Cobb’s Class of 2024 is filled with inspiring seniors. The astonishing accomplishments in the face of adversity demonstrated by these inspiring Cobb students may have left some reaching for a tissue box, but Cobb’s senior class has more inspiring stories, stories that illustrate why Cobb continues to stand out as one of the best places to teach, lead, and learn. From students headed to Ivy League universities and prestigious U.S. military academies to an Eagle Scout and students who already run profits, these students are prepared to represent the Cobb County community to the world.
Anaiia Carter, Osborne High SchoolOsborne High School’s Anaiia Carter—described as steadfast ambitious, and motivated—is a member of the first graduating class of the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA). She maintained a 4.25 GPA while taking rigorous courses and juggling several extracurricular activities and clubs. She served as a leader on campus, including as president of several student organizations. She was selected for the LEDA Scholar Program at Princeton University during her junior year. She also participated in Scrubs Camp, Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program, and WinTech Summer Internship. She was co-founder and Co-President of the Science Honors Society, President of TSA, Vice-President of Key Club, President of the Math Team, President of Mu Alpha Theta, President of the National Honors Society, Co-Vice President of the Senior Executive Council, and Coding Team Leader and Task Manager for the Robotics Team. She completed three pathways at CITA: Surgical Technology, Energy & Power, and Phlebotomy. She also earned several certifications, including Basic Life Support CPR, Basic Life Support CPR, 10-Hour Construction OSHA, Energy Industry Fundamentals, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, and Phlebotomy Technician NCPT. She completed over 200 hours of community service and worked 20 to 40 hours per week to help support her family during her junior year. Anaiia plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and major in Biomedical Engineering with the hope of researching and developing technology for neurosurgeons.
Kevin Madrid Canales, Osborne High School
Kevin Madrid Canales will join his Osborne classmate at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He will study mechanical engineering. With a 4.33 GPA, Kevin challenged himself with numerous honors and advanced placement courses while serving as a member of the Student Government Association, the National Honors Society, the Spanish Honors Society, and the Hispanic Organization Promoting Education. Kevin has also been an instrumental part of Osborne's Fine Arts department by playing in the intermediate, concert, wind ensemble, and Jazz Bands. Kevin performed in events like the Osborne Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Outside of school, Kevin volunteers at his church and works with the youth in his church.
Lydia Nasmyth, Osborne High SchoolFellow Osborne senior Lydia Nasmyth is an honors student with a natural curiosity for learning, an incredibly positive attitude in any situation, and is very hard working. According to one of her teachers, she has "the dedication of a hard worker, the curiosity of a scientist, and the creativity of an artist.” She has challenged herself all four years by taking all honors and AP classes and is motivated to go beyond what is asked of her. She is also part of CITA’s healthcare pathway. Lydia has finished the Surgical Technology pathway and the Phlebotomy pathway, and she passed her NCCT EOPA, earning her the title of Certified Phlebotomy Technician. For her future plans, Lydia has been accepted to Georgia College and State University, where she plans to major in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.
Another inspiring Osborne senior is Deja Nickerson, who was awarded the highest
Deja Nickerson, Osborne High School position for a student in the band, Drum Major in the “Red Sea of Sound” Marching Band. Deja was also a valued member of the Osborne Wind Ensemble, in which she helped the group earn Superior Ratings for the 1st time in over ten years. Deja was in high demand across several organizations at Osborne. She served as vice president of the National Honor Society and president of United Shades of Black and was a member of the Student Council, Peer Mentor for Sources of Strength, Ambassador for 3DE Business and Financial Literacy, Cobb Student Leadership Association Leader, and many more. In addition to being heavily involved at school, Deja served extensively in her community as well. She volunteered in partnership with Meals on Wheels, distributing and packaging meals for the community and Kits 4 Kids to prepare care packages for students in long-term hospital care. Osborne staff describe Deja as “an exceptional young lady destined for 
Montiah Ricks, Osborne High Schoolgreatness. She has several gifts that uplift and inspire those around her to be better versions of themselves. Whatever organization she is a part of will most certainly flourish as a result of her presence.”
