth High School Jazmin Rivera—Princeton University

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and TechnologyAryan Ashraf—Swarthmore CollegeMariam Drammeh—Washington & Lee

UniversityEmily Pena—Rice UniversityEun Sil Rollins—

Washington University in St. LouisJanice Yim—Northwestern University

Lanier High SchoolJoy Choi—

Washington University in St. LouisJalen Harris—Emory University

Meadowcreek High School Brandon Saltzman—Stanford University

Mill Creek High School Dhaiana Tapia Rodriguez—

Dartmouth College

Mountain View High School Urim Lee—Vassar CollegeAshley Gaytan—Yale University

North Gwinnett High SchoolBita Jalalian—Princeton University

Parkview High SchoolHarsha Somaya—Colby College

Shiloh High SchoolAnya Bibbs—Yale University

South Gwinnett High School Modebola Adesina—

University of Notre DameEmanuel Fitsum—Hamilton CollegeCharlene Pobee—

Washington University in St. LouisLeah Yadessa—Columbia University

One additional student has been honored with this scholarship, but did not give permission to be listed.

2021 Cooke College Scholarship RecipientsThis highly competitive scholarship, awarded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, 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.

Mill Creek High SchoolGrace Ahn

Shiloh High SchoolKennedy Odiboh

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NATioNAl sCholArship wiNNers

Archer High SchoolMorgan J. Bell**

Brookwood High SchoolAndrea F. An*William R. Bray**Kaylee W. FangSyed W. GhausGrace L. GuoSandeed S. SikandarTrang Thanh Thuy Vu

Collins Hill High SchoolWells W. Bussey

Duluth High SchoolRia IyengarSrikar Narayan*Gopesh Singal

Grayson High SchoolChristopher “Tyler”

Rhine*

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, And Technology

Theodora T. AleseAryan AshrafConnor G. BurrellChelsea B. CampbellJianwei ChenZachariah F. Dawood*Avani R. Dhuri*Jordan S. HammondRyan Z. LiCynthia LinJoshua G. MellottVidur J. SaigalAnne G. WangGrace S. Wang**Colton W. WoodringLeo XuWilliam T. Yoon

Lanier High SchoolVeronica N. Roberson

Mountain View High School

Katie S. Shin

Norcross High School Cooper H. AllenAidan C. DealyElliott J. JanuzelliMartin T. LachevAbigail S. LewisEric J. Van Ness**

North Gwinnett High School

Madeline C. Busse**Jingrou ChenCaren H. Kim**Hyun Woo KimSophie M. LeeMegha Mishra**Sarah W. Park**Steven Z. Vacha**

Parkview High SchoolHavishkrit AryaSydney R. WalkerAnna M. WangVelda S. WangShihao XuHeyi “Alina” Zhang**

Peachtree Ridge High School

Nikita R. Dandekar**Isaac Y. Hwang**Brian S. Ji**Brian J. Lee

2021 National Merit Semifinalists The 2021 National Merit competition began with results of the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Competition Qualifying Tests, taken in the junior year. Last fall, semifi nalists 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. Corporate-funded scholarships are marked with an asterisk and NMSC-funded scholarships are marked with two asterisks. Additional scholarships will be awarded by colleges in June and July to students in this list.

2021 Posse ScholarsFounded 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:

Archer High SchoolMartha Pasatiempo—Bard College

Brookwood High SchoolDunisha Panditaratne—George Washington UniversityEmma Rhodes—George Washington UniversityAnthony Ruiz—Brandeis University

McClure Health Science High School Aimee Hernandez—College of Wooster

Peachtree Ridge High SchoolHuleymatu Sow—Boston University

Shiloh High SchoolJamahl Neal—Brandeis University

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2021 Coca-Cola ScholarThe Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achieve-ment-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. A total of 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. The scholarship is unique in that recipients have between four and 10 years to use the full award and may opt to defer all or part of the award within that 10-year timeframe.

Jamal Sayid of Grayson High School

2021 Horatio Alger Scholarship Recipients

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. The scholarships, awarded to 106 students na-tionwide this year, are funded by Horatio Alger members who, like the scholars, have experienced challenges but ultimately overcame them to become successful business and civic leaders. The scholarship is worth $25,000.

