Senior Spotlight 2026

Chattahoochee High School seniors and twins, Nana and Ewura Acquah, attribute being chosen for recognition because of their growth, resilience, and the way they’ve supported each other through challenges. After moving to the U.S. from Ghana and struggling initially to adjust to high school, they relied on their sisterly bond to find stability, succeed academically, and build friendships. Teachers highlight their perseverance, noting how they overcame academic difficulties and personal hardships while maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Inspired by their mother’s determination and pride in their cultural background, Nana and Ewura aim to uplift others, embrace diversity, and encourage confidence and self-belief.

Champ believes his greatest strength is his voice, which he uses to share his faith and helps make others feel welcomed. Having a large family has provided him with opportunities to work to make his voice heard. That, in turn, shaped his desire to give others a voice at the table. Milton staff describe Champ as consistently kind, inclusive, and a strong role model who builds genuine connections with people from all backgrounds. His leadership extends to starting a Bible study and contributing to the success of the Milton football team on which he plays. Champ hopes to pursue engineering and become a pastor, and to continue guiding others in their faith.

Ella Tillier shares that being chosen as the North Springs Senior Spotlight is a meaningful recognition of her hard work in academics and extracurricular activities. Teachers and administrators praise her as a dedicated, involved and reliable student who excels in many areas of school life. She describes her challenging transition from France to the U. S., learning English quickly and overcoming obstacles to succeed academically. Ella credits her mother as her greatest inspiration and plans to study international business and economics in college.

The Promise Career Institute (PCI) chose Gustavo Ayala Mendoza as its Senior Spotlight because he is the epitome of what it means to be a student at PCI. Gustavo came in and took advantage of all the things PCI offers. He started as a welding student and after completing the program, continued his studies and added credits. With perseverance, he went on to study construction management at Gwinnett Technical College and continued in a dual enrollment and work-based learning program with PCI.

Rory Berg reflects how theater, her greatest interest, creates deep, family-like connections in a short time both on and off stage. She is described as intelligent, creative, and a natural leader who fosters a safe, supportive community where others feel comfortable expressing themselves. Rory values being acknowledged for her passion, work ethic, and emotional energy. She especially takes pride in her growth as a director, dreams of starting her own theater company to support new artists and is encouraged to trust herself and continue pursuing her vision.

Kalee Arnold’s selection as Tri-Cities Senior Spotlight is meaningful because the school is a family legacy. Her mom and dad were leaders at Tri-Cities and her aunts and uncles attended as well. Kalee continues the legacy by serving as a trusted point person for school leaders, and is an advocate for students. Looking ahead, she plans to attend a four-year university, major in mass communications and use her voice to advocate for others.

Nyla Nix stands out because she genuinely cares about making a difference and improving the world around her. She is described as a well-rounded leader—academically strong, a scholar-athlete, an active participant in extracurriculars, and a dedicated musician who leads with collaboration and empathy. Nyla demonstrates confident yet quiet leadership, bringing people together through roles like student council, Model UN, and chorus president while inspiring others by example. Motivated by her family and a desire to serve, she aspires to become a marriage and family therapist, focusing on solving meaningful problems and positively impacting others.

Oriade Fayemi is recognized as Creekside High School’s Senior Spotlight for his outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and extensive involvement in school and community organizations. He serves as president of multiple honor societies and clubs, maintains a 3.9 GPA, tutors and mentors students, and works as a junior city manager for Union City, Ga. Through internships and civic engagement, Oriade has gained experience in government operations and plans to pursue biomedical engineering in college. His mentors describe him as exceptional and encourage him to stay curious, maintain integrity, and continue striving toward his goals as he enters adulthood.

Poesy Young shares her gratitude for being selected for the FAVE Senior Spotlight and reflects on how the school’s teachers and counselors have positively influenced her. Her teachers describe her as the ideal FAVE student—motivated, goal oriented, independent, and perfectly suited for the flexibility of online learning. Throughout high school, Poesy has strengthened her independence, time management skills, and accountability, especially while balancing academics with competitive dance. She credits dance and her favorite Maya Angelou quote for teaching her resilience, teamwork, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

Jawhon Moye is highlighted in the GIA Senior Spotlight for his resilience, growth, and commitment, transforming from a struggling freshman into a consistent A/B honor roll student. His teachers describe him as hardworking, communicative, and purpose driven, noting his many leadership roles both in and outside of school. Jawhon has earned awards in culinary arts competitions, served as a GIA global ambassador, and currently leads the CTI organization while also participating in Youth Lead Georgia. After graduation, he plans to attend Morgan State University to study industrial engineering and enlist in the National Guard, continuing to push himself to grow and advocate for others.

