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CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) congratulates the Valedictorians and Salutatorians of the Class of 2026.
The Valedictorians and Salutatorians were notified in surprise announcements during school on Feb. 25. Administrators, counselors, family members, and classmates celebrated the accomplishments of these top scholars. The valedictorians and salutatorians will lead their senior class in their school’s graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for Friday, May 29. For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/graduation
HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL
HHS VALEDICTORIAN
Name: Andrea Acosta
Family members: Mother: Joy Kimble-Acosta, Father: Thomas Acosta, Brother: Thomas Acosta Jr., Sister: Arianna Acosta.
Intended College/University: University of Georgia
Intended Major: Interior Design with a Minor in Film Studies
Intended Career Field: Set Design/Architecture
RCPS Schools Attended: Sims Elementary, Barksdale Elementary, Gen. Ray Davis Middle, Heritage High, Rockdale Career Academy.
Awards/Scholarships: Principal’s List, Superintendent’s Award, College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program, College Board’s National African American Recognition Program, University of Georgia Award of Merit, Forensics Science Student of the Year ’24-‘25, Food Science Student of the Year ’24-‘25, Advanced Placement Research Student of the Year ’24-’25, Advanced Placement U.S. History Student of the Year ’24-’25, HOPE Scholarship Recipient, Zell Miller Recipient
Extracurricular Activities: Beta Club, FCCLA Chapter Co-President, Key Club Vice President, National Honor Society, RCA Student Ambassador, Big Future Ambassador, RCA Yearbook Committee, Work-Based Learning Culinary Student Intern
Favorite Subject: Science
Memorable help from a teacher/staff member/mentor: The assistance that Mrs. Samantha Swaney and Mr. Jerry Rigdon have provided on improving my writing skills over the past four years has been nothing short of consistent and effective.
Best high school experience: The best part about high school was the opportunities to take courses outside of the regular core subjects. Being able to complete pathways in Culinary Arts, Food Science, and Graphic Design provided me with adequate knowledge on the career fields and what it is like to work in said environments.
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: When my friends and family found out about my placement in the class ranking, they were ecstatic. Everyone was so supportive and proud.
What do you look forward to doing over the summer?: I look forward to spending time with friends that I will soon part from, as well as a family cruise to the Bahamas.
Advice for freshmen: There’s always time to change things around.
HHS SALUTATORIAN
Name: Micah Thomas Frazier
Family members: Ethel Latarsha Frazier
Intended College/University (deciding between): University of Georgia and Georgia Tech
Intended Major: Business/Finance
Intended Career Field: Undecided
RCPS Schools Attended: Barksdale Elementary, Gen. Ray Davis Middle, Heritage High, Rockdale Career Academy.
Awards/Scholarships: National History Day State Individual Website winner, Superintendent’s Award 10th-12th grades
Extracurricular Activities: Swim Team/captain, Beta Club, National Honor Society
Favorite Subjects: American Government, AP Statistics
Memorable help from a teacher/staff member/mentor: My AP American History Teacher, Mr. William Harris, helped me choose and develop topic I was passionate about that eventually went on to win State in the National History Day individual website category.
Best high school experience: Swim meets with the team.
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: They were very proud of my accomplishments and excited for my achievement.
What do you look forward to doing over the summer?: Resting and travelling.
Advice for freshmen: Stay consistent with getting your work done on time so you don’t become overwhelmed.
ROCKDALE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
RCHS VALEDICTORIAN
Name: Tarfari Woodard
Family members: Carmella Woodard (Mom), Walter Modica (Dad), Kaeleb Woodard (Brother), Jearrod Woodard (Brother).
Intended College/University: Georgia Tech
Intended Major: Computer Science
Intended Career Field: Research in Human-Computer-Interaction (HCI), specifically in fields like healthcare and accessible digital design.
RCPS Schools Attended: Pine Street Elementary, Conyers Middle, Rockdale County High School, Rockdale Career Academy.
Awards/Scholarships: Gates Scholarship Semi-Finalist, JKM Morgan Scholarship Winner, 1st Place State SkillsUSA (Information Technology Services), Represented Georgia Nationally for SkillsUSA (IT), Georgia Certificate of Merit, Superintendent’s Academic Award (2025), 3rd Place State SkillsUSA (Technical Computer Application), 5th Place Georgia 4H DPA (Computer Information Technology), Zell Miller Scholarship, Principal’s List.
Extracurricular Activities: SkillsUSA (President), Key Club (President), Rockdale County 4H (Teen Leader), Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (Member), WBL/CTAE Advisory Council (Member)
Favorite Subjects: Manufacturing (School Pathway), Work-Based Learning, and HIST 2111 & 2112 those two classes are probably my favorite, the professor was so engaging and the debates we had in that class were so much fun!!
