by Shabaaka Smalls
Get excited for Senior Recognition 2022! The school year has just come to a close, and now that summer is here, we want to celebrate hardworking and talented seniors that have graduated from charter schools across Georgia in 2022.
What is GCSA’s Senior Recognition Campaign?
Every spring semester just before graduation, GCSA asks teachers, school leaders and the community to nominate outstanding seniors who are preparing to embark on the next chapter of their lives. GCSA wants to recognize these gifted graduates and share their passions, their ambitions, and how their schools have prepared them for the road ahead.
As part of the campaign, we highlight academic accomplishments, extracurricular involvement, community service, and much more! Learn about these great students below.
Bhumi Sukha
Lake Oconee Academy
What are Bhumi’s plans after graduation?
Bhumi will study criminal justice at the University of Georgia.
Why are we recognizing Bhumi?
Bhumi is a top five student in her senior class. She volunteers in the community, dual enrolled at UGA during her senior year, is in the band at school, and speaks multiple languages. She is kind to her classmates and represents our school with pride.
How has attending a Georgia public charter school benefited Bhumi?
Bhumi has taken full advantage of the academic program at Lake Oconee Academy. She has taken over 15 AP classes while in high school.
Learn more about Lake Oconee Academy!
Myah Crowell
Drew Charter School
What are Myah’s plans after graduation?
Myah aspires to become a biomedical engineer. She will attend Brandeis University as a Posse Scholar and pursue the Biological Sciences/Biomedical Engineering dual degree program at Columba University.
Why are we recognizing Myah?
Myah graduated as valedictorian, is a high school researcher at Georgia Tech and Emory University with Project ENGAGES, and is in the dual enrollment program at Georgia State University. Myah served as the inaugural vice president of Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, the fundraising chair of the National Art Honor Society, the captain of Drew’s Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team, a member of National Beta Club, in addition to playing varsity soccer and running varsity cross country.
Learn more about Drew Charter School!
Byron Thornton
Pataula Charter Academy
What are Byron’s plans after graduation?
Byron wants to major in business and become an entrepreneur.
Why are we recognizing Byron?
Byron is an example of an outstanding student. He strives to achieve his best in all areas. His academic achievements as well as achievements in sports are phenomenal.
How has attending a Georgia public charter school benefited Byron?
Byron has benefited from attending a Charter school because it pushes him academically and gives him multiple opportunities to be involved.
Learn more about Pataula Charter Academy!
Matthew Mitchell
Georgia Cyber Academy
What are Matthew’s plans after graduation?
Matthew plans to attend Georgia Southern University in the fall. He will be majoring in Business Administration and minoring in music. He will also be a member of the Men’s Tennis team. His ultimate goal is to be a Chick-Fil-A Operator.
Why are we recognizing Matthew?
Matthew has been participating in the Dual Enrollment program since the 9th grade. By doing so, he earned an Associate of Arts degree alongside his high school diploma. Matthew has played competitive tennis since he was six years old, started playing piano by third grade, and began his Chick-Fil-A work at 15 where he has since been promoted up the chain and is now an OJR (Operations Judgement Representative). He is well-rounded and successful.
How has attending a Georgia public charter school benefited Matthew?
Matthew has been attending Georgia Cyber Academy since Kindergarten. Doing so allowed him to spend precious time with his family as a young boy. As he grew in his love of tennis, being part of a virtual charter school allowed him the flexibility to train in Atlanta, which is about three hours from his home, while completing his course work. Matthew has always dreamed of playing tennis at the collegiate level.
Not only has being a public charter school student allowed him to follow his tennis dreams, but he was also able to work and save money for college. His work at Chick-Fil-A has helped develop his leadership skills and propel him towards a focus in college.
Additionally, by being a part of a Georgia public charter school, Matthew learned how to be independent, focused, and goal-oriented from a young age. These skills will continue to stay with him through college and adulthood as he continues to strive for excellence and reach his full potential.
Learn more about Georgia Cyber Academy!
Alexandria Sweeny
Drew Charter School
What are Alexandria’s plans after graduation?
Alexandria aspires to become a Biomaterials Developer. She plans to study stem cell regeneration and neurodegenerative diseases at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Why are we recognizing Alexandria?
Alexandria graduated as salutatorian and has been a member of Drew’s Varsity Cross Country team and Varsity Soccer team for three years. One of her greatest accomplishments has been her commitment to her school’s 2020-2021 Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam. Alexandria also serves as a Naval Sea Cadet Corps Midshipmen. Alexandria has always had big dreams and has worked tirelessly in order to reach her goals.
Learn more about Drew Charter School!
Shabaaka Smalls
