CCSD Celebrates Top Scholars at Annual Banquet

Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorians; Caroline Reach of i-Grad Virtual Academy is not pictured.

The Cherokee County School District and School Board celebrated the Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at its 26th Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.

The special event on Wednesday evening was attended by the scholars and their parents; the teacher each scholar chose as the most influential in his or her education; CCSD’s high school principals; Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis and her senior staff; and the School Board.  Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else.

Hudson Shakar is congratulated by School Board member Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison.

“Until something is accomplished, it feels impossible.  Today, you are here because you achieved an honor only accomplished by the smallest number of people,” Superintendent Davis said.  “We are inspired by you.  We are impressed by what you’ve achieved.”

Honored Teacher Savannah Holcomb shares remarks as Olivia Kennison listens.

School Board Chair Janet Read Welch shared congratulations and advice for the scholars.

“Remember to call your family – their lives have been centered around you, and they still want to know what’s going on,” she said. “When you’re at college and you realize your teacher really prepared you for the course, let them know, as it may be just the encouragement they need that day.”

Lisa-Marie Haygood, right, and Kathy Strom of CCEF present gifts to Avery Cheatham.

The students and teachers each shared a brief speech.  Each student received an iPad and plaque, and each teacher received a plaque and $100 gift card.  The dinner and gifts were made possible by donations from Presenting Sponsors, LGE Community Credit Union and the Cherokee County Educational Foundation; and Silver Sponsor, Center Cut Catering. 

Above: Honored Teachers; Morgan Clifton of Cherokee HS is not pictured.

CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Grayson Prien
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study electrical engineering and a double major possibly in business
From Honored Teacher Wesley Queen’s remarks: “I am thankful for Grayson and for students like him.  We teachers chose to educate for a variety of reasons, but one of those is to inspire our students.  We want to inspire them to access the best that they have to offer and push themselves to achieve beyond what they thought possible.  And with students like Grayson and all those being honored here tonight, we see them access their best every day.”

Salutatorian: Grace Dai
College and career plans: Stanford University to study the intersection between the humanities and STEM
From Honored Teacher Morgan Clifton’s remarks: “First, despite the credit Grace gives me, I’ve mostly just been a supporter and amazed bystander in her creative journey.  Her talent, vision, and determination are entirely her own.  And second, when Grace sets her mind to something, she will find a way to make it happen.  I cannot wait to see where that drive takes her next, and I’ll always be grateful I got a front-row seat to witness it.”

CREEKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Aiden Sven Johnson
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study computer science
From Honored Teacher Dr. Jim Riley’s remarks: “What stands out most about Aiden is his intrinsic motivation.  He does not work hard for applause, awards, or external pressure.  He works hard because he genuinely values learning.  He’s on his way to being a lifelong learner.  Your future is incredibly bright.”

Salutatorian: Henry Hawthorne Hyler
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study psychology on a pre-law track to pursue a career as an attorney 
From Honored Teacher Jenny Brooks’s remarks: “Hawthorne does not settle for surface-level understanding.  He strives.  He pushes himself.  He works until he masters what he sets out to accomplish.  He’s driven to make something meaningful of his talents.”

ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Cooper Albrecht
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study computer science to pursue a career in the technology field
From Honored Teacher Mike Vacca’s remarks: “Cooper was one of those rare students who didn't just learn computer science; he lived it.  In AP Computer Science, while most students were still wrapping their heads around loops and logic, he was already three steps ahead, asking questions that made us all think.  We'd get into these wonderful tangents: breaking down the elegance of an algorithm, debating design choices, the kind of back and forth you don't always get to have in a classroom.  Those moments reminded me why I love teaching this subject.”