Alexis Nguyen of Discovery High School

Kennedy Odiboh of Shiloh High School

2021Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Recipients

Amazon Future Engineer—a childhood-to-career computer sci-ence education program—awards $40,000 scholarships and paid Amazon internships to 100 stu-dents each year. Amazon Future Engineer is part of Amazon’s $50 million commitment to STEM and computer science education. The program is available in the U.S., UK, Canada, and France. Recipients of the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, future goals, and financial need. This year, five Georgia students were selected for this scholarship, including two GCPS seniors.

Yoanna Turura of Grayson High School

Sierra Frisbee of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

2021 College Board “Complete Your Journey” Scholarship Recipient

Research shows that completing specific steps can help clarify the complex college planning process, especially for low-income and first-generation students. With College Board’s Opportunity Scholarship Program, students earn scholarships—from $500 to $40,000—by completing six simple college planning steps. The six simple steps include actions all students can take on their journey to postsecond-ary studies such as building a college list, filling out a FAFSA form, and applying to two or more colleges. Completing each step earns a chance for a $500 scholarship. Students who complete all six steps are eligible for one of 25 Complete Your Journey Scholarships, valued at $40,000 each. More than 1 million students have participated in the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program since it launched in December 2018, earning more than $10 million in scholarships. This year, 34 Gwinnett seniors earned Opportunity Scholarships, including a digital learner who was surprised with a $40,000 “Complete Your Journey” Scholarship on a live segment of Good Morning America!

Karyn Huang of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

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2021 Georgia ScholarsThe 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. A group of 30 GCPS seniors were among the 323 graduates in the state who were honored as Georgia Scholars.

Brookwood High School Hillary AinaAndrea AnMichael DavisShari GasperNooree HusnaniSilmi KeshwaniDeborah MativoCiara MitchellKrish ModiTrang Vu

Dacula High School Jalen CauleyAminatou “Amy” DoukoureShivani Virani

Duluth High School Kaitlyn BanhSomi Jang

Grayson High School Zion BrannonYoanna Turura

McClure Health Science High School

Khushi Isani

Norcross High School Cooper AllenTiffani “Tif ” BakerCharlotte BurtsMoira ChristKevin Li

Parkview High School Olivia DraperReshma Hakani

Peachtree Ridge High School Shivani DesaiChandni Jain

Shiloh High School Anya BibbsMichael KempKennedy Odiboh

2021 Service Academy AppointmentsThe U.S. Service Academies are four-year postsecondary insti-tutions that combine educational excellence with military of-ficer 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 physi-cal aptitude and medical fitness. The following seven GCPS seniors were offered service academy appointments.

Archer High School Kitana Burgard—U.S. Air Force AcademyZion Jackson—U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Army)

Discovery High School Andrew Miller-Craig—U.S. Military Academy at West Point

(Army)

Grayson High School Marbu Neal—U.S. Air Force Academy

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Matthew Purvis—U.S. Naval Academy

Mill Creek High School Hunter Dunnington—U.S. Military Academy at West Point

(Army)

Peachtree Ridge High School Bridget Hoang—U.S. Naval Academy

2021 U.S. Presidential ScholarThe 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. Each year, up to 161 graduating seniors are honored as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. One GCPS seniors was among the 18 semifinalists in the state who vied for one of three spots as a U.S. Presidential Scholar representing Georgia.

U.S. Presidential Scholar SemifinalistSkylar Rayelle Hughes of Grayson High School

West Point Cadets

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2021 Kappa Alpha Psi LDAC Chapter Scholarship RecipientsThrough 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 postsecond-ary education and building strong values and leadership in the community. This year, LDAC distributed college scholarships and other awards to 27 GCPS seniors, including one-time awards ranging from $250 to $1,000 and one four-year award totaling $10,000. Over the last ten years, LDAC has assisted more than 306 Gwinnett students with postsecondary education expenses, awarding $264,325 in scholarships to date.

