May 12, 2026 — At Allatoona High School, KJ Gitau has achieved success in both athletics and academics, becoming one of the top-performing students in his graduating class.
Basketball and competitive cheer have defined KJ’s time at Allatoona, standing out as highlights of his high school experience.
In the classroom, the Allatoona senior has earned a 4.3 GPA through countless hours of hard work and dedication.
"As a student, I just want to be the best possible student I can be in everything I do. And Allatoona, I feel like it's a great environment. It helps you accomplish what you want to accomplish," said KJ.
While his success in and out of the classroom is obvious to everyone who meets him, KJ's path to this point hasn't always been easy.
Two years ago, KJ's mom passed away, which left him without one of the most important people in his life during a critical time.
In the midst of his grief, KJ became even more focused on his goals to make his mom proud.
"I felt like there was this voice in me or something in me that just kept on telling me to keep on moving, keep on smiling, keep on being happy. And you know, I went back to my normal self just pushing myself and all I do and all my classes and all my sports and just being happy and like being that joy that can be in people's lives," said KJ.
As graduation approaches, the Allatoona senior reflects on what this accomplishment means to him.
"It's going to mean everything to me. You know, everyone around me wanted to see me graduate. I've been getting text messages. I'm just proud of myself that I pushed myself these four years and all my life to be able to do this," said KJ.
KJ plans to attend Kennesaw State University, where he intends to continue his passion and career of competitive cheer at the college level.
