Cobb Reporter

Every year, the Georgia Department of Education identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life through the Georgia Scholar program. Each Georgia Scholar will receive a seal for their diploma.

"I extend my sincerest congratulations to the 2023 Georgia Scholars," said Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods. "These 154 Class of 2023 seniors worked hard, became leaders in their schools and communities, and took advantage of the opportunities offered in Georgia public schools. I wish them continued success as they embark on their futures, including plans for after high school and beyond. I know they'll continue to make us all proud."

This year's batch of 154 students includes 20 local scholars representing four Cobb high schools: Hillgrove, Lassiter, Walton, and Wheeler. 

To be awarded the Scholar Seal, students must carry exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, perform excellently in all courses, participate in interscholastic events at their schools and communities, and assume leadership roles in extra-curricular activities sponsored by their schools. 

"We are so proud of the dedication and commitment of these Cobb scholars," said Catherine Mallanda, Chief Academic Officer for Cobb Schools. "They are not only exceptional students but exceptional members of their communities. They have gone above and beyond in both their studies and extra-curricular activities. They are leaders everywhere they go and show that education does not stop when the school bell rings."

With 20 recipients, Cobb Schools is once again the highest District in the state. The next highest contenders were DeKalb with 16 and Fulton with 10.

Three students from Hillgrove will receive the Scholar Seal: Nicole Johnson, Payton Kunkel, and Clark Young.

Representing Lassiter as a Georgia Scholar is Arsh Ali.

Walton High School has five students earning the Seal: Brian Michaels, Sri Dhanya Muppalla, Elise Park, Kanishka Sindhwani, and Tianyue Xu.

With the most recipients from Cobb Schools, Wheeler has 11 Georgia Scholars: Natalie Ajemian, Yusra Azeem, Samantha Carlsen, Misha Gupta, Pooja Kanyadan, William Kramer, Mohnish Mara, Rhett Morgan, Dhanya Naik, Srinandan Polavarapu, and Katie Swanson.

Congratulations to these four high schools and especially to these 20 exceptional Georgia Scholars! Great work to keep your focus during your high school years when so many distractions are available. We are all proud of your efforts in and out of the classroom and know that each of you will continue to do great things in high school and far beyond.

Original source can be found here.