LDAC Chapter Scholarship ($10,000) Paid in annual installments of $2,500 as long as 2.5 GPA is maintained

Nathan Eyasu of Collins Hill High School

LDAC Chapter Scholarship ($1,000) One-time award

Alpha Barry of Central Gwinnett High School

Jalen Cauley of Dacula High SchoolPape Diop of Collins Hill High School

Jawun Jackson of Peachtree Ridge High School

Xavier Jones-Benjamin of Archer High School

Matthew Kededa of Berkmar High SchoolTrase Lee of South Gwinnett High SchoolChristian McIntyre of Mill Creek High

SchoolJeremy “Jery” Owusu of Brookwood High

SchoolMaurice Samuels of Mountain View High

School

Terry Dykes ROTC Scholarship ($1,000) One-time award in memory of a Kappa Alpha Psi brother who passed away, open to male and female students in JROTC program

Christian Wilson of Shiloh High School

Additional awards were distributed to participants in LDAC’s mentoring program.

2021 Beauty P. Baldwin Scholarship RecipientsThis $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 SchoolKimberly Joi Sagoes

Brookwood High SchoolHillary Ayodele Aina Mikylah Alexis BlackshireLyric Sloan Franklin Kaimet Esayas Eyasu HaileAlaana Darian Lydia Henry Donna Ashley Hill Ciara Ashley Mitchell

Grayson High SchoolJanelle Brooke Anthony Zion Gabrielle BrannonMorgan Haley FranklinSkylar Rayelle HughesLauryn Grace PeppersJamal Sayid

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Kaylee Makeva WilsonCobi Lynn Wright

Lanier High SchoolKashanti Chinyah Jones

Mill Creek High SchoolBree Michelle Withrow

Norcross High SchoolKayla Simone SlackJasmine Danielle

Weathersby-Alexander

North Gwinnett High SchoolHannah Camille Jones

Peachtree Ridge High SchoolEvan Baldwin Gonzalez Christian Sean Stoddart

Shiloh High SchoolAnya Rene BibbsVictoria Elaine-Marie Brown

2021 Liga de Campeones ScholarsThe winners of the “League of Champi-ons” award stand out for their entrepre-neurial spirit and academic, athletic, and community achievements. Scholars each receive $1,000 toward college tuition with this award, sponsored by Univision Atlanta.

Albany F. Zavarce Angulo of Collins Hill High School

2021 Belli Memorial ScholarsAwarded 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.

Carmen Benjamin at Mountain View High School

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FouNdATioN sCholArship wiNNers2021 Scholarships awarded through the GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc.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 $129,100 in district and school-specific scholarships administered through the Foundation, including the one-time awards on these pages. The 2021–22 Scholarship Catalog will be released online in fall of 2021.

2021 J. Alvin Wilbanks Teaching Scholarship ($5,000)Sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union (PSFCU)—Established in 2007 in honor of CEO/Superintendent Wilbanks’ longtime service to public education, and in recognition of his leadership (1996–2021) in guiding the district to state and national prominence, this scholarship is awarded to seniors pursuing a career in education.Kennedy Odiboh of Shiloh High School

2021 Louise Radloff Scholarship ($5,000) Sponsored by PSFCU—This scholarship recognizes a Gwinnett County senior who has overcome a significant personal challenge in order to graduate. This fund was established in 2004 in honor of four decades of service by former Gwinnett County Board of Education member Louise Radloff.Katie Victoria Oglesby of Central Gwinnett High School

2021 Alton C. Crews Educator Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation—Since 2002, donations made in memory of Dr. Crews (GCPS superintendent, 1977–89) have funded this scholarship, awarded to GCPS seniors pursuing a teaching career.Ja’Maya King of Peachtree Ridge High School

2021 UES Robbie Susan Moore Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by United Ebony Society of Gwinnett—Founded in 2011 to honor the community service of Robbie Susan Moore, this scholarship recognizes college-bound seniors dedicated to serving the community.Carmen Anne Benjamin of Mountain View High School

2021 Teaching as a Profession Scholarship ($500–$1,000) Co-sponsored by the Foundation and Georgia United Credit Union—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.

