Well Red Summer '23 Edition

CONTRIBUTORS

EBOT AGBORSANGAYA

Georgia State University

Majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies

Concentration in Media Entrepreneurship

University of North Georgia

Majoring in Marketing

Georgia Institute of Technology

Majoring in Computer Science

Samford University

Majoring in Marketing

Congratulations to the Well Red team for being awarded the NSPRA’s Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards.

NSPRA’s Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards recognize outstanding education publications, e-newsletters, digital media programs, radio/TV/video programs, social media, infographics, blogs and websites

Reinhardt University

Basketball

Majoring in Business

Georgia College & State University

Majoring in Biology

JOY GRIFFIN

GCSS Director of Marketing, PR & Communications

PHOTOGRAPHY

Honors are awarded according to publication or digital media type, and organization type and size. Entries are judged on their overall excellence as well as quality as compared to other entries in the category. The top award in each category is the Award of Excellence Awards of Merit and Honorable Mentions are also given in each category

Blue Dylan Photography

Cady

Brown Dog Sports Photography

Heard Media Group

Wallhanger Photography

CHARLIE REISMAN

EMILY LIGON MAKENZY BUTLER

CREDITS

Front Cover: GHS Class of 2023 Senior, John Jessup

Photograph by Wallhanger Photography

PG 4: Head of the Herd

A message to our WELL RED readers from our Superintendent, Dr. Jeremy Williams

PG 6: School Spotlight

An inside look at New Holland Leadership Academy

PG 16: Big Red Athletics

Spring Sports Feature: Baseball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Lacrosse and Track

PG 9: Servant Leadership Education

We thank our board of education and take a closer look at their job duties

PG 10: Clubs

Learn about the languages of The Herd.

PG 14: Field Day

26

Tradition

PG 26: Graduation

A focus on the Class of 2023

PG 29: Generations

A spotlight on Carlos Rivas and first generation graduates.

HEADOF THEHERD

In this issue we celebrate the Class of 2023. Each class has its own personality and unique characters. This is the class that endured COVID and construction. As freshmen they learned how to do school remotely and then as sophomores to social distance and learn while teachers and students wore masks All the while taking classes in

modular buildings while new construction was happening all around them.

They learned resilience and patience and came out stronger than we ever imagined. The Class of 2023 taught us all fortitude and determination We hope you enjoy the photos and stories of this class and appreciate the strength behind their bright smiles.

Looking back on the end of the school year we cover our spring sports Spring sports involve so many of our students and highlight the talent of our diverse student body With 11 varsity teams, plus their junior varsity and middle school counterparts, our athletic department stays busy. Our community can be found on the sidelines cheering on our student athletes at every level; that’s one of the many things that makes the city of Gainesville special.

Athletics is not the only thing keeping us busy in the spring. It is a fun and busy time of year with many awards programs, celebrations and spring sports. Our elementary school team really knows how to show off our students and the progress achieved by each unique child and honor their accomplishments

with fun-fill activities. Field Days are still alive and well and you can’t help but smile as you look through the fun moments captured inside this issue.

With the ending of each school year we have the chance to reflect on memories, moments and the many successes of the year behind us We take time to celebrate and congratulate our students and staff on the accomplishments and completion of another season, a test aced and a project finished in the midnight hours. The feeling on the last day of school is like no other. We ended this spring with pride and determination to continue to improve and challenge the herd to move forward with diligence and excellence. But first, we rest and plan. The 2023-2024 school year is upon us.

INSPIRE NURTURE CHALLENGE PREPARE

OUR BELIEFS

We believe that the collaborative actions of students, parents, community and the school system are the determining factors in the success of our students.

We believe that high expectations for everyone drive success.

We believe that continuous learning occurs best in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.

SCHOOLSPOTLIGHT: NEWHOLLANDLEADERSHIPACADEMY

New Holland Leadership Academy is led by Mrs Andreka Pierce Blackwell Mrs Blackwell just completed her first full academic year as principal after serving as the school's assistant principal from 2018 to 2022 Making the transition from New Holland "Knowledge Academy" to "Leadership Academy" was an easy one. "We want our students to be leaders in all that they do. Right now that means in the classroom and at home with their families, but soon it will be in our community," said Mrs. Blackwell.

