Agenda Item
a. Recognition: 2026 Georgia Scholar Honorees
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Board Chair, District 4
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education recognizes all 2026 Georgia Scholar Honorees in the DeKalb County School District in concert with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).
Why: The Board is being asked to recognize the District's 21 Georgia Scholar Honorees for the 2026 school year.
Details: The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Each Georgia Scholar receives a diploma seal and an honorary graduation cord. The following criteria must be met to receive the honor: The student must earn at least twenty-two (22) Carnegie Units of credit for graduation; have a minimum combined score of 1360 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) at one test sitting or a composite score of 31 at one test sitting on the American College Test (ACT); have a non-weighted, cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale; be registered to vote if a United States citizen and 18 years of age on or before the date of application; show evidence of self-esteem and concern for others in day-to-day activities; participate in at least three (3) different competitive interscholastic activities; be appointed by a school official or elected to positions of leadership in a minimum of two (2) different organizations sponsored by the school; and show evidence of leadership in a minimum of two (2) different organizations outside the school, including being appointed by an organization sponsor or elected to a position of leadership or role of responsibility in a minimum of one (1) of these activities.
Financial impact: There is no Financial Impact
Contact: Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Chief, Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1811
Mr. Christopher Key, Executive Director, Student Advancement, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.485.9544
Dr. Shannon Crosslin, Senior Counseling Coordinator, Student Advancement, Division of Wrap Around Services, 404.808.8942
Status: No Legal Approval Required.
Georgia Department of
Education honors 162 students
as 2026 Georgia Scholars
April 1, 2026
The Georgia Department of Education is recognizing 162 graduating seniors across Georgia
as 2026 Georgia Scholars, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced today.
Through the Georgia Scholar program, GaDOE identifies and honors high school seniors
who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Each honoree receives a seal
for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement.
"Congratulations to the 162 students recognized as Georgia Scholars this
year," Superintendent Woods said. "These students exemplify excellence in academics,
leadership, and service. I'm proud to celebrate their achievements and confident they will
continue making a positive difference in their communities and beyond."
The full list of 2026 Georgia Scholars, organized by school district and high school, is
available online.
Georgia Scholars carry exemplary course loads throughout their four years of high school,
demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, actively participate in school and
community activities, and serve as leaders in extracurricular and service organizations.
Learn more about the Georgia Scholar program criteria and requirements.
GaDOE coordinates the Georgia Scholar program in partnership with local school districts
and schools.