Hailey Brynn Wiggins of North Gwinnett High School ($1,000)Ja’Maya King of Peachtree Ridge High School ($500)Alexandria “Alex” Danielle Nugent of Mill Creek High School ($500)Stephanie Olvera of Meadowcreek High School ($500)Ashley Jade Wilson of Peachtree Ridge High School ($500)

2021 PSFCU Dr. Frances Davis Legacy Scholarship ($2,500) Sponsored by PSFCU—This scholarship is in honor of Dr. Frances Davis, former associate superintendent of District Performance and Community Engagement and retired Chief Human Resources

Officer for GCPS, who served more than two decades on PSFCU’s Board of Directors. This scholarship is awarded to a senior pursuing a career in education.Stephanie Olvera of Meadowcreek High School

2021 PSFCU Rick Cost Student Scholarship ($2,500) Sponsored by PSFCU—This scholarship is in honor of Rick Cost, executive director of Treasury Services and retired Chief Financial Officer for GCPS, for his contributions to the school system. This scholarship is awarded to a senior pursuing a career in education. Joseph “Joe” Warren Cordova of Norcross High School

2021 Peach State Legacy Student Scholarship ($5,000) Sponsored by PSFCU—This scholarship honors past and present board members and employees who have served PSFCU for 20 years or more. This scholarship is awarded to seniors pursuing a career in education. Shivani Desai of Peachtree Ridge High School Kaylee Wanlu Fang of Brookwood High SchoolChristopher “Tyler” Rhine of Grayson High School

2021 Georgia United Credit Union Young Leaders Scholarship ($2,000) Co-sponsored by Georgia United Credit Union 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.Victoria Elaine-Marie Brown of Shiloh High SchoolChrista Elizabeth Campbell of Collins Hill High SchoolShivani Desai of Peachtree Ridge High SchoolLyric Sloan Franklin of Brookwood High SchoolCiara Ashley Mitchell of Brookwood High School

2021 Sower’s Scholarship ($2,000) Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lockett—This scholarship is awarded to participants in the Community-Based Mentoring Program who have distinguished themselves through their char-acter, leadership, and as an example for others, and will attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).Jeremi Cordell Holmes of Grayson High School

2021 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. Hyeyeon “Layna” Jeong of Collins Hill High School

FOUNDATIONGwinnett County Public Schools

Annually, the Gwinnett County Public Foundation Fund, Inc., awards a number of one-time scholarships to graduating seniors. funded through the

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2021 Mark A. Herndon Mathematics, Science, Technology Scholarship ($1,500) Sponsored by the Mark Herndon Family—This scholarship is awarded to a GCPS senior with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study in mathematics, science, or technology preferably at (but not limited to) the University of Georgia. Joshua Mao of Norcross High School

2021 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 seniors with plans to enroll full-time at the postsecondary level in a course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.Chandni Pari Jain of Peachtree Ridge High SchoolCiara Ashley Mitchell of Brookwood High School

2021 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.Khandaker Mohammed Ali Aqib of Mill Creek High SchoolKatheryn Stacy Antonowich of Paul Duke STEM High School

2021 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.

Abigail “Abby” Rachel Boone of North Gwinnett High School

2021 Janice Lawson Aspiring Teacher Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation—This scholarship is awarded to GCPS seniors pursuing a teaching career.Ellie Marie McIntyre of Mill Creek High SchoolJenna Corin Reichert of Gwinnett Online Campus

2021 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.Paola Cristina Mora Galazzo of Mountain View High School

2021 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. Jordan Elliott Grandison of Shiloh High School Jamal Alexander Haynes of Grayson High School Jeremi Cordell Holmes of Grayson High School Jordan RayShawn Morris of Parkview High School

2021 Atlanta Gladiators Aim High Scholarship ($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.   Cory Hahneul Shin of Mill Creek High School

2021 Courtney S. Blair Student Leadership Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by Courtney S. Blair Fund—This award is presented to seniors who are in the top 5% of their class and who have overcome significant adversity and have financial need.Lauren Antonowich of Paul Duke STEM High School Victoria Elaine-Marie Brown of Shiloh High SchoolKennedy Odiboh of Shiloh High SchoolMohamed Hamza Suufi of Peachtree Ridge High School