Jaden Pringle is described as a calm, quietly confident, and deeply kind person whose empathy and initiative make him a natural leader among his peers. He actively supports others, finding pride and fulfillment in helping people and spreading positivity within his school community. His time at Independence High School helped him grow more patient, resilient, and caring, shaped by supportive teachers and meaningful experiences. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue IT at Chattahoochee Tech and is encouraged to continue his ambition and personal growth beyond graduation.

Matt Muir, a senior at Johns Creek High School originally from England, reflects on choosing to stay in the U.S., a decision he feels was affirmed by receiving a major award. Teachers and peers describe him as outgoing, kind, intellectually curious, and someone who goes out of his way to support others and make them feel comfortable. Moving from a small private school in the U.K. to the America expanded his sense of opportunity, inspiring him to fully immerse himself in academics, sports, and school life. He credits his growth to taking risks, persevering through challenges, and emphasizes that character and effort matter more than achievements on paper.

Jaden Russell is said to have a $1m smile and is recognized in his school’s senior spotlight for his infectious positivity, leadership, and strong work ethic both in the classroom and on the soccer field. Despite his deceptive size, he stands out as a fast, skilled, and resilient soccer player who handles pressure well and supports his teammates with enthusiasm. Inspired by his sister, Jaden strives to excel in both academics and athletics while uplifting others and fostering a sense of belonging. He hopes to become an exercise physiologist, using his experiences to help others recover physically and emotionally from injuries.

Fernando Mendez Cartaya views being selected as Alpharetta High School’s Senior Spotlight as a symbol of his personal growth, resilience, and journey since coming to the United States. Deeply connected to his Venezuelan roots, Fernando is inspired by music and dance and hopes to continue spreading positivity, connection, and encouragement to others. Teachers and mentors praise Fernando for being a kind, dependable, and curious student who has grown significantly over four years while demonstrating strong leadership. He is especially passionate about technical theater, where he both learns and teaches set construction. He actively supports and uplifts the Hispanic community at his school and has exhibited active club leadership to help the students feel welcome.

Meet Fatim Lo, a Banneker High School senior whose resilience, determination, and courage earned her the Senior Spotlight. After immigrating from Senegal and overcoming a language barrier, Fatim turned challenges into motivation with the support of her teachers and her own unwavering drive. Now enlisted in the Army National Guard, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a combat medic and nurse while continuing her education at Kennesaw State University. Her story is a powerful reminder that believing in yourself can turn dreams into reality.

Ava Washington is described by her Cambridge High School teachers as an exceptional student who embodies the ideal qualities of determination, positivity, and leadership, exceeding expectations in academics, athletics, and character. She is a high achiever who takes challenging courses, deeply values learning, and actively contributes to her community through service projects like supporting underprivileged golfers and providing food for those in need. Known for being caring, honest, and leading by example, Ava inspires her peers and strengthens the culture at Cambridge. Having attended multiple schools, she credits Cambridge for building her confidence and support system, and she looks forward to attending Spelman College to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor and making a difference.

Gavin Kennedy is recognized as a standout student at FCS Innovation Academy, embodying leadership, optimism, and a commitment to growth. As Director of Communications for Student Council, he works to amplify student voices and bridge communication between students and administration. Passionate about engineering and karate (h'es a black belt), Gavin embraces challenges with persistence, viewing failure as an opportunity to improve. He plans to attend Georgia Tech for materials science and engineering, aiming to make a lasting impact through innovation and contributions to future generations.

Chance Pace is recognized as the Langston Hughes Senior Spotlight for his resilience and determination. He overcame a difficult period during his sophomore year, yet returned to school committed to improving his grades. Teachers describe him as focused, strong-willed, and able to stay true to himself. Chance plans to attend Kennesaw State University after graduation.

Cadet David Larumbe-Ozuna reflects on the honor of being chosen for Riverwood’s Senior Spotlight and how far he has come since his difficult freshman year. Teachers and JROTC leaders describe his transformation, noting his resilience, leadership, and positive character growth. David played a key role in expanding and energizing the JROTC program, becoming a trusted leader whom younger cadets admire. As he graduates, he plans to enlist in the Army in cybersecurity, continue his education, and pursue a career as an officer.

Jace Williams is honored as Westlake High School’s Senior Spotlight because of her limitless mindset, motivation, kindness, and commitment to serving her community. Teachers describe her as a dedicated, well rounded changemaker who consistently follows through on her goals and plays a vital leadership role in SkillsUSA. Throughout high school, Jace learned to balance her academic excellence with her personal life while contributing meaningfully to her school. She plans to attend a four-year university, pursue dental school, and eventually become an oral surgeon, receiving encouragement to explore opportunities and enjoy life’s experiences.