Memorable help from a teacher/staff member/mentor: I have so many! I would say a standout moment is when I created a summer program called “Tech Sparks” with the help of Rockdale County 4H and my manufacturing teacher Mr. Smith. I was able to create a summer program that taught elementary and middle school students about coding and electrical wiring. Shoutout to Mr. Smith for giving me the materials to teach the students and the entirety of the Rockdale County 4H staff for giving me the opportunity to create such an amazing program!
Best high school experience: My best high school experience has to be in 10th grade when I won 3rd place for Technical Computer Applications at SkillsUSA State! I was completely new to SkillsUSA and didn’t study for the competition’s exam. I really didn’t expect to win and just wanted to explore downtown Atlanta. Yet somehow, I won 3rd place. At that moment I decided to take SkillsUSA seriously and the following year I won 1st place (State) for Information Technology!
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: My family was very proud of me. I already had access to the information ahead of time due to it being on our transcripts. Some of my friends (and classmates) were happy but also surprised, I tried my best to keep it a secret but there were a lot of people who were already trying to see who the Valedictorian was before the announcement was made.
What do you look forward to doing over the summer? I mainly look forward to relaxing a bit more over the summer. Ever since freshman year, I’ve been doing a lot (classes, clubs, jobs, etc.). So, summer will finally be the time I could finally wind down a bit. I plan on continuing to work at my current Work-Based Learning Internship and to travel over the summer.
Advice for freshmen: I would tell any freshman to stay away from the wrong crowd and to have a goal set in place for what you want to do after high school. It doesn’t have to be a complete step by step plan, but just a general idea of where you see yourself 3 to 5 years from now. The biggest piece of advice I would give is to take Dual Enrollment classes as early as possible and to also do Work-Based Learning. Both programs really helped me get ahead academically and professionally!
RCHS SALUTATORIAN
Name: Jacqueline Sumrall
Family members: Norris Sumrall & Tamika Sumrall (parents), Mary Porter (grandmother), Clarence Davis & Patricia Davis (grandparents)
Intended College/University (deciding between): University of Georgia, Mercer, Vanderbilt, Columbia.
Intended Major: Environmental Engineering & Design
Intended Career Field: Urban Sustainability
RCPS Schools Attended: Conyers Middle, Rockdale County High, Rockdale Career Academy, Rockdale Virtual Campus
Awards/Scholarships: RCPS Superintendent’s Academic Award (Top 10%), RCHS Principal’s List, RCHS Tennis State Playoffs Region Runner-Up, Congressional Art Competition Recognition, RCHS Chemistry Honors, RCHS Academic Achievement, Board of Education Recognition, AP Scholar, Capitol Art Exhibit, Georgia Girls State Certificate of Distinguished Achievement, Zell Miller Scholar.
Extracurricular Activities: National Art Society, National Beta Club, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter Officer (State Finalist), RCHS Tennis Team, Kickstart Martial Arts (2nd Degree Black Belt)
Favorite Subjects: Art, Biology, Environmental Science
Memorable help from a teacher/staff member/mentor: Ms. Thieleke’s classroom was always a place where I felt both at peace and productive. The art room was a place where I could feel safe talking with not only the students, but the teacher as well. Ms. Thieleke did an amazing job of providing a creative, insightful, and professional learning environment. She pushed me to get involved and share my work with the school and larger community.
Mr. Ricketts was one of the first teachers who taught me that solving chemical equations could be straightforward and easy to understand. He played a major role in building my confidence in science and he encouraged me to keep challenging myself with advanced courses, making them feel more accessible and less intimidating. Mr. Ricketts’s support of women in STEM affirms that I belong.
Swaney’s friendly face is one of the first I remember seeing during my transition from middle school to high school. Her lively English classes were always full of engaging activities and rich discussions. Ms. Swaney has a way of drawing you out of your shell and making the class feel like one big family. In her class, I found my voice and the confidence to use it.
Best high school experience: My favorite experience from high school was this year’s Homecoming Dance. It was so great to see people who wouldn’t normally interact dance together and encourage one another without a care in the world. It made me proud to share this memorable experience with my school community.
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: Most of my close family didn’t really know that I was in the top 3% of my class until my junior year, and even then, it seemed surreal. However, when the realization settled in, we could all visualize the finish line. My family has remained my biggest advocate and strongest support system every step of the way.
What do you look forward to doing over the summer?: Over the summer, I really look forward to spending time with my family before I go off to college. I also can’t wait to dive back into some of my hobbies that I’ve set aside while focusing on school.