Montiah Ricks is one of the best-kept secrets at Osborne. She was a heavily involved student participating in United Shades of Black, Girls INC, BETA club, and Yearbook while balancing a full course load of Honors and Advanced Placement classes. Along with all of this, Montiah maintained a full-time job in her future career choice, child care. After high school, Montiah plans to study early childhood education at Kennesaw State University and give back to her community. 
Sam Odaro, McEachern High School
Sam Odaro was the heartbeat of McEachern High School. Whether serving in her official capacity as Senior Class President, representing the best McEachern has to offer to the community, or enlisting the support of staff and students alike in a morale-boosting activity, Sam was noted to bring energy, enthusiasm, and support. She proved adept at gaining the support and trust of faculty and her peers, creatively finding solutions to any problem. At the same time, she actively engaged in her classes and finds time to take care of herself while serving everyone else on campus.
Vanessa Washington, Kell High SchoolVanessa Washington contributed a lot to the culture of Kell High School during her time as a student. Not only was Vanessa a star player on the Varsity Volleyball team, but she also served as the Longhorn’s yearbook editor. Vanessa worked with her teammates to help them become the best players on the court and mentored younger players as they grew. In her academics, Vanessa shines with her writing abilities. She took multiple literature and writing classes during her senior year to hone her craft. As the yearbook editor, she worked tirelessly to ensure the journalistic integrity of the book and kept the whole staff on track throughout the year. Vanessa has committed to play volleyball at the University of North Dakota and will continue her writing career as she majors in journalism.
Harrison High School’s Lily Grubb co-founded the Hoya Squad, an inclusive cheer team that blends members of Harrison’s main cheer squad with cheerleaders who have special needs. She was a member of Varsity Competition Cheer, Sideline Cheer, Stingrays All-Star Cheerleading, Cobb Youth Leadership, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, Science Honor Society, and the Environmental Club. Lily was voted prom queen by her peers and was a dedicated member of Harrison’s Sources of Strength program. She is described as having a servant’s heart.
Fellow Hoya Katie Hunt is one of those students who makes a class great. She is inquisitive and has a genuine interest in learning. She enjoys intellectual debate and wants to hear various perspectives. She participated in many clubs and activities, including Model UN, Student Council, Rho Kappa, NHS, and Hoyas for Hounds. In Model UN, she was recognized for her outstanding performance at several of those conferences. Outside of school, Katie served as a poll worker and was involved in a couple of civic organizations.
Whether serving as a swim team captain or holding positions in organizations like FCA and Math Team, Hannah Knight consistently showed initiative and inspired others at Harrison and beyond. Hannah's involvement in extracurricular activities highlights her commitment to making a positive impact. Her participation in volunteer work, such as mission trips and mentorship programs, showcases her dedication to serving others and her community. She excelled academically in challenging subjects while also taking on various leadership roles within the school community.
At Harrison, Logan Weir spearheaded Soles4Souls donation, tutored elementary kids, was a freshman tour guide, tennis instructor for kids, and volunteered at Due West Church. He is the first to show up and volunteer. He is described as kind, hardworking, generous, and extremely respectful, a true leader, and an example to others. While juggling his volunteer efforts, Logan took 11 Advanced Placement and six honors classes. He won several awards, including the Positive Athlete & Regional Award. Logan was an active member of the National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National French Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, French Club, Student Council, Beta Club, and CFA Leader Academy.
As vice president of Mu Alpha Theta at Harrison, Dylan Daniels encouraged peers and helped them with math. She was involved in the Student Council Social Committee, where she worked to make Harrison an inclusive and fun place. Dylan was captain of the Varsity Soccer team. She was named MVP for two years in a row, showing her dedication and sportsmanship. She also played in Club ECNL soccer. Aside from her studies and sports, Dylan gave to her community as a Student Teacher at Due West, helping younger students learn.
