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Twenty Educators Complete First Cohort of Aspiring Leaders Program
Posted by Christopher Caldwell on 11/20/2025 10:00:00 AM
After a year of fellowship, networking and professional development courses, 20 emerging leaders from across the Richmond County School System (RCSS) shared their innovative strategies and out-of-the-box thinking to reshape education in their communities during their Aspiring Leaders Program capstone presentations on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the central office.
“The creation of the Aspiring Leaders Program was driven by a desire to offer a leadership opportunity that allows individuals to explore what it means to be a leader, and the specific skill sets Richmond County values in its leaders,” said Director of Professional Learning Lezettra Saunders. “To achieve this, we dedicated a significant amount of time to developing the ‘Profile of a Leader,’ enabling us to provide a robust and personalized leadership program.”
Introduced in 2025 in partnership with the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI), Aspiring Leaders is designed to empower certified staff to grow as visionary leaders.
Cohort members participated in monthly leadership learning sessions and a hands-on capstone project that turned theory into action. Working collaboratively, they explored real-world leadership challenges, refined their skills in data-driven decision-making, and strengthened their ability to foster equity, innovation, and collective success across the district.
We spoke with three members of the inaugural cohort: Katrina Prophet, Assistant Principal at McBean Elementary School; Angelica Harris, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Lead/ Early Intervention Program (EIP) Teacher at Richmond Hill Elementary School; and Joseph Cordova, International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator at Copeland Elementary School.
Each reflected on how the program has shaped their approach to leadership and challenged them to think differently, collaborate intentionally, and innovate with purpose.
Katrina Prophet: Leading With Empathy
Katrina Prophet, assistant principal at McBean Elementary School, saw a long-standing challenge with chronic absenteeism at McBean. Prophet said that over the years, faculty and staff tried a variety of incentive programs to reward students with perfect attendance or those who missed fewer than five days. Despite these efforts, the issue persisted.
As Prophet reviewed attendance data and reflected on past initiatives, one thing became clear: while McBean had been focusing heavily on rewarding students who were already showing up, they hadn’t done enough to support those struggling with chronic absenteeism.
That realization sparked an idea. Prophet’s capstone project, the “Attendance Buddies Initiative.”
“We’ve seen tremendous success with our Check-In/Check-Out system, an approach designed to help students with behavioral challenges by pairing them with a trusted adult who offers daily encouragement and accountability,” Prophet said. “We've already seen a 73% increase in the attendance rate.”
Angelica Harris: From Implementer to Transformational Leader
Angelica Harris, MTSS lead and EIP teacher at Richmond Hill Elementary School, joined the Aspiring Leaders Program at a pivotal moment in her career where she was ready to move from being an effective implementer to a transformational leader.
Harris’ capstone, “Enhancing Our MTSS Process,” addressed inconsistencies in Richmond Hill’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
MTSS addresses students’ academic and behavioral needs through a three-tier framework—universal, targeted, and intensive interventions. This evidence-based approach relies on collaboration, data analysis, and progress monitoring to guide student support.
Harris’ said her capstone was designed to address this by developing a clear, streamlined, and data-driven protocol for Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. This involves clarifying roles and responsibilities, implementing a standardized data review process, and creating a user-friendly resource hub for staff. Harris chose this capstone because it enhances Richmond Hill’s MTSS process and is the most direct way to ensure equity of access to necessary support and improve academic and behavioral outcomes for all students in her school.
“The program didn’t just expand my skills; it transformed how I view leadership,” Harris said. “I learned to use data strategically, manage change thoughtfully, and build trust with families, all while creating equitable pathways for student success.”
Joseph Cordova: Growing Leaders, Not Just Managing Initiatives
IB PYP Coordinator Joseph Cordova from Copeland Elementary School joined the cohort with a goal beyond personal growth: building the leadership capacity of those around him.
“My focus was on helping others grow,” Cordova said. “I wanted to develop the skills to do that effectively.”