New Holland's core values of "Ready, Respectful, Responsible, Role Models, Leadership, Good Communicators and Teamwork," drive the school's activities each day. This year students celebrated Gratituesday the week before the Thanksgiving break and packed meals for families in need. They also enjoyed a fun-filled fall festival with community partners joining in to serve and educate students and their families. One of the favorite days of the year is Ag Day where students learn about the many opportunities to lead in the agriculture business, and how farms impact everyday life. You will often find guest speakers visiting the school to help demonstrate leadership qualities that students are studying every day.

HEALINGTHEHERD

STORY BY KAMILAH BANKS

The nurses in the Gainesville City School System are a crucial part of keeping the students and staff safe and healthy Their hard work and dedication never goes unnoticed Our school clinics are staffed with RNs and LPNs We also have a clinic assistant who works alongside the nurse at Gainesville High School

The school nurse works with students daily that have health conditions like diabetes, asthma, allergic reactions, and seizure disorders They perform vision and hearing tests on students when needed and administer medication Other daily responsibilities include assessing any sick or injured student or staff member.

The nurse will also organize Code Blue Drills so the staff can be up to date on how to respond to an unresponsive person at school. Gainesville High School was designated a “Heart Safe School” by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after successfully performing CPR to resuscitate two students.

Every nurse in the district is prepared to handle any situation to ensure the safety of our students and staff They are invested in this community and we are thankful for everything they do for our students

The Health Services Coordinator, Dawn Wales, also organizes CPR classes for any staff member that wants to become CPR certified.

Director of Nursing: Dawn Wales

Gainesville High School: Tiffany Lankford, Elizabeth Kinsey

Gainesville Middle School East Campus: Lucia Barron

Gainesville Middle School West Campus: Teri Holmly

Centennial Arts Academy: Sandy Moore

Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy: Karlie Jones

Fair Street International Academy: Shannon Grizzle

Gainesville Exploration Academy: Amanda Anderson

New Holland Leadership Academy: Kerri Moss

Mundy Mill Arts Academy: Lanie Parks

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

STORY BY JOY GRIFFIN

The Gainesville City Schools Board of Education is constantly working behind the scenes to ensure our students, faculty and staff have all the resources and tools needed to be successful.

Our board members govern the various components of the school district's operations as required by the state constitution. Duties and responsibilities of the board include, but are not limited to, the following:

Establishes and follows local board policies, procedures, and ethical standards governing the conduct of the board, superintendent, and individual board members

Adopts a strategic plan that contains the system's beliefs, vision, mission and strategic goals, performance objectives, performance measures, and targets for improving student achievement and organizational effectiveness

Adopts, revises and adheres to written policies that support improved student achievement, fiduciary responsibility, community and stakeholder engagement, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement

Monitors the implementation of the budget and adopts policies for sound fiscal management in accordance with state laws and regulations

Employs, sets performance expectations for and evaluates the work of the superintendent; sets personnel policies and approves or denies personnel actions recommended by the superintendent to manage the system's workforce

Creates and sustains healthy community relations, models professional relationships, creates a culture of mutual respect, and serves as a public school advocate for effective collaboration and engagement of internal and external stakeholders

Participates in annual professional development that meets or exceeds the requirements of Georgia law and the State Board of Education

Plans and conducts board meetings in accordance to the Open Meetings Law and local board policy

Adheres to, adopts and practices a Code of Ethics, avoids conflicts of interest, and annually reviews ethical standards to ensure and enhance governance structure and organizational effectiveness

District 1 - Andy Stewart

District 2 - Kris Nordholz

District 3 - Willie Mitchell

District 4 - Dr. Heather Ramsey

District 5 - Sammy Smith

LANGUAGESOF THEHERD

STORY BY EBOT AGBORSANGAYA

Gainesville High School provides unique opportunities for students to learn about different languages While English and Spanish are the most prominent languages taught, students also have the opportunity to learn French and Chinese If a student finishes a language pathway, they even have the opportunity to receive a biliteracy seal on their diploma Most four year colleges require two language credits to graduate and educators make sure that their students are gaining the information needed to succeed

English Academics

9th Grade Literature

Multicultural Literature

AP Research

Advanced Composition

Spanish Academics

American Literature

AP English Language

AP Seminar

Spanish I-IV ESOL

Spanish for Native Speakers Spanish for Heritage Learners

AP Spanish Language & Culture

Ap Spanish Literature & Culture

French French I French II French III

Chinese Chinese I Chinese II Chinese III

Language Clubs

HOPE

Spanish Club

Spanish Honor Society

Chinese Club

National Chinese Honor Society

Cover to Cover Book Club

Cover to Cover Book Club is a student-led book club that was founded in 2022 and has grown to include over 30 members Students select and vote on a book to read each month and meet monthly to discuss the book and provide an inclusive environment Monthly meetings have evolved into "events" with a theme, yummy food and engaging activities along with a book discussion

