From athletes and performers to advocates and community volunteers, these local rising leaders are making an impact while pursuing their own dreams. Though their paths are different, they share a common thread: a willingness to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and inspire others along the way.
Some are creating nonprofits, others are performing on stage, competing in athletics, developing new business ideas, or giving back through community service. Together, their stories reflect the many ways young people are strengthening the Roswell community while inspiring others to dream bigger, work harder, and lead with kindness.
CJ Matthews
CJ Matthews has spent most of his life serving others. Following the loss of his baby sister, he founded Blankies 4 My Buddies Foundation at the age of five. What began as an effort to comfort children facing difficult circumstances has grown into an organization that has provided thousands of blankets, books, meals, and essential items to families in need.
Over the years, the foundation has expanded beyond blankets to provide comfort, hope, and practical resources for children and families facing difficult seasons. Matthews has also inspired countless young volunteers to discover that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
Now preparing to begin his college football career at Ottawa University, Matthews continues to expand his impact through The Giving Bowl, a service initiative that unites athletes, businesses, and community members to support children and families.
His passion for service has become just as important as his love of football. Through every project, Matthews hopes to encourage other young people to recognize that leadership isn't about age or titles. It's about showing up, serving others, and leading by example.
Despite his leadership roles, Matthews says many people are surprised to learn he is an introvert.
"Being a leader doesn’t mean being the loudest person in the room, it means being willing to use your voice when it matters."
Whether his future leads to the NFL or a career in sports medicine, Matthews says helping others will always remain part of his purpose.
Chloe Driese
For Chloe Driese, gymnastics is about far more than medals and competition. The young athlete has learned resilience, discipline, and confidence through years of training while also sharing her journey with other aspiring gymnasts through social media.
Hours of practice have taught Chloe that progress doesn't happen overnight. Every new skill requires patience, determination, and a willingness to keep trying after setbacks. These are lessons she carries with her both inside and outside the gym.
She enjoys encouraging fellow athletes and showing both the successes and challenges that come with pursuing a dream.
"Once I began competing, something just clicked for me. I realized I loved challenging myself and having fun doing it."
Chloe admires Olympic champion Gabby Douglas for her confidence, positivity, and perseverance. Her advice to others is simple: trust the process, take things one step at a time, and never be afraid to start over when necessary.
She hopes that by sharing her own journey, other young athletes will understand that growth often comes from persistence rather than perfection.
Her ultimate goal?
"The Olympics. That's the dream."
Dominic Dal Cerro
For Dominic Dal Cerro, food is more than a passion. It's a way to connect with people and make a difference. The Roswell High School rising senior balances two jobs, while pursuing his interests in cooking, nutrition, and entrepreneurship.
His curiosity reaches beyond the kitchen. Dominic enjoys learning about different cultures and believes food has a unique ability to bring people together, start conversations, and create lasting memories.
Dal Cerro enjoys learning about different foods and cultures. He founded Purpose on a Plate, an initiative focused on using food to positively impact others. He is also developing Fasted, a performance supplement designed to help people start their day with focus and energy.
Whether he's preparing meals, experimenting with new recipes, or developing new ideas, his goal is always the same: use food as a way to improve lives and strengthen communities.
His passion for helping others through food became clear when he began serving meals to those in need.
"When I began serving home cooked meals to others and saw the look on their faces, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue."
He credits his grandfather, whom he affectionately calls Abuelo, as a major inspiration for his commitment to healthy living and hard work.
That encouragement has fueled Dominic's desire to pursue a career where business, hospitality, and service come together.
His advice to other young people is simple:
"You're going to regret not trying. Just go for it."
Looking ahead, Dal Cerro hopes to combine his love of food and service by opening a restaurant that helps families facing food insecurity.
Ty Brown
Ty Brown believes everyone deserves friendship, belonging, and the opportunity to be included.
Throughout high school, Ty became known for his infectious personality and genuine kindness. Whether cheering on classmates or volunteering in the community, he has always enjoyed bringing people together.
Born with Down syndrome, Brown graduated from Lassiter High School in 2025, where he served as soccer manager, participated in numerous service projects, and was voted Homecoming King. After graduation, he missed being involved in the community and searched for a new way to connect with others.