Cordova’s capstone, “From Compliance to Capacity: Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction through Collaboration and Reflection”, focused on transforming district-required strategies from checkboxes into meaningful tools that empower teachers and engage students. Cordova intentionally connected these instructional practices with the IB curriculum, which promotes a framework for students aged 3-12 years old that focuses on developing the whole child as an inquirer. It uses an inquiry-based approach to develop a student's natural curiosity, promoting critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning through the three pillars of the PYP curriculum framework—the learner, learning and teaching, and the learning community.
Cordova moved beyond compliance toward cultivating inquiry, agency, and ownership in both teaching and learning. This alignment not only elevates instructional quality but also ensures that every student in Richmond County experiences rigorous, reflective, and globally minded learning that prepares them to succeed in an ever-changing world.
As the program graduates its inaugural cohort, Director of Human Resources Kenneth Johnson, Jr. says, “The 2025 Aspiring Leaders Program is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our school system. In Richmond County, we believe leadership grows where people feel supported, challenged, and connected to a larger purpose. This program gives our emerging leaders the space, tools, and coaching they need to understand their strengths, think differently, and design solutions that move our schools forward. We are grounded in who we are, clear about where we are going, and committed to serving every learner, every day.”
2025 Aspiring Leaders Program Cohort
Katrina Prophet
Assistant Principal
McBean Elementary School
Captstone: Improving School Attendance
Carissa Parrish
Assistant Principal
Monte Sano Elementary School
Captstone: Enhancing Community Engagement and Strengthening the Parent Teacher Partnership
Cheryl Fink
Instructional Specialist
Lamar-Milledge Elementary School
Captstone: Triangulating Data: Empowering Teachers and Elevating Students
Brittnye Sosebee
MTSS Lead/ EIP Teacher
Gracewood Elementary School
Captstone: Monitoring the Effectiveness of Research-Based Interventions
Angelica Harris
MTSS Lead/ EIP Teacher
Richmond Hill Elementary School
Captstone: Enhancing Our MTSS Process
Joseph Cordova
IB PYP Coordinator
Copeland Elementary School
Captstone: From Compliance to Capacity: Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction through Collaboration and Reflective Practice
Dominique Bryant-Grant
MTSS Lead/ EIP Teacher
Tobacco Road Elementary School
Captstone: Enhancing Teacher Feedback and Collaboration through PLCs
Jasmine Freeman
11th & 12th Grade History Teacher
A.R. Johnson Health Science & Engineering Magnet School
Captstone: Building Teacher Capacity Through Teacher Tenacity
Jenell Story
4th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
Tobacco Road Elementary School
Captstone: Improving Math Instruction Through Data-Driven Leadership
LaCheryl Badgett
8th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher
Pine Hill Middle School
Captstone: Increasing Parent Engagement: A Home School Connection Project (Partner Project)
LaShiver Tanksley
Remedial Education Program (REP) Teacher
Pine Hill Middle School
Captstone: Increasing Parent Engagement: A Home School Connection Project (Partner Project)
Laura Gilliand
Gifted Itinerant Teacher
Lake Forest Hills Elementary and Belair Elementary Schools
Captstone: Leading with Purpose: Strengthening PBIS Fidelity and School Culture
Marc Roundtree
6th and 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School
Captstone: Building a Culture of Growth: Supporting Professional and Student Learning
Schonta Gay- Randolph
Instructional Specialist
Butler High School
Captstone: Having A Strong Foundation: Strengthening Teacher Relationships Through Trust, Support, Collaboration and Kindness
Shatara Sims
Instructional Specialist & Lead Mentor
A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School
Captstone: A. Dorothy Hains' Elementary School Meditation Room
Shekena Williams
MTSS Facilitator
W. S. Hornsby Elementary School
Captstone: Blueprint for Impact: From Plan to Progress
Stephanie Graham
ELA Teacher
Hephzibah High School
Captstone: Enhancing School Culture By Boosting Teacher and Staff Morale
Terri Wills
ELA Teacher
Sue Reynolds Elementary School
Captstone: Culture and Climate Effects on Faculty and Staff
Tiara Boyd
4th Grade Mathematics Teacher & PBIS Coach
C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School
Captstone: Empowering Educators Through Mindset & Asset-Based Math Leadership
Valencia Mays
Instructional Specialist
Richmond Hills Middle School
Captstone: Leading for Learning: Enhancing Student Engagement Through Teacher Growth
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November 2025 "One To Watch" Recognitions
Posted by Christopher Caldwell on 11/20/2025
The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to introduce teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.