DUAL ENROLLMENT

STORY BY EMILY LIGON

Gainesville High School offers students many great opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to our Advanced Placement program we offer Dual Enrollment to our students. Dual Enrollment gives students a college level pathway to start on to begin their college credit. Students who participate in Dual Enrollment have the chance to earn full college credit while still in high school. This also gives students the opportunity to get ahead in college if they choose to do so.

Dual Enrollment is very popular at Gainesville High School and is directed by Christi Conti-Holloway. She leads and challenges students to take this pathway throughout high school to give them a feel for what college courses are like and to prepare them for the next steps.

Students are able to take these classes on and off campus through Georgia Institute of Technology, Lanier Technical College, Brenau University and The University of North Georgia. Students apply for the Dual Enrollment program at each college and choose through which college they would like to take the course. Select classes are taught by college professors onsite at GHS and others require students to attend the college campus for classes.

The difference between AP classes and Dual Enrollment is Dual Enrollment courses are taught by college professors and instructors who follow the college's syllabus, curriculum and grading guidelines, whereas AP courses are taught by high school teachers who have completed training through College Board. If a student earns a C or higher in a Dual Enrollment course, the student receives both high school and college credit for the course. Unlike AP classes, students are not required to take an exam to earn course credit. AP courses meet every day at the high school, but dual enrollment offers the flexibility of a college schedule. GHS partners with Brenau University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Lanier Technical College, Toccoa Falls College, Truett McConnell University, and the University of North Georgia. Lanier Tech and Brenau offer classes taught at GHS by their instructors, and students also have the option to attend classes online or at the college campus.

Students benefit from Dual Enrollment courses in many ways but the best way they benefit from these courses is GAfutures pays for 30 hours of college credit, so students can take approximately 10 college classes at no cost to the student. Students also learn soft skills that will prepare them for college: learning how to read and follow a syllabus, managing their study time, communicating with instructors, and adhering to college deadlines.

What's your favorite elementary memory?

"Back in the third grade we had field day, and me and my friends were all in the same class and we just ran aro nd bein cra y and doin whatever "

"When one of my friends broke a bus chair seat"

"Whenever me and my friends would play soccer "

What are you most excited about for middle school?

"Having different classes to go to"

"I'm excited to meet all the new teachers and make new friends"

Isaac McPeek

Milan Trowers

Gabi Garcia

Brian Fultz

Briana Gomez "Recess!"

Arabella Nix

STOMPING UPTOMIDDLE SCHOOL!

What will you miss most about elementary school?

"The teachers having fun with us, because next year we ' re going to have different teachers"

NivayaRedmond

"I ' m gonna miss alltheteachers here, and recess because we won't get it in middle school"

"the teachers!"

What are you most nervous about middle school?

"That there's more work than elementary school, and that we won't have the same teacher for every class "

"Making new friends "

SarahiPompa

Romeo Colunga

Josiah Hancock

Aracely Bautista

FIELD DAYFUN!

Some of the best memories from everyone's childhood are from elementary school Field Day. Enjoy this trip down memory lane with our elementary school students where Field Day is alive and well!

REDS GAMES RedElephantDayofSpecial G a m e s

On April 19th and 20th, the district held the inaugural Red Elephant Day of Special Games (REDS Games) The purpose of the event was to recognize and celebrate the unique abilities of our students with disabilities They were able to showcase their athletic abilities while participating in events with their peers Students enjoyed tug of war, relay races, basketball shoot, cornhole, football toss, and so much more Our students experienced the joy that comes with competition among friends. A spirit of inclusiveness was present throughout the event.

The event was led by Karen Borders, Preschool Special Education Coordinator, and Dr. Linda Kennedy-Murray, Special Education Teacher. Months of planning produced a wonderful event that was supported by members across the Gainesville community. GHS student volunteers helped run the games and participated in activities with the students. Clipper Petroleum donated t-shirts to all athletes and teachers. The Gainesville Police Department provided lunch to all athletes and volunteers. Georgia’s Own Credit Union provided water while Randy and Friends volunteers helped pass it out. There were countless Gainesville City Schools employee and parent volunteers. The event was an inspiration to our community. It was a reminder to acknowledge, embrace and value that which makes us exceptional We are already looking forward to next year’s REDS Games!

