Matthew Bolston, Honor Graduate and son of Sabrina and Victor Bolston, will attend Kennesaw State University, where he plans to major in marketing and build a successful career in the business world. Throughout high school, Matthew demonstrated leadership, academic dedication, and strong involvement in his school community as an active member of Beta Club and the Student Government Association (SGA). He was also honored as the 11th Grade Prom Prince. Driven, resilient, and goal-oriented, he is focused on professional growth, expanding his knowledge, and building a financially stable, successful future. Matthew is proud of the person he has become and grateful for the excellence and opportunities provided by Hapeville Charter Career Academy.
Destiny Brown is a senior and VPA Magnet Musical Theater student at Tri-Cities High School. An A/B Honor Roll student with a 3.6 GPA, Destiny is the daughter of Malandra Williams and Kervin Brown. She is an active volunteer for the Treasure Heart Girls organization and a youth assistant at her church. An Alliance Theater Advanced Musical Theatre Camp scholarship recipient, she received the 2026 Shuler Award for "Best Leading Actress" in Georgia. Upon graduation, Destiny will pursue a BFA in musical theater at a prestigious fine arts university and plans to become a world-renowned Broadway performer.
Taylor Clark is a senior at Riverwood International Charter School and the daughter of Charles and Tameka Clark. She will attend Spelman College in the fall as a proud member of the Honors Program, majoring in health sciences to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Taylor is a varsity volleyball player and competitor on a nationally recognized club team. She also serves as a junior coach, mentoring younger athletes. An active member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, BSU, Red Cross Club, GCAPP Youth Advisory Council, and HOSA, she also volunteers each summer at Grady Memorial Hospital (TELP). She interns with a local PT group and iSpeak Therapy to gain clinical experience. Taylor is an active member at Ben Hill UMC as an acolyte, former usher, and youth choir member.
Harrison Edwards, son of Antionette and Edson Edwards, is a student at Westlake High School. Harrison has completed both the engineering and Army JROTC pathways, preparing himself for a career in aerospace engineering. As the executive officer of his JROTC battalion, Harrison serves as second-in-command, overseeing operations, mentoring cadets, and helping to lead the largest Army JROTC battalion in Georgia. He has contributed over 200 hours of community service during his high school career and earned recognition as JROTC Cadet of the Year and is the recipient of the 2025-2026 Sons of the American Revolution award. He commanded the Sabre Guard Team, competed on the Raider Team, and served on the varsity rifle team, where he earned top shooter for 2025-2026. His technical interests are reflected in skills such as CAD design, drone operation, and programming, reinforcing his aspirations in aerospace engineering. As an aerospace engineering student at Fulton County College and Career Academy, he recently obtained FAA remote pilot certification. Harrison will be attending Georgia Military College in the fall and plans to continue to the U.S. Air Force Academy. His goal is to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing a career in the aerospace industry.
Moriah Freeman, valedictorian at Hapeville Charter Career Academy, is the daughter of Ebony Freeman and Asbury Foster. Moriah will attend Kennesaw State University, where she will major in nursing as part of the Wellstar Tom and Betty Phillips Elite Honors Nursing Cohort. This prestigious program will prepare her to enter the Traditional BSN program at the Wellstar School of Nursing, where she plans to focus on psychiatric nursing. Throughout high school, Moriah served as a Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassador, Senate Page, Student Government Association President, Grade-Level President, and Hapeville Varsity Cheerleader. Her involvement includes the National Honor Society, AVID, HOSA, Upward Bound, BETA Club, Women in MED, and Delta Gem. Moriah served as a Grady TELP Leader and participated in dual enrollment at Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Military College. Moriah received the Grady TELP Health Equity Research Project Award and the Upward Bound Summer Academic Achievement Award in 2023 and 2024.
Sarai Freeman, salutatorian at Hapeville Charter Career Academy, is the daughter of Ebony Freeman and Asbury Foster. She will attend Kennesaw State University in fall 2026, where she plans to major in criminal justice on the pre-law track and minor in political science. She will also be a member of the Honors College and participate in the Presidential Emerging Global Scholars program, a selective cohort focused on leadership development, community service, and global engagement through travel and study abroad. Throughout high school, Sarai has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership, serving as a Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassador, Senate Page (2024), and Student Government Association Vice President for four consecutive years. Her involvement includes the National Honor Society, BETA Club, AVID, HOSA, Upward Bound, Women in MED, Delta Gem, and service as a Grady TELP Leader. Additionally, Sarai gained hands-on legal experience as an intern with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, further strengthening her commitment to law, justice, and public service.
Garrison Grimes, son of Kenneth and Pilar Grimes, is a graduating senior recognized for leadership, scholarship, and service. Garrison earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor earned by only about 4% of Scouts nationally and fewer than 1% of African American Scouts, and received an East Point mayoral proclamation for his community service and leadership. He serves as a Youth Ambassador with 21st Century Leaders, supporting more than 2,500 students across Georgia. He is also involved in the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, 100 Black Men of South Metro, and Kappa League. As captain of the Landmark Christian School cross country and track teams and a 4x800 relay record holder, he will attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Honors College to study electrical engineering.
Brian Jacobs is a senior at Westlake High School. He is the son of Darrion and Tanya Jacobs and a committed scholar in pursuit of academic excellence and has achieved Honor Roll recognition every semester. In addition to maintaining outstanding grades, Brian played trumpet in all three award-winning bands that Westlake offers: marching, symphonic, and jazz. Brian invests his time in building leadership skills and giving back to the community through Scouts of America. Community clean-ups, high adventure camping, and several troop leadership positions have helped to mold his strong and resilient character. After graduation, Brian plans on attending Alabama A&M University.