This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:
Alison Stewart, Richmond Hill Middle School
Alison Stewart, an eighth-grade math teacher at Richmond Hill Middle School, has been teaching for four months.
Stewart, who originally pursued a degree in criminal justice, discovered her passion for education when she joined the RCSS team. She says she was drawn to our school system’s supportive learning community and the opportunity to help students reach their full potential.
Her most memorable experience so far has been watching her students grow more confident in math, especially the moments when a new concept finally clicks. Seeing their excitement, she says, reminds her why she chose the classroom.
Teletha Herron, Bayvale Elementary School
Teletha Herron, a kindergarten teacher at Bayvale Elementary School, is four months into a new career that has been decades in the making. After years spent working in real estate, Herron is finally living her long-held dream of teaching.
“Teaching has been a dream of mine for decades, but while raising a young family, the timing wasn't right,” Herron said. “Now, it's my season to give back to my community and help ensure our young generation has every chance to become the best version of themselves.”
One highlight of her early teaching journey was being named November’s One to Watch, an honor she describes as meaningful not only because of the impact she’s had on her students, but also because of the impact they’ve had on her.
Together, Herron says, “We can empower every learner, every day.”
Micah Bess, George P. Butler Comprehensive High School
Micah Bess, a math teacher at George P. Butler Comprehensive High School, has been teaching for just four months but is already making a powerful impact. Before joining RCSS, Bess worked as a professional hair braider. She made the switch to education for the chance to inspire young people to value their education and to serve as the supportive role model many students may not otherwise have.
Receiving the November One to Watch Award stands out as one of the most meaningful moments in Bess’s early teaching career. Earning the honor within the first three months of teaching, Bess says, is a reminder that “the possibilities ahead are limitless.”
Mikinzie Bradley, Wheeless Road Elementary School
Mikinzie Bradley is a music teacher at Wheeless Road Elementary School, where she brings her passion for music to the classroom after one year of previous teaching experience. Before joining RCSS, Bradley worked as a private violin instructor and substitute teacher, but she found herself missing the energy and connection that came with teaching larger groups of students. That pull back to the classroom led her to return to public education.
One of Bradley’s favorite memories from the past year came during a lesson on solfege with her second graders. Bradley says her students began identifying the notes on their own, a moment she describes as a proud and joyful reminder of why she teaches.
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October 2025 "One To Watch" Recognitions
Posted by Christopher Caldwell on 10/31/2025
The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to introduce teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.
This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:
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.
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High Schools Celebrate Students Honored with College Board National Recognition Awards
Posted by Christopher Caldwell on 10/30/2025 -
September 2025 "One To Watch" Recognitions
Posted by Christopher Caldwell on 9/26/2025
The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to introduce teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.
This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:
Tyreke Boyd, Sue Reynolds Elementary School
Tyreke Boyd joined the Richmond County School System after serving as a physical education paraprofessional at North Harlem Elementary, where he gained valuable experience learning from two outstanding educators.
Boyd’s decision to join RCSS was driven by a strong sense of purpose, seeing the opportunity as more of a calling than a career move. He had long admired the work happening at RCSS and viewed the position as a chance to contribute to a school community he respected. This school year, Boyd found particular satisfaction in witnessing students fully understand and apply the skills he teaches. Watching students successfully implement these skills during gym activities and strive to improve has been incredibly rewarding.
Mykaria Davis, Lamar-Milledge Elementary School
Mykaria Davis is embarking on her first year as a kindergarten teacher at Lamar-Milledge Elementary School, bringing a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm to the classroom. She relocated to Augusta last year and previously served as a kindergarten paraprofessional at the same school, gaining hands-on experience that now informs her teaching approach.
For Davis, the most rewarding moments come from witnessing students’ confidence grow as they experience breakthrough moments in learning. The greatest success, she says, is seeing children apply what they’ve learned—clear evidence of the lasting impact that dedicated educators can have on young lives.