Salutatorian: Avery Cheatham
College and career plans: University of Georgia to study, for a double major, history and political science to pursue a career as a writer or possibly lawyer
From Honored Teacher Donell Osborne’s remarks: “Avery’s intellectual curiosity and desire to succeed set her apart from her peers.  Avery, as you move into this next phase of your life, be confident in the knowledge that you are amazing.  Learn as much as you can.  Meet new people, consider new ideas, and enjoy being a Bulldog.  I know your future is bright and I consider myself lucky to have been a part of your journey.”

i-GRAD VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Valedictorian: Caroline Reach
College and career plans: Georgia College and State University to study nursing
From Honored Teacher Heather Craighead’s remarks: “Caroline possesses an extraordinary combination of intelligence, curiosity, and kindness.  She approaches life with a genuine desire to learn, grow, and positively impact those around her.  Her thoughtful nature and compassionate spirit make her someone others naturally trust and admire.  In many ways, she has even become my ‘travel advisor’ through her adventurous outlook and enthusiasm for exploring new opportunities and experiences.”

Salutatorian: Michael McGuire
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study aerospace engineering
From Honored Teacher Kendra West’s remarks: “Michael is the kind of student every teacher hopes for — hardworking, dependable, kind, and always willing to help others.  He has a genuinely good heart, and that kindness shows in the little things he does every single day.  He has a way of making people want to help because he is always the first person willing to step up and help someone else.  He leads with kindness, respect, and humility, and those qualities matter far beyond grades or titles.”

RIVER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Udi Gitau
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study global economics and modern languages with a concentration in French
From Honored Teacher Phil Money’s remarks: “I’ve had the pleasure having Udi for two years.  He’s been locked in the whole time.  It’s great to hear him laugh – it makes my day.  Tech is super lucky to have him.”

Salutatorian: Olivia Kennison
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study chemical and biomolecular engineering, with a minor in Spanish, to pursue a career in research
From Honored Teacher Savannah Holcomb’s remarks: “One of the things I admire most about Olivia is the way she approaches life and work.  She is a dynamic thinker who can see a goal from start to finish and take bite-size pieces to accomplish something big.  She is not motivated by immediate gratification or quick recognition.  Olivia is steady.  She keeps her eyes on long-term goals and works consistently toward them with patience and discipline.”

SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Sebastian Murillo
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study economics, with his first semester at the university’s campus in Metz, France.  He plans to pursue a career in business or international affairs, possibly involving global trade and diplomacy.
From Honored Teacher Brian Carnes’s remarks: “What sets Sebastian apart is his dedication and relentless work ethic.  He is the type of student every teacher hopes for: prepared, motivated, and always willing to push himself to improve.  But beyond his accomplishments, Sebastian has also made an impact on me and other people around him.  His dedication and character have challenged me to become a better teacher and a better person.”

Salutatorian: Taylor L. Bell
College and career plans: University of Notre Dame to study, for a double major, neuroscience and English.  She plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a surgeon or a writer.
From Honored Teacher Michelle Nixon’s remarks: “Whether analyzing ecosystems or solving mechanics problems, she honed the skills necessary to be successful.  Her focus allows her to cut out all the high school noise.  That dedication is going to serve you so well.”

WOODSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Hope Hood
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study biomedical engineering on a pre-law track to pursue a career in patent law or corporate law in the pharmaceutical industry
From Honored Teacher Ashley Dexter’s remarks: “Hope is an exceptional team player.  Your responses are not going to be loud or impulsive, you are going to analyze your argument from all sides before making a point.  Hope is always a delightful young woman in class, and it’s been a pleasure to see you grow in your confidence and voice.  You’re thoughtful, considerate, and a beautiful ray of sunshine in this world.”

Salutatorian: Hudson Shakar
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study mechanical engineering to pursue a career in the space flight industry with agencies or companies such as NASA and Space X
From Honored Teacher Kate McIntyre’s remarks: “I have never seen a student be so comfortable giving a presentation.  He is patient, he is confident, and he is articulate.  It is so evident that Hudson was made to be a leader.  I truly love every part of my job, other than lunch duty, and it’s students like Hudson who make this job worth it.  He is one of a kind, and Woodstock High School is lucky to have had him the last four years.”

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