2021 Beth Rihm Global Language Scholarship (up to $1,000) Sponsored by the Foundation—This scholarship is presented 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.Connor Matthew Crosby of Brookwood High School ($1,000)Desiree Mandujano of Brookwood High School ($800)Deborah “Debbie” Olorunisola of Brookwood High School ($800)

2021 Rev. In Soo Jung Scholarship ($1,000) Sponsored by the Jung Family—This scholarship is for a GCPS senior, with priority given to Asian Christian males, who has plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study. Cory Hahneul Shin of Mill Creek High School

School-specific awards The GCPS Foundation Fund administers many school-specific awards with support from community partners. The awards may commemorate a current or former administrator, teacher, or student. In addition to school-specific eligibility, many of the awards support students with specific educational goals or students who are the first in their family to go to college. Here are just a few examples:

2021 GIVE Center Scholarship ($500) Sami Aftab Alam of Brookwood High SchoolAndrew Victor Prunescu of GIVE Center West

2021 GIVE Center West “I Dare You” Scholarship ($500) Roland Bishop Mack of GIVE Center West

2021 Robert L. Campbell Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Hkawng Tse of Phoenix High School

2021 Kerensa Wing Principles of Service Scholarship ($1,000) Nathan Y. Eyasu of Collins Hill High School

2021 Brothers Making Moves LLC Scholarship ($1,000)Esther Anjolaoluwa Gbadebo of Lanier High SchoolHeather Michelle Hefner of Lanier High School    

FouNdATioN sCholArship wiNNers

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CTE: The Class of 2021Thousands 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. • A total of 3,915 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.

• More than 300 seniors participated in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) units at 14 GCPS locations. Some students will continue their ROTC commitment in college, with 23 cadets earning ROTC college scholarships. Another 40 JROTC seniors plan to enlist for active-duty service after graduation, with another 19 enlisting in reserve forces.

oTher speCiAl hoNors

2021 Gwinnett Student Leadership Team SeniorsThe Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Inc., (GSLT) is a two-year student leadership program that provides opportunities for high school ju-niors and seniors in Gwinnett County Public 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 SchoolJake CravenAlexa Francis

Berkmar High SchoolJennifer TranNicole D. Villamil

Brookwood High SchoolPhilmon GashawCaden MartinEmma Rhodes

Central Gwinnett High SchoolJackson BergerTrish DoThomas Le

Collins Hill High SchoolChrista CampbellNathan EyasuTiffany Andreina Fernández

Bonilla

Dacula High SchoolAlex CrabbMichaela EnglishShivani Virani

Discovery High SchoolVonai BarchueMohammed FahimRaymond Vinh Tran

Duluth High SchoolSaniah FosterYasha JosephMathew Sigunga

Grayson High SchoolAshleigh HenningHenry HunterNkosi Nesmith-Nelson

Gwinnett Online CampusEthan CaldwellDavid GallagherCaitlyn Munson

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Nyny HoangAvyesh KapadiaRachel Park

Lanier High SchoolKashanti JonesFord ReasonsHannah Yi

Meadowcreek High SchoolAmy Garcia-TorresHugo Mejia-GutierrezMatthew Kwon

Mill Creek High SchoolKatherine GeldermanMadison NeitherBlake Suiter

Mountain View High SchoolYoo Jin ChungKevin WakuHairmon Woldetsadik

Norcross High SchoolArden ScourtisSavannah Shaw

North Gwinnett High SchoolRiley BrownfieldBanks LaceyKennedy Mykal Turner

Parkview High SchoolAnnie BlyEllie SmithVelda Wang

Paul Duke High SchoolLauren AntonowichJasmine Z. HsuSophia Piñeros

Peachtree Ridge High School

Shivani DesaiMichaela SawyerKyle Zuluaga

Phoenix High SchoolTimothy Winking

Shiloh High SchoolVictoria McDonaldKennedy OdibohAndy Peralta

South Gwinnett High School

Cole BrownJocelyn JosephLeah Yadessa

2021 GCPS Career and Technical Education Student of the YearDistrict 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. The top three students will receive a Jody Reeves Career and Techni-cal Education Scholarship. Scholarships are funded through the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., with contributions from the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association, and individual donations to the Jody Reeves Scholarship. Mrs. Reeves served as the district’s executive director for Academies and Career and Technical Education before her retirement.