Advice for freshmen: To the freshmen entering high school, I urge you to think about the type of life you want to live as an adult. I know that seems like something that is so far away, but time will catch up to you faster than you think. High school should be full of memorable and fun moments, but it should also be balanced with focus and discipline to ensure the best outcome. Learning how to navigate your own unique challenges is part of the journey. Treat your freshman year as your foundation and set yourself up for success!
ROCKDALE MAGNET SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
RMSST VALEDICTORIAN
Name: Isabella Waller
Family members: Gisella Pasco-Galvez (Mother) and Jeff Waller (Father)
Intended College/University (deciding between): Georgia Tech or Emory University
Intended Major: Biomedical Engineering
Intended Career Field: Biomedical/Biotech Research
RCPS Schools Attended: Shoal Creek Elementary, Gen. Ray Davis Middle, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology.
Awards/Scholarships: National STEM Festival Finalist, Rockdale Regional US Metric Association Award, Rockdale Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RRSEF) Grand Champion 1st place, National Consortium of STEM Schools (NCSSS) Student Research Conference Award, BioGENEius Award State Finalist, Frank Ski Kids Green Planet Science Trip Recipient and Winner to the Gal?pagos Islands, National Science League General Science 2nd place team, National Ocean Science Bowl (NOSB) Southern Sting Ray Bowl 3rd place team, GA Science Olympiad Scrimmage: Forensics 3rd place, Entomology 7th place, UGA Science Olympiad Scrimmage: Forensics 1st place, Experimental Design 2nd place, Tower 2nd place, Entomology 3rd place, UGA Science Olympiad Scrimmage: Designer Genes 2nd place and Entomology 2nd place, NOSB Southern Sting Ray Bowl 1st place team, NOSB Nationals 9th place team, Middle Georgia Regional Science Olympiad: Microbe Mission 1st place, Forensics 2nd place, Entomology 3rd place, Superintendent’s Academic Award (Top 10 ranked students), AP Scholar with Distinction.
Extracurricular Activities: Rockdale Magnet Science Team, Mu Alpha Theta, ScholarsU, RMSST Peer Mentor, Heartful Hospitality, Future Females Scholars Tutor, Roaring Cubs Collective STEM Research Scholars Program, RMSST Beta Lambda Tau (BATs).
Favorite Subjects: Biology, Research, Microbiology
Memorable help from a teacher/staff member/mentor: Ms. Seagreaves, my research and microbiology teacher, encouraged me to keep trying despite receiving negative results. She saw firsthand how I tried my best and believed in my capabilities. Even after I still didn’t get the results I wanted, she showed me alternatives ways that I could earn awards for my research, and I was eventually able to place on the state and national level for my work. Ms. Seagraves is the first teacher who sparked my passion in research and has inspired me to pursue research for my future career.
Best high school experience: My favorite experience was going to Washington D.C for a class trip. It was an amazing experience, and I had a lot of fun spending time with friends and visiting the different famous landmarks.
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: My family and friends were extremely proud and excited for me. They have supported me throughout my high school years and congratulated me of my dedication and hard work.
What do you look forward to doing over the summer?: I look forward to spending time with friends and family before I go to college and traveling out of the country.
Advice for freshmen: Be open to new opportunities and experiences, make the most of your high school experience and enjoy the moment. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t get the results you want, there will always be something better that will come your way.
RMSST SALUTATORIAN
Name: Gabrielle Christie
Family members: Dr. Natacha Simon-Christie (Mom), Melville Christie (Dad), Latania Christie (Sister), Malachi Christie (Brother), Bianca Christie (Sister)
Intended College/University (deciding between): University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Stanford University
Intended Major: Public Policy Analysis
Intended Career Field: Policy and Law
RCPS Schools Attended: J.H. House Elementary, Gen. Ray Davis Middle, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology
Awards/Scholarships: ISEF Finalist (2026), Governor’s Honors Program 61 Finalist in Communicative Arts (2024), GFCA Supplemental State Champion in Poetry Reading (2025), GFCA Supplemental State Champion in Prose Reading (2025), GFCA Supplemental State 2nd Runner-up in Original Spoken Word Poetry (2025), AP Scholar with Distinction, Yale Book Award (2025), Yale Young Global Scholar (2025), System STAR Student (2026), DAR Good Citizen Award
Extracurricular Activities: RMSST Ambassadors, RMSST Speech and Debate, RMSST Math Team, RMSST STEAM Camp, RCHS Varsity Tennis Team, Rockdale Youth Leadership, Georgia Youth Justice Coalition for Action, Paving Tomorrow, International Women’s Resource Center, World Literacy Foundation, Generation Human Rights, Beyond Partisan, American Youth Association, Snellville Parks and Rec Summer Camp
Favorite Subjects: English, Statistics
Memorable help from a teacher/staff member/mentor: I remember sitting in Dr. Garner’s office hours with a few other peers last semester. We reviewed our recent test a bit then just started talking about life. Those conversations helped me to realize more of what I want in life and in college.
