Regina Jones, Jamestown Elementary School 

 

Regina Jones is a second-year teacher at Jamestown Elementary School. Before joining the Richmond County School System (RCSS), Jones worked as a customer service specialist at Electrolux. In that role, she supported a diverse range of customers and developed essential skills such as staying calm under pressure, listening actively, and responding with empathy, qualities that now serve her well in the classroom. 

 

Jones decided to join RCSS because of her lifelong passion for helping others and her desire to make a meaningful impact in her community. Teaching, she said, allows her to inspire young minds, foster a positive learning environment, and contribute to the success of future generations. 

 

Jones leads a second-grade classroom where she focuses on building confidence and growth in her students. One of her most memorable moments as a teacher came when a student who had been struggling with reading fluency finally had a breakthrough. After weeks of small-group instruction and targeted strategies, the student volunteered to read aloud in front of the class. 

  

Jeriani Jordan, Jenkins-White Elementary School 

 

Jeriani Jordan is in her third month of teaching at RCSS, but she previously worked as a teaching assistant while pursuing her master’s degree in early childhood education. During that time, Jordan gained valuable hands-on experience supporting both students and teachers in the classroom; an experience that deepened her passion for helping young learners grow academically and socially. 

 

Jordan chose to join RCSS because she wanted to be part of a district that values student success, community, and continuous growth for educators. 

 

Jordan teaches kindergarten and says her most memorable moments come when she sees her students make progress, especially when a concept finally “clicks.” Those moments of excitement on their faces, she said, remind her why she chose this profession and motivate her to give his best every day. 

 

  

ShaQuana Scott, Hephzibah Middle School 

 

Hephzibah Middle School teacher ShaQuana Scott joined the Richmond County School System (RCSS) after serving as the director of the Jefferson County Head Start Program. 

 

Scott said she decided to join RCSS when she recognized a need in the community: a need for passionate educators who genuinely care about the well-being of all students. 

 

Scott has been teaching business education for only three months, and she has already made a memorable impact. One of her most rewarding experiences has been guiding her seventh-grade business management students through a project called “Revitalize Augusta.” In the project, students were challenged to research and propose new businesses that could positively impact the local community. 

 

Scott said seeing her students connect classroom learning to community improvement reminded her why she chose this profession: empowering young minds to see themselves as future leaders and gamechangers. 

 

  

Cherie Moore, T. W. Josey Comprehensive High School 

 

Cherie Moore, marketing teacher at T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School, built a career as a marketing consultant and strategist, helping global businesses and creatives develop branding, social media, and promotional strategies to grow their audiences before joining RCSS. 

 

Moore decided to transition into education to make a lasting impact by teaching students real-world marketing skills they can apply beyond the classroom, from entrepreneurship to personal and business branding. 

 

Moore said education gave her a foundation in marketing. She has always wanted to give that same inspiration and opportunity back to students in her community. 

 

In her three months of teaching marketing at Josey High School, Moore said her most memorable experiences have come from watching students take pride in their creativity, whether they are developing their first marketing campaign, competing in DECA, or discovering how powerful their voices can be in business. 

Students from all of our magnet and comprehensive high schools demonstrated the highest levels of academic excellence on College Board assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. 

 

The College Board’s National Recognition Programs celebrate students who have excelled in the classroom and on national assessments. Each award acknowledges outstanding performance and helps students stand out to colleges and scholarship organizations across the country. 

 

This year, RCSS students earned recognition across several categories: 

 

• Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award – for students who attend schools in rural or small-town communities. 

• First-Generation Recognition Award – for students who are the first in their families to attend college. 

• School Recognition Award – introduced in 2025, this new honor recognizes the top 10% of test takers within their high school. 

 

Here is the full list of student recognitions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanyu Zhou

John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

Raven Rodriguez, Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School

 

Before joining Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School as a physical education teacher, Raven Rodriguez spent nine years as a truck driver. But his heart always pulled him back to Laney, where sports and mentors once helped shape his own future.

 

That commitment to giving back became clear early in the school year when an at-risk sophomore entered his class frustrated and disruptive. Instead of responding with discipline, Rodriguez shared his story—his challenges, his roots at Laney, and how the school changed his life. The student’s demeanor shifted from agitation to engagement, and by the end of class, he asked Rodriguez to mentor him.

 

For Rodriguez, moments like these affirm that his move from the open road to the classroom wasn’t just a career change—it was a calling.

Oshjiah Cancer, Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School 

 

Oshjiah Cancer teaches second grade at Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School and is in her second year as an educator. Before joining our school system she worked as a general manager for Hodges Management Company, overseeing multiple restaurant locations. Inspired by her mother, a retired educator of over 30 years, Cancer says her path to teaching felt like a natural next step. She considers her greatest success so far to be joining midyear and still forming strong relationships with her students. 

 

 

Logan Alberti is graduating as the valedictorian of Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM).

