Every spring, the Georgia Charter Schools Association asks teachers, school leaders and the community to nominate outstanding seniors at Georgia‘s charter high schools. GCSA is honored to recognize these graduates and highlight their passions, ambitions, and how their schools have prepared them for the future.
The following seniors are just a handful of the amazing students who are beginning their unique journeys to influence the world.
Name: Alana Nicholson
School Name: Drew Charter School
What are the student’s plans after graduation?
Salutatorian Alana Nicholson is a Drew Baby (having been at Drew Charter School since Kindergarten) and plans to continue her studies at The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Why does this student deserve recognition?
Alana loves art, and her artwork has been featured in numerous galleries. Her steadfast ability to balance her coursework with her passions are what led her to becoming Salutatorian. During her commencement address she unveiled her gift to Drew Charter School— a gift portrait depicting out namesake – Charles Drew.
Name: Samuel Fleshler
School Name: Georgia Connections Academy
What are the student’s plans after graduation?
Samuel’s plan is to attend Georgia State University Honors College and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Because he has completed multiple college courses through Dual Enrollment while at Georgia Connections Academy, he only has about 2.5 years left to get his Bachelor’s degree. Once he graduates, he would like to pursue a dance career and utilize his business degree to help start his own business along the way! His ultimate dream and passion is a career in dance!
Why does this student deserve recognition?
Samuel is the Valedictorian of the 650-student Georgia Connections Academy graduating Class of 2024! He is a full Dual-Enrollment student with very high aspirations! He is creative, yet grounded and he is driven to achieve the very best!!
How has attending a Georgia public charter school benefited the student?
Samuel says that attending a Georgia public charter school “helped me learn how to be self-sufficient, self-driven and responsible. I learned how to manage my time well and how to study in my own way. Additionally, it gave me flexibility in my school schedule to do more dance lessons and participate in other dance related activities.”
Name: Yusuf Abdalla
School Name: Georgia Cyber Academy
What are the student’s plans after graduation?
Yusuf plans on attending Georgia Tech now that he’s graduated.
Why does this student deserve recognition?
Yusuf is a phenomenal student who is a great self advocate. He is very intelligent and humble.
How has attending a Georgia public charter school benefited the student?
Yusuf says: “Attending a Georgia public charter school has helped me greatly, since I have the benefits of a public school (i.e. free and available) without the downsides of the traditional public school, such as the one-size-fits all approach that is usually taken. GCA’s flexibility “customized” or fitted me with just the right amount of rigor that allowed me to make the most of my time in high school.”
Name: Kelis Lindsay
School Name: Georgia Connections Academy
What are the student’s plans after graduation?
Kelis will be attending Kennesaw State University in the fall, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance.
Why does this student deserve recognition?
Kelis is Super-talented in the Visual Arts, and has excelled in her school work. She is a dedicated student who is committed to trying and constantly improving!
How has attending a Georgia public charter school benefited the student?
Kelis says: “The flexibility of Georgia public charter schooling, as opposed to public schooling, has allowed me to continue my dance education and career while keeping up with my education. I am able to rise as a senior, despite being fifteen years old, because I am enrolled in a Georgia public charter school.”
Name: Mason Maynard
School Name: Atlanta Classical Academy
What are the student’s plans after graduation?
Mason plans to attend Davidson College in North Carolina.
Why does this student deserve recognition?
As president of our Student Government, Mason has been steady in diligence with a deep heart for service. Mason is mature and careful; he loves his school and works hard for his peers. In addition to his SGA role, Mason runs cross country and track, is active in clubs, and always is the first to volunteer to be present or to serve at an event. His virtue and hard work in service to his classmates merits recognition!
How has attending a Georgia public charter school benefited the student?
Mason has taken full advantage of Atlanta Classical’s size and the opportunities for leadership and creativity it affords. He has given himself fully to his community and has reaped the rewards of this investment. Very few graduates over the years have gotten so much out of their time at ACA as Mason has. His growth in knowledge, virtue, and charity has been fantastic to watch.
Name: Morgan Walker
School Name: Drew Charter School
What are the student’s plans after graduation?
This Drew Charter School Valedictorian is considered a Drew Baby. He attended Drew since pre-K, and in the fall will go to Columbia University. He is a prospective astronomer and a musician.
Why does this student deserve recognition?
In addition to his hard work and dedication to his studies, earlier this month, Morgan’s original musical composition was performed by the renowned Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra. The exceptional semi-professional adult orchestra brought Morgan’s creation to life during a special rehearsal at North Springs High School.