Best high school experience: The 2025 Washington D.C. Trip with all of my best friends. Getting to spend so much time with them and learning about different colleges and monuments was THE most fun. I remember when we got Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken and everyone cleared their plates (thanks for the rec, Allison!).
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: They were all very happy and proud of me. They believe I can do anything, so they weren’t super shocked. Their encouragement over the years is the only reason I have been able to persevere through the years.
What do you look forward to doing over the summer?: I look forward to going on a trip with my family and soaking up as much time with my friends before we go off to college.
Advice for freshmen: Get rest and do things that you enjoy for the sake of doing it. You don’t have to have everything figured out all the time. Lean into uncertainty and possibilities and allow yourself to be a teenager. The moment that you’re in is the moment that matters most, so live in that experience. Don’t let your life go by and forget to live it.
SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
SHS VALEDICTORIAN
Name: Thy Phan
Family Members: Dao Tran (mother), Tung Phan (father)
Intended College (deciding between): Georgia Tech or Georgia State University
Intended Major: Accounting
Intended Career Field: Business and Finance
RCPS Schools Attended: Memorial Middle, Salem High, Rockdale Career Academy
Extracurricular Activities: Part-Time Job, Key Club, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Community Service
Favorite Subjects: Math and Science
Memorable help from a teacher/ staff member/ mentor: My biggest support comes from Mrs. Tealer and Master Sergeant Crenshaw
Best High School Experience: My best high school experience was that I got to go through high school life with my friends, all the ups and downs.
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: They were ecstatic and proud of me.
What are you looking forward to doing over the summer: I look forward to being able to sleep past 8:00 a.m. every day and spending time with my friends and family.
Advice for freshmen: Really take the time to enjoy each and every moment you get, and don’t stress yourself over trivial matters.
SHS SALUTATORIAN
Name: Olivia Cook
Family members: Mom: Tabbitha Cook, Dad: Doron Cook, Brother: Victor Cook, Grandmother: Cynthia Smith, Grandfather: Willie Smith, Grandmother: Wilma Cook, Grandfather: Willie Cook, Great Grandma: Robby Gipson, Great Grandfather: Oscar Gipson, Grandfather: Reginald Gipson, Great Grandma: Lily McIntosh, Aunt: Tianya Patterson, Uncle: Thomas Patterson, Aunt: Sabrina Germany.
Intended College/University: University of Georgia
Intended Major: Pre-Veterinary
Intended Career Field: Veterinarian that focuses on small domestic and exotic animals
RCPS Schools Attended: Salem High
Awards/Scholarships: Hope Scholarship, Principal’s List, Honor Roll, 1st place in the Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation Poster and photo contest for 2025-2026, 2nd place for Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation Poster and Photo Contest for 2024-2025.
Extracurricular Activities: I do plays, such as recently doing a Black History Month program at my school, while I
also like art and drawing/sketching out future ideas, such as new cups that I want to make for my business or clothes that I want to make in the future.
Favorite Subjects: I like English Language Arts and Science; they are my best subjects and easiest.
Memorable help from a teacher/staff member/mentor: The majority of my teachers were a humongous help. I thank Mr. Ryan, my Dual Enrollment algebra and statistics teacher, along with Mrs. Cador, my geometry teacher at Stockbridge High, for helping me gain confidence in my poorest subject, which is math. I thank Dr. Lamar for helping me understand not only my culture but also my own history as an African American. While also giving the utmost thanks to Dr. Jones, my art teacher, for helping me gain a better understanding of my own art style while also helping me gain confidence and putting my art out there into the world to be viewed.
Best high school experience: The best high school experience was my first exposure to and participation in the Black History program during my sophomore year.
What was your family’s and friends’ reaction?: They were happy for me. My mom knew I would accomplish good and amazing things; she almost cried when my dad started bragging to his coworkers and friends.
What do you look forward to doing over the summer?: I look forward to chilling out and finally taking a breather while also preparing for college.
Advice for freshmen: Do not mess up your freshman year. If your parent or guardian has the means, consider taking extra classes over the summer so that by your junior and senior years, you can have a calmer and easier time ahead.