REDELEPHANT RECORDBREAKERS

The Gainesville High School track season was a recordbreaking year with 12 new school records set. Coaches John Corbett and Deon Williams led the team to great success. Corbett said, "the season went really well as we transitioned in new coaches such as Co-Head Coach Deon Williams, Mike Malone, and Nate Mathis. We were happy to finally be back on our own track after being displaced in the 2022 track season. We blended in our middle school program this year to allow for the GMS kids to get to know their future GHS coaches as well as to allow the GMS kids to have access to our great facilities "

The boys and girls team shared success the entire season with the boys winning the Hall County championship and the girls as runner-up but not to be outdone the girls claimed the Region 8-AAAAAA Championship with the boys as runner-up In the State Tournament the boys placed 10th overall and the girls 23rd "Both boys and girls had great finishes but the boys finish was amazing to crack the top 10 with only distance runners competing in four total distance events," said Corbett.

Coach Williams added, "the 2023 season was exciting, successful, and year one of laying down a new foundation for the sprinters and jumpers. Coach Malone, Coach Fernando and myself were extremely proud of the seniors who helped pave the way for our underclassman. Those kids showed dedication and the ability to adapt to change! We have an unbelievable amount of talent coming up from the middle schools and we are looking forward to this offseason as we all take this program to new levels!"

NEW SCHOOL RECORDS

Girls

100 meters - Shanise Newton

200 meters - Shanise Newton

800 meters - Samantha Hartman

4x400 girls relay -Josabeth Graciano, Samantha Hartman, Shanise Newton, Josie Brosky

4x800 girls relay - Josabeth Graciano, Samantha Hartman, Vanessa Torres, Arianny Hoyos

Long Jump - Nalani Gainey

1600 meters sprint medley relay - Samantha Hartman, Shanise Newton, Josie Brosky, Kadence Rucker

4x1600 relay - Josabeth Graciano, Samantha Hartman, Vanessa Torres, Arianny Hoyos

Boys

1600 meters - John Jessup

3200 meters - Conner Proffitt

4x200 meter relay - Traveion Watson, Trent Jones, Markelle Cheek, Jerious Eberhardt

1600 meters sprint medley relay - John Jessup, Traveion Watson, Trent Jones, Markelle Cheek

TOP 10 STATE TOURNAMENT FINISHES

4x800 girls relay- 4th overall - Josabeth Graciano, Samantha Hartman, Vanessa Torres, Arianny Hoyos

4x800 boys relay- 8th overall - John Jessup, Conner Proffitt, Isaac Marcero, David Islas

800 meters boys- John Jessup - 3rd place

800 t i l S th H t 9th l J b th G i 10th l

TEEINGUP TALENT

STORY BY KAMILAH BANKS

While golf is an individual sport, the team aspect is what makes high school golf special The current girls' high school golf team is made up of four freshmen: Clare Gaddy, Ella Bruner, Regan Allgood and Olivia Plemmons They're all hardworking individuals who are willing to lead and even try something new Olivia Plemmons said, “I normally only do cheerleading; however, I thought I would try golf for a change, and I was pleasantly surprised. I love creating a bond with my teammates as well as learning something new every day.”

The boys' golf team has eight members: Brigham Ralston, Arjunn Patel, Colin Henderson, Nick Greene, Shay Mangalat, William Rogers, Henry Kopydlowski, and Evan Graham. The boys' golf team finished top five in every tournament, while also bringing home the Area Championship, the Hall County Championship and Region 8-AAAAAA Region Runner-Up. Henry Kopydlowski and Colin Henderson both received AllState honors. The coaches this year were Jason Dejiacomo and Kevin Brown. Coach Brown talked about how proud he is of his team and their hard work throughout this year Dejiacomo added, “We have such a good team this year and have had many great victories I cannot wait to see where these kids take us next year with their hard work and dedication to the team ”

LACROSSE ONTHERISE

STORY BY EMILY LIGON

The GHS boys and girls lacrosse programs are on the rise With a focus on building and growing this young sport, the momentum is gaining The two new turf fields at the Student Activities Center allowed additional practice space for the teams, and new top-of-the-line gear including helmets, jerseys and team bags have all been acquired to help both teams reach peak performance.