GCPS CTE Student of the Year Pari Jain of

Peachtree Ridge High School ($1,500 )

2nd runner-upKobe Achu of

North Gwinnett High School ($750)

1st runner-upYudy Reyes of

Berkmar High School ($1,000)

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Parkview High SchoolAnnie BlyEllie SmithVelda Wang

Paul Duke High SchoolLauren AntonowichJasmine Z. HsuSophia Piñeros

Peachtree Ridge High School

Shivani DesaiMichaela SawyerKyle Zuluaga

Phoenix High SchoolTimothy Winking

Shiloh High SchoolVictoria McDonaldKennedy OdibohAndy Peralta

South Gwinnett High School

Cole BrownJocelyn JosephLeah Yadessa

oTher speCiAl hoNors

2021 STAR StudentsEach STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition) student is the senior in the top 10% of his or her class with the highest SAT score. 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. Cindy Huynh of Brookwood High School is the GCPS STAR Student for 2021.

Morgan Bell of Archer High School

Matthew Kededa of Berkmar High School

Cindy Huynh of Brookwood High School+

Anahi “Camila” Canales Dominguez of Central Gwinnett High School

Wells Bussey of Collins Hill High School

Caitlyn Coker of Dacula High School

Saeeda Osei Frimpong of Discovery High School

Ria Iyengar of Duluth High School

Daniel Obafemi of Grayson High School

David Gallagher of Gwinnett County Online Campus

Donghao “Jason” Jiang of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Samuel Lee of Lanier High School*

Veronica Roberson of Lanier High School*

Bailey Duarte of McClure Health Science High School

Michael Chun of Meadowcreek High School

Zachary “Zach” Bryce Shapiro of Mill Creek High School

Sydney Scott of Mountain View High School

Joshua Mao of Norcross High School

Sarah Park of North Gwinnett High School

Heyi “Alina” Zhang of Parkview High School

Jasmine Hsu of Paul Duke STEM High School

Brian Ji of Peachtree Ridge High School

Kennedy Odiboh of Shiloh High School

Rylee Dunlap of South Gwinnett High School

+ GCPS STAR Student for 2021

*Students tied for the honor at their school.

2021 Outstanding Senior AthletesThe Outstanding Senior Athlete Award is presented to a male and female student at each high school who has shown excellence in athlet-ics, 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 director of athletics at each high school works with the coaching staff to select the students who will represent their school.

High School Male Athlete Female Athlete

Archer Ethan Bowen Alexa Francis Bailey Francis

Berkmar Dara Olonade Ariel Enniss

Brookwood Will Bray Reagan Sweeney

Central Gwinnett Mekhi Mews Devon Kennedy

Collins Hill Clint Gilbert Emily Whitehead

Dacula Adam Watkins Michaela English

Discovery Jibran Hawkins Abby Wenham

Duluth Mathew Sigunga Isabella Evangelista

Grayson Garrett Brophy Kylie Macy

Lanier Ford Reasons Presley Miller

Meadowcreek Joseph Ohanu Zainy Elaigwu

High School Male Athlete Female Athlete

Mill Creek Tim Simay Ellie McIntyre

Mountain View Kenny Mallory Sarah Currie

Norcross Miguel Schlicht Faith Lawrence

North Gwinnett Barrett Carter Grace Connelly

Parkview Cody Brown Abby McCulloh

Peachtree Ridge Nick Best Nia Hicks

Shiloh Jamahl Neal Sydney Ford

South Gwinnett Ethan Miller Carolyn Watkins

Gwinnett HEAT*Mary Garcia-Brake (Brookwood)

Seth Early (Mill Creek)

Will Millikan (Archer)

* Gwinnett HEAT is Gwinnett County’s Adapted Sports Program, which fields teams in several sports. All participants must compete in a wheelchair.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

“Exponential Decay” from North Gwinnett HS senior Richenelle Isip.