 

Alberti enrolled in multiple Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment courses throughout high school while actively participating in SkillsUSA, the Math Team, and serving on the Class of 2025 Student Council. Their dedication and high achievement earned them several honors, including STAR Student recognition and Governor’s Honors Program participant selection. Alberti was also inducted into the National Honor Society. 

 

When reflecting on high school, Alberti says their favorite memory was joking with their friends in the classroom. “Any of the times we pranked Ms. Johns. My favorite was asking if we could have one guest come with us to class and bringing about 15 people,” said Alberti. 

 

Alberti credits Mrs. Karen Mack as the teacher with the most significant influence on their success. “Mrs. Mack demonstrated what determination could do so long as you set your mind on accomplishing a goal,” they said. “Furthermore, she’s encouraged me the most out of all my teachers.” 

 

Alberti offers this advice to incoming freshmen: “Don’t let teachers trick you into believing you only go to school to learn. You’ll only be a high schooler once in your life, so have some fun.” 

 

After graduation, Alberti plans to attend college and study medicine, with the goal of helping combat incurable illnesses. 

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Salutatorian 

JaKarius Calhoun

 

Memorie Alayah Rhodes is graduating as the valedictorian of Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School’s Class of 2025, honoring years of academic dedication and personal growth. 

  

Rhodes challenged herself academically through dual enrollment courses in psychology and computer science and a rigorous slate of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, including AP Government, AP Statistics, AP World History, AP English Language, AP Environmental Science, AP Pre-Calculus, AP U.S. History, and AP English Literature.  

 

Beyond the classroom, Rhodes participated in Youth Leadership of Augusta and was a member of the varsity girls' basketball team. She was also crowned Miss Laney, one of her proudest and most memorable high school experiences.  

 

She credits her English Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Amanda Holmes, as the most influential teacher in her journey. “She has taught many lessons whether it was pertaining to school or to life in general,” Rhodes said.   

 

After graduation, Rhodes plans to continue her education at Kennesaw State University, majoring in biology and pursuing a career in medicine. 

Kiara Gray, daughter of Rene Williams and Claude Gray, is a proud member of the Class of 2025 who has exemplified academic excellence, resilience, and determination throughout high school. Gray participated in dual enrollment at Augusta Technical College while maintaining a strong academic record in her high school courses. She was named a STAR Student and also earned the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit. 

 

This fall, Gray will attend Augusta University to pursue an accounting degree. With a passion for numbers and critical thinking, she plans to become a risk analyst, helping organizations make informed, data-driven decisions. 

 

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Jayla Wimberly is graduating as the salutatorian of Cross Creek Comprehensive High School’s Class of 2025, celebrated for her academic commitment, leadership, and well-rounded involvement in school activities. 

 

Wimberly pursued a rigorous academic track that included numerous Advanced Placement courses such as AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Seminar, AP World History, AP English Literature, AP English Language, and AP Government. She also completed dual enrollment courses in college algebra, advanced composition, criminal justice, psychology, biology, and abnormal psychology, all while maintaining A/B Honor Roll status. 

 

Beyond the classroom, Wimberly served as vice president of the Debate Club, where she earned second place in a competitive debate tournament. She was also captain of the girls' volleyball team, receiving the “Best All-Around Player” award, and played on the tennis team. 

 

Wimberly says her most memorable high school experience was going to Carowinds with her classmates. She credits Dr. Baker, a staff member at Cross Creek, as the most impactful mentor in her journey. “No matter what, he always made sure I had a way to succeed and pass,” she said. 

 

Wimberly is most proud of receiving the Coca-Cola Science Award, which reflects her passion and dedication to the sciences. With her experience taking challenging courses, her advice to incoming freshmen is, “AP classes are really not that hard. They’re pretty easy with the right teacher, and it boosts your GPA.” 

 

Her advice to freshmen: “AP classes are really not that hard. They’re pretty easy with the right teacher—and they boost your GPA.” 

 

After graduation, she plans to attend Georgia Southern University while working and pursuing degrees in both radiology and biomedical sciences. 

 

Lauren Andrews is graduating as the valedictorian of the Academy of Richmond County (ARC)’s Class of 2025. 

 

Andrews completed 21 Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses as part of the IB Diploma Programme and earned consistent A Honor Roll recognition throughout all four high school years. Her academic achievements include the Georgia Certificate of Merit, the IB ARC Trustee Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Leadership, the Tom Gamblin Award and Scholarship, the Ronald I. Evans Award, and the Elizabeth Otwell Award in Chemistry. She was also recognized for having the highest average in IB Theory of Knowledge, IB 20th Century History, IB Analysis and Approaches, and IB English A Literature. 

 

Beyond the classroom, Andrews served as treasurer of the National Honor Society, a Junior Council member, and participated in Interact Club and Academic Decathlon. She was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader and a mentor through the IB Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Junior Class program. She also danced competitively for 13 years and was a member of Lead Cotillion Club Social, Inc. As a four-year varsity athlete, Andrews stood out in cross country and soccer. She was named MVP for the Varsity Girls Cross Country Team and earned multiple first-place regional and county finishes. 