A big part of building a successful program is organizing a way for the youth to get involved with the sport. This summer both lacrosse teams are holding summer camps for kids in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Introducing lacrosse to our student athletes at a young age greatly impacts the success of the program at the high school level.

This year's boys team was led by Head Coach Nathan Booker, and Assistant Coach Eric Rodrigues. The girls program was led by Head Coach Luis Saldierna and Assistant Coach Heidi Vandiver. Both teams were very competitive all year. With continued hard work and dedication from our lacrosse student athletes and coaches, the lacrosse programs on both the girls and boys side will continue to grow!

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

VOLLEYING FORVICTORIES

STORY BY ANNA TOMS

Tennis at GHS has been a tradition for many years with its beautiful lakeside courts at Longwood Park High school tennis is unique in its makeup with each team consisting of seven members - three singles players and two doubles teams Players compete to join the ranks of the top seven to compete at each match

This year both the boys and girls teams had winning records and were Region 8-AAAAAA champions.

Coach Ed Benson led the girls program with Assistant Coach Dani Little. Coach Benson said, “I love Gainesville and working with people who have a goal and am excited to see what is to come in the next few years.” Mercy Rico, a sophomore for the program, was named Region Tournament Most Valuable Player.

Coach Kellie Smith led the boys tennis program. She is looking forward to the future with only one senior graduating. "I can’t wait to see what is to come with all the new and promising people in these next years.”

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

PhotographbyWallhangerPhotography

GHSBASEBALL

STORY BY MAKENZY BUTLER

The Gainesville Varsity Baseball Team, coached by Adam Miller, was all about player leadership. With many freshmen and only two seniors, leadership was more important than ever. “It’s been an interesting challenge with so many underclassmen,” varsity coach Adam Miller states. “We have started as many as seven freshmen and sophomores in games.”

This is a different dynamic than many past teams, and the upperclassmen played a huge role in helping “establish culture” and “teach our expectations.” Culture is what held the team together as "G/ME" (G over me) was their motto for the season Coach Miller says, “'G/ME' means we put the team ahead of ourselves ” Instead of playing for themselves, the team cultivated the mindset that they were representing Gainesville High School both on the field and off

Since moving to Region 8-AAAAAA the baseball team has faced many talented teams When asked how facing tough competition has impacted training, Coach Miller said, "Our preparation is the same regardless of who we are playing. Just try to be fundamentally sound and find a way to win.” The upperclassmen aided with this as well, as they led by example in both practice and the weight room.

Next season, the team will be led by two Gainesville High and MLB alums, Cris Carpenter and Micah Owings, with Adam Miller serving as assistant athletic director for the system. Carpenter, a 1984 graduate who played eight years professionally, will be the head varsity coach. Owings a 2002 graduate, completed his 10th year professionally in 2017 and will serve as the director of baseball operations.

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

PhotographbyBrownDogSports

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

THEBEAUTIFUL GAME

STORY BY KAMILAH BANKS

The Gainesville High School Soccer program is led by varsity boys Head Coach Eli Viviant and varsity girls Head Coach Anslyn Ballstadt This past season was a special one for many of the seniors on the varsity boys' team They ended the regular season as Region 8-AAAAAA runner-up and made it to the first round of the GHSA State Playoffs The boys soccer team last played for a state championship in 2019 and won a state title in 2010 under Coach Viviant's leadership. The girls last made a run for a state title in 2018.

Senior and team captain Hector Aguilar said, “I thought we had a pretty good season. My favorite memory of this season was making it to the state playoffs and scoring six goals and six assists.” Aguilar, Ozmar Marceleno and Nelson Fernandez received first team region honors, and Wilberth Orellano was named to second team.

The soccer program has also benefited from the new Student Activities Center. With the addition of the new practice fields, the soccer players have been able to practice in both mornings and afternoons

The beginning for many soccer players starts in middle school This past season, the Gainesville Middle School Soccer program brought home a championship trophy, the boys winning the tournament, and the girls coming in second These young Red Elephants are the future of the Gainesville Soccer program and the future looks bright!

PhotographbyHeardMediaGroup

ELEPHANT WALK

Each year our senior class is invited back to their elementar schools to walk the halls one last time before turning the ta to become a Gainesville alum. They wear their cap and gow and parade through the hallways where they are cheered o elementary students and former teachers

This year was especially emotional for Leslie Frierson, Centennial Arts Academy Principal, who retired at the end the year "This is my favorite GHS tradition," she said "Who knew it would grow to be so special when I had the idea to s this years ago? It just means so much to see how students h grown, and they still remember you from their early childho

Tradition never graduates! Being a part of the Big Red Fam truly special, and our students will carry the foundation of t education throughout their lives.