That led him to Roswell Players, where he joined Shrek Jr. and found a place to share his heart and build new friendships.
Performing has given him another opportunity to express himself while building confidence and lasting friendships."I want to be included in life and have friends."
Brown encourages anyone interested in Roswell Players to simply be themselves.
"They will help you along the way."
His future goal is to attend the Georgia Tech EXCEL program for adults with disabilities.
Bennett D. Key
Bennett Key approaches life with enthusiasm, humor, and creativity.
His positive attitude and quick sense of humor have made him a favorite among friends and castmates, and he approaches each new experience with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Born with a rare condition called Joubert Syndrome, Key chooses to focus on what brings him joy, whether that means spending time with family, touring with the Songs for Kids Band, or participating in Roswell Players.
Theater has become more than a hobby. It has provided a place where he feels supported, valued, and encouraged to express his creativity.
After learning about the program from his caregiver, Billy, Key eagerly signed up and quickly discovered a community he loves. He especially enjoys the friendships he has built through rehearsals and performances.
"I was happy because I am passionate about theater."
Known for his sense of humor and love of wrestling, Key credits his mother as his biggest role model because of her unwavering support and advocacy.
His dream is both ambitious and inspiring.
"I want to write my own musical called Love."
Ari Harris & Will Parnaby
For Ari Harris and Will Parnaby, dance has been about much more than technique. The rising seniors have grown up together at the Roswell Dance Theatre at the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance, beginning their ballet journeys at just 2 and 4 years old. Over the years, they've become not only accomplished dancers but also lifelong friends.
Their years together have been shaped by discipline, teamwork, and countless hours in the studio. Beyond technical training, dance has taught them responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of supporting one another.
Each year, the school's senior dancers choreograph and produce an original concert, using their talents to give back. Last year, the performance raised nearly $14,000 for Blessings in a Backpack, helping provide food for children throughout the community.
Their dedication has also opened doors beyond Roswell. Ari has trained with Nashville Ballet and will attend the Regional Dance America Dance and Choreography Intensive this summer. Will has participated in summer programs with Louisville Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, and will train with Miami City Ballet this summer.
Those experiences have exposed them to dancers from across the country while reinforcing the strong foundation they built in Roswell.
As they prepare for their senior year, both plan to continue dancing in college while carrying with them the lessons they've learned through years of training.
"Growing up in the company has meant more than just dance training—it's character training and being part of a community," says Will.
The GS Bestie Squad
What started as a group of toddlers sharing toys at The Goddard School has grown into a friendship that has lasted more than a decade.
Known affectionately as the "GS Bestie Squad," the children of the Hughes, Monahan, Roberts, Robinson, and Wilson families have grown up together through birthdays, sports seasons, school events, and countless milestones. Over the past five years, they have added another tradition to their friendship through Keep Roswell Beautiful's street adoption program.
Over the years, the cleanups have become more than a volunteer project. They provide an opportunity for the families to reconnect, celebrate milestones, and teach the next generation the value of giving back.
Several times each year, the group gathers along Crabapple Road to collect litter and help care for the community they call home. What began as a parent led activity has become something the kids genuinely care about.
The same children who once played together at The Goddard School now wear safety vests, carry litter pickers, and spend hours helping keep Roswell beautiful while catching up on life and celebrating each other's successes.
As they prepare for college and future careers, they carry with them more than memories. They carry a shared commitment to friendship, service, and community pride.
Their story serves as a reminder that sometimes the strongest impact comes not from one individual, but from a group of friends growing up together and choosing to leave their community a little better than they found it.
Together, they have collected countless bags of litter while creating memories that will last far beyond their school years. Their commitment shows that community service doesn't have to be a one-time event. It can become a lifelong tradition.
Whether through athletics, the arts, advocacy, inclusion, or service, these young people are already making a meaningful difference. Their stories remind us that leadership isn't defined by age. It's defined by character, compassion, and a commitment to making the world around them better.
From football fields and gymnastics mats to theater stages and community service projects, these local rising leaders are proving that age is no barrier to making a difference and inspiring others through their actions.