 

One of her most meaningful experiences was serving as a co-candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year program, where she helped raise over $73,000 in honor of blood cancer patients and their families. With more than 300 service hours, she was also named a CSRA Student Visionaries of the Year Runner-Up. 

 

Her most memorable high school moment was celebrating with friends during Senior Week. “It was a special time of reflection, fun, and closure as we wrapped up our final year together,” she said. 

 

Andrews credits two educators her math teacher Elise Aldred and her science teacher Katie West for shaping her high school journey. “Both of these teachers have impacted my life through their work ethic and passion for teaching. I’m incredibly thankful for them,” she said. 

 

She considers being named valedictorian her proudest academic achievement and plans to attend the University of Georgia in the fall to major in biology on the pre-med track. 

 

Her advice to incoming students: “Work hard, be kind, and stay grounded in the things that matter.” 

McKenzie Hill is graduating as the salutatorian of the Academy of Richmond County (ARC)’s Class of 2025. 

 

While participating in the gifted program, Hill completed an advanced academic program that included Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Her dedication earned her numerous academic honors, including the Georgia Certificate of Merit, the Augusta University Black Scholar Award, the D.A.R. Good Citizen Award, and the Augusta Coca-Cola Outstanding Science Award for her performance on AP and IB Biology courses. She was also recognized as a Governor’s Honors Program nominee and an SAT Scholar. 

 

Hill was actively involved in student life, serving as Senior Council President and participating in Student Council, Interact Club, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She also competed in track and was a member of the cheerleading team. In addition, Hill participated in several honor societies, including the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, the National Society of Speech and Debate, and Future Leaders of Augusta with Integrity and Respect (FLAIR). 

 

One of her most memorable experiences was attending the senior sunrise event during homecoming week. “It was fun seeing everyone represent our school and come together for the first of many events during our senior year,” Hill said. 

 

She credits Ms. Juretta Thomas, a counselor at ARC, as the most influential staff member in her high school journey. Hill said, “She has given me countless opportunities to excel and to be recognized for what I have done throughout my time in high school.” 

 

Her proudest academic accomplishment was completing semesters where she took more than seven classes and finished with straight A+ grades. 

 

Hill’s advice to incoming freshmen is to slow down. “I think it can be so easy to compare ourselves to others and to constantly want to raise the bar,” she said. “A lot of the time, we are exactly where we need to be. Taking a step back and looking at how much you've already accomplished every so often throughout your time in high school is so important.” 

 

After graduation, Hill will attend the University of Georgia to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in real estate with a minor in legal studies.  

Seniors from 11 Richmond County schools will proudly cross the finish line of their high school journeys this May. As our Class of 2025 graduates prepare to enter the next stage of their lives, we asked our valedictorians and salutatorians to share their memories, achievements, and advice to younger students.  

 

For more information about Spring 2025 commencement exercises, please visit rcboe.org/graduationschedule. 

Taylor Delva is graduating as the valedictorian of Westside Comprehensive High School’s Class of 2025, closing out a high school career defined by academic excellence and leadership. 

 

Throughout her time at Westside, Delva pursued a rigorous academic schedule. She completed multiple Advanced Placement (AP) courses and earned the AP Scholar Award. She also participated in dual enrollment at Georgia Military College, where she was named to the President’s List. 

 

Delva’s academic excellence earned her numerous honors. She was a two-time nominee for the Governor’s Honors Program and was named Westside’s STAR Student. Additional recognitions include the Math Department Award, Augusta Coca-Cola Outstanding High School Biological Science and Physical Science Awards, Georgia Certificate of Merit, East Georgia State College Scholar distinction, Augusta University Black Scholar recognition, National African American Recognition Award, and FLAIR designation. 

 

Delva was also deeply involved in campus life. She served in Westside’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) unit as a platoon commander and received the NJROTC Department Award. She was also an Academic Team officer and participated in sophomore, junior, and senior Student Councils. She was the Math Team captain, the STEM Club vice president, and treasurer and president of the National Honor Society. 

 

“The most memorable moment of high school is when my classmate told me they got an A on their math test after we’d been tutoring together,” said Delva. She says her proudest academic achievement is being named a Star Student because it allowed her to recognize her Star Teacher, Navy JROTC instructor Petty Officer Corey Jones.  

 

The teacher who had the biggest impact on her academic journey was her physics teacher, Mr. Jody Grant, now Westside’s assistant principal. "He made me feel seen academically but also as a person,” she said. “He taught me that everything in life won’t be given [to me] so I have to work for it. He was always there to support me in all of my endeavors these last two years.” 

 

Delva says her best advice to incoming first-year students as she looks ahead to graduation is, “Have fun, but prepare because it’s going to go by really quickly.” 

 

After graduation, Delva plans to attend Winthrop University’s Honor College with a major in mathematics.  

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