22-23

GAINESVILLE GRADUATES

Baccalaureate Service

2022-2023HONOR GRADUATES

VALEDICTORIAN HASSANKHAN

This year's valedictorian is a truly exceptional Red Elephant Hassan Khan is the youngest of four siblings to graduate from Gainesville High School Hassan has been a part of the Big Red Family since Pre-K, attending Gainesville Exploration Academy, New Holland and Centennial throughout elementary school, and on to Gainesville Middle School

As a child of Pakistani immigrants Hassan applied his resilience and determination in his academics and shown kindness and dedication through his service. Hassan is not only impressive academically, but he also served as the president of seven clubs and the vice president of four, all while volunteering his time as a peer tutor after school.

Hassan was accepted to five Ivy League schools before committing to Princeton University. During his time at GHS he earned 70 hours of college credit by scoring the highest possible score of 5 in his 18 AP tests. Had he chosen to attend a public state school he would have been a junior on the first day of class.

As a National Merit finalist Hassan is one of 840 students in the nation (top 024%) and the only in Hall County to earn this scholarship along with the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship ($55,000 annually for 4 years) and the Gates Scholarship (fully funded undergraduate scholarship covering tuition, fees, room, board, books and transportation cost)

Hassan will be majoring in computer science when he begins Princeton University in the fall. He plans to continue his AP research project focused on gerrymandering.

Salutatorian

Alyssa Woo

Attending Wellesley University Majoring in Data Science

Third Honor Graduate

Sarah Allen Toms Attending University of Georgia Majoring in Biology

GAINESVILLEFOR GENERATIONS

FIRSTGENERATIONCOLLEGEBOUND

The City of Gainesville is growing more and more diverse; so also is our student body. With 8,000 students across our district we have 3% Asian, 18% Black, 62% Hispanic, 14% White and 4% Multi-Race.

Our vision is that every student will graduate with skills and experiences necessary to compete globally, think critically, and communicate effectively. The students walking our halls every day are the future of our community, and many are changing the trajectory of their family for generations to come This year we have 149 students attending college as the first in their family to do so

Carlos Rivas is one of those very students and he will be doing so when he attends Boston University this fall with over half a million dollars in scholarship funds Carlos has been awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship for $308,000, QuestBridge Match Scholarship for $308,000, Horatio Alger Scholarship for $10,000 plus FAFSA for $6,400 He plans to major in computer engineering and will be able to use these scholarship funds towards graduate school as well. Rivas is the first Gainesville High graduate to receive all three of these highly-competitive scholarships. The Gates scholarship was awarded to only 750 students out of 51,000 applicants nationwide.

Rivas says, "I could not implore this enough: Please advocate for yourself and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Whether the scholarship amount is large or small, try to start and finish the application. Being able to self-advocate and know what you bring to the table is a life-changer. These great scholarships not only help guide you through the financial aspect, but they provide you with numerous networking opportunities. There are individuals who care and want to help you grow; please make an effort to connect and build your network "

While Rivas is clearly a self-motivated and bright student, he says, "Gainesville provides you with such an amazing and supportive staff that is willing to do whatever is in their power to see you soar. Whether that is through great teachers like Dr Karnati (who wrote my recommendations) or great counselors like Ms Escamilia who always received me with a warm welcome, and their amazing words of encouragement."

He says his parents are his pillars encouraging him to be whoever he wants to be "My parents always filled our home with love and fun and amazing role models. I want to be like them when I grow up...caring, courageous, strong and great souls. "

We congratulate all of our first generation college bound seniors as they impact future generations.

Fourth Honor Graduate

Carlos Rivas

Attending Boston University

Majoring in Computer Engineering

Photo submitted by Brandon Smith GMS Tennis

Photo submitted by Brandon Smith GMS East Girls Basketball

Photo submitted by Lindsay Davis

Brown Dog Sports 8U Park and Rec All-Stars

Brown Dog Sports 12U Park and Rec All-Stars

Next Issue

Fall Edition: Football, Cross Country, Volleyball & Softball

We need your story!

Generational G: Sargent Family

Fall Sports Clubs

School Spotlight

Share your photos and stories with us at WellRed@gcssk12.net.

Have a great photo or a story of generational Red Elephants? We want to hear from the herd!