Bryce Taneri is an Eagle Scout, leader in choir, and was one of Harrison’s STAR students this year. He was a member of Harrison Chamber Choir, Harrison Academic Team, Mu Alpha Theta, Harrison Science Team, Science National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Harrison Tenor Bass Choir/Barbershop Quartet, Harrison Jazz Band, and is Elementary Worship Leader at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church.
For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Harrison’s Taryn Claassens created and has led the Mind-Full program, which supplies mental health practitioners and school counselors with expressive art collage kits for k-12 students. The kits are made from recycled materials collected from community donations and schools. Mind-Full’s goal is to provide creative expressive therapy solutions that are low-cost and can be done with limited resources in an environmentally friendly way.
Taryn is not the only Cobb Girl Scout to launch a non-profit. Hillgrove High School senior Leighanne Bryant founded the Gold Star Kids Support Services (GSKSS) non-profit to support the children of fallen soldiers.
With Cobb students earning more than $150 million in scholarships, the group includes numerous prestigious scholarships.
Kiara Evans will represent Lassiter High School’s Class of 2024 at the University of Pittsburgh. Kiara was selected as a Chancellor's Scholar for the renowned research university.
Wheeler High School’s Jay Imperatori was awarded one of Georgia Tech’s elite Stamps President’s Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to the most promising students from across the nation to foster their development as scholars, leaders, and citizens of the greater community through purposeful programming, mentoring, and enhanced educational opportunities.
Some of Cobb’s inspiring seniors are carrying their reputations for success to a U.S. military academy.
Allatoona High School senior Brayden Fountain will play Lacrosse at the United States Military Academy. Harrison’s Noah Praser is leaving for a different service academy, the United States Naval Academy. Noah won this year’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Joseph C. Gilliam Academic Achievement Award.
Many Cobb seniors have also been accepted to Ivy League universities.
Jennifer He, Walton High SchoolJennifer He is bidding farewell to Walton High School to continue her studies at Princeton University. Jennifer was one of the 625 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2024 US Presidential Scholars competition. She was the only Cobb senior to move forward. Because of her volunteer work to provide school supplies to homeless youth, Jennifer was recently awarded a scholarship by the East Cobb County Council of Parent Teacher Association. Her other scholarships include the 2024 InspirASIAN National and Doris L. Kays NJCL scholarships.
Jennifer will not be the only Cobb student at Princeton. Molly Ziskind will build on what she learned at Campbell High School when she joins Jennifer at the Ivy League university. Molly plans to study operations research and financial engineering. At Campbell, Molly was president of the speech and debate club and Temple Beth Tikvah Youth Group.
Yale University will soon be home to Walton’s own Pranaya Balaji. Pranaya is a National Merit Scholarship finalist and one of Walton’s three Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) students, which is presented to students for having the highest SAT score and grade point average in their respective schools.
Another Walton student, Omer Inan, was named 2024 STATE PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) STAR student. Omer is also a winner of one of the Corporate-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships. He is going to study electrical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Another Walton student leaving for an Ivy League university is Stephen Zhu, who plans to attend Columbia University. The Walton student earned the Orchestra Director’s award, served on the varsity tennis team, and was named a Georgia Scholar and a National Merit Scholarship finalist.
After graduation from North Cobb High School, Oluwatomisola (Sola) Idiaghe will attend Brown University, where he plans to study computer science or mechanical engineering. He is able to attend the Ivy League university thanks to a prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship.
Campbell High School’s Brooke Suttle graduated with a 4.327 GPA and is attending the University of Pennsylvania to study business. Beyond her strong academics, Brook played at the highest level of high school basketball as part of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League and soccer as part of the Elite Club National League.
Cobb’s Class of 2024 is filled with inspiring seniors who have set a high standard for those who follow. Their tireless commitment to academic and athletic excellence and selfless devotion to serving others through extensive community volunteer efforts exemplify what it means to be a Cobb County School District graduate.