Alexander Lewis Johnson is a senior at Westlake High School and the son of Rev. Dr. Andrea Lewis and Rev. Torrey Johnson. An Honor Roll student, Alex is co-section leader of the Mighty Marching Lions' trumpet section and performs in the jazz, symphonic, pep, and pit bands. He plays trumpet at Holly Grove AME Church and participates in the Georgia State University Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra and Atlanta Youth Jazz Ensemble. He is a member of the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Big Bethel AME Church. He serves as parliamentarian of the AME Sixth Episcopal District Young People's Division and will attend Morehouse College.
Celise Meadows is a senior at Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta with a 4.1 GPA. She is the oldest daughter of Chuck and Toshia Meadows. Celise excels in IB, AP, and honors coursework and attends Georgia State University as a dual-enrollment scholar, demonstrating strong academic discipline and college readiness. A dedicated leader, Celise serves as SGA senior class president, varsity cheer captain, and a varsity softball team member, balancing leadership, athletics, and service. In the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, she has served as teen fundraising chair, historian, and corresponding secretary. Celise will attend Howard University, majoring in Finance, pursuing her dream of becoming a chief financial officer and founding a nonprofit focused on financial literacy for women and children.
Londyn Paige Clark Miller is a graduating senior at D.M. Therrell High School and the daughter of Cherese Clark-Wilson and Evan Miller. Londyn is the captain of the Purrrfection Majorette Dance Team, rehearsal director of the Advanced Repertory Dance Company, member of the Academic Decathlon Team, and president of both National Honor Society and the Beta Club. Ranked at the top 10% of her class, Londyn will be attending Spelman College as an Honors student, majoring in political science (pre-law) and minoring in psychology. Thereafter, she will attend law school to pursue her Juris Doctorate degree.
Lloyd Perryman Jr. is an inspiring young leader with a bright future ahead. As co-president of his school’s DECA program and an active member of ROTC, he has demonstrated discipline, leadership, and commitment. Guided by the support of his mother, Elaine Perryman, and the lasting influence of his late father, Lloyd Perryman Sr., he continues to push forward with purpose. Lloyd plans to attend the University of Alabama, where he will major in aerospace engineering. His resilience, ambition, and strong values make him a powerful example of perseverance and determination.
Jaiden Quarles is the son of Quincy and Tawanda Quarles. He will be graduating from Landmark Christian School, where he was actively involved in baseball and a leadership program. Jaiden attends Arrow Youth Leadership International, serving as secretary. Through these experiences, he has developed strong leadership skills, discipline, and a consistent work ethic. He has received recognition from State Senator Lydia Glaize through his involvement in Arrows. He plans to attend Kennesaw State University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.
Corbin Lela Raston, daughter of Latonya and Leon Raston, is a senior at West Orange
High School in New Jersey. An accomplished student-athlete, Corbin holds a 4.0
GPA, is a member of three national honor societies, and is a double All-
American track star. A leader in the Teen Auxiliary of the GMAC chapter
of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., she participates in community service with her school
and her church, Elizabeth Baptist. Corbin will attend the University of
Pennsylvania, majoring in political science and African American studies, with
aspirations to pursue public service, policy work, and civic leadership.
Lailani Smith, daughter of Jade Lambert-Smith and Cedric Smith, is graduating from Westlake High School as an IB Diploma Candidate and the school’s 2026 Fine Arts Student of the Year and World Languages Student of the Year. She is a member of the National Honor Society and ranks in the Top 25 of her senior class. Lailani serves as student director of the Westlake Chorale and student music director for the Thespian program and performs with the Westlake Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Orchestra. She will attend Berklee College of Music to study music theory and composition, with aspirations to create globally inspired music across cultures.
Adriana Verwayne is a graduating senior at Therrell High School and an Early College student at Georgia State University. She has maintained a 3.8 GPA while balancing excellence. She is the daughter of Adrian and Raushannah Verwayne. She serves as vice-president of her school’s HOSA chapter and is a three-year band Color Guard captain. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Adriana has participated in the Morehouse School of Medicine Surgery Reach Program, Grady Teen Experience Leadership Program, Future Docs Abroad to Tanzania, and Global Explorers Exchange Program to Spain. She plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University on the pre-med track to become a pediatrician.
Taylor Walton, daughter of Ebony Walton and DeCorey Walton, is a graduating senior at Westlake High School and a full International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate, magnet, and TAG student. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she has earned honors including the Georgia Certificate of Merit, a Governor’s Honors Program nomination, Principal’s List, and recognition as a three-time DECA state competition winner. Taylor is actively involved in the Fulton County Youth Commission, Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Student Governance Council, DECA, Thespian Society, National Honor Society, Beta Club, SkillsUSA, and Generation 8 Choir at her church. She plans to attend Spelman College and pursue a career in journalism.
Ava Layne Warren is a senior at Westlake High School in Atlanta and the daughter of Desi and Franchesca Warren. Active in the community, Ava is an IB and Honors student and participates in several clubs and service organizations, including HOSA and BETA. She is an athletic student trainer, and a student volunteer in the Grady TELP Program. In addition, she is the teen recording secretary in the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Ava will attend Tuskegee University, where she will major in health sciences with a minor in physical therapy to become a physical therapist.
Dustin Watson, the son of William Watson and Jennifer Sampson, is a graduating senior at North Atlanta High School and a dual-enrollment student at Georgia State University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He is an active member of FBLA and SkillsUSA and previously participated in JV football and wrestling. Dustin is also an entrepreneur and founder of a nonprofit focused on helping youth improve their health through nutrition and exercise. He works at Willy’s Mexicana Grill while contributing to his household. Dustin plans to attend Morehouse College on a full scholarship to study political science and pursue a career in commercial real estate law.