Ciera Norman, W.S. Hornsby Middle School
Before joining W.S. Hornsby Middle School, Ciera Norman honed her leadership skills as a store manager at Lids and Foot Locker. While successful in retail, she realized her ambitions extended beyond driving sales. She wanted to make a meaningful impact—one that went beyond transactions and numbers.
Norman begins her teaching career as the English/Language Arts Teacher at Hornsby, which she hopes will lead her to her ultimate goal of becoming a varsity head coach for girls’ basketball. She saw education as a natural step toward that goal, offering a platform to mentor, inspire, and empower young people both on and off the court. Joining the Richmond County School System allows her to combine her passion for leadership with her desire to make a lasting difference in students’ lives.
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.
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Celebrating the Class of 2025: Summer Graduate Profile
Posted by Haley Lacuesta on 7/28/2025More than 100 students from our school system proudly crossed the finish line of their high school journeys at the 2025 Summer Graduation ceremony. On Thursday, July 24, graduates joined friends and family for commencement exercises at the George P. Butler Comprehensive High School gymnasium.
To celebrate their successes and achievements, we asked one of our graduates about his high school experience.
Marshall Clay, Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing
Marshall Clay is graduating as a member of the Class of 2025 from both Cross Creek Comprehensive High School and the Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing (RPM) program. His high school journey reflects growth, hard work, and a focus on preparing for the future.
During his time in school, Clay was recognized as a STAR Student and received the Textron DUCK Award for his outstanding work performance at RPM, two honors that reflect his academic commitment and character. His most memorable experience in high school was working on the front towbars at RPM, an assignment that allowed him to learn, contribute, and build confidence on the work floor.
Clay credits his guidance counselor, Ms. Delia Coberly, as the staff member who had the greatest impact on his success. “She helped me through school and altered my schedules to fit my comfort level,” he said.
Following graduation, Clay plans to begin working at Textron, continuing the path he began at RPM and applying the skills he’s developed through the program.
To incoming first-year students, he offers this advice: “Be honest, ask questions, and be yourself.”
Clay leaves high school with a strong sense of purpose and a clear direction for his future, ready to take the next step and make his mark in the workforce.
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April 2025 "Ones To Watch" Recognitions
Posted by Haley Lacuesta on 6/4/2025 8:00:00 AM
The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to introduce teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.
This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:
Monasia Roberson, Lamar-Milledge Elementary School
Monasia Roberson is a special education teacher supporting students with autism at Lamar-Milledge Elementary School. A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a degree in social work, Roberson also holds a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, which has allowed her to work directly with children on the autism spectrum through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Roberson says she joined our school system to continue expanding her skills and impact. Her most memorable experience this school year was receiving a certificate of recognition from her school because it showed her that her hard work and dedication were not unnoticed.
Catherine Thomas, Glenn Hills Middle School
Catherine Thomas is a first-year educator teaching sixth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) at Glenn Hills Middle School. A graduate of Augusta University, Thomas completed her student teaching through the Teach Richmond program before joining RCSS full-time. As a proud product of the Richmond County School System, she says her decision to become a teacher was inspired by her aunt’s 17-year teaching legacy in the district and the powerful connections her aunt made with students. Thomas recalls her most memorable moment so far was returning to her classroom in her graduation cap and gown after earning her degree.
Shoeb Mohammed, T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School
Shoeb Mohammed teaches math at T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School. Though new to RCSS, Mohammed brings over 15 years of experience in high school math instruction. He joined the district to support its innovative focus on blended learning—an approach he successfully piloted in previous classrooms to improve student engagement and achievement. His most memorable success came when he introduced gamified learning and small-group tutoring at his former school, helping boost his class average by 15% and increasing student motivation. He’s bringing that same commitment to personalized learning and educational equity to RCSS classrooms.
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.
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Celebrating the Class of 2025: Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School
Posted by Haley Lacuesta on 5/26/2025 11:00:00 AMSeniors 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.
Valedictorian
Logan Alberti
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.
Salutatorian
JaKarius Calhoun
JaKarius Calhoun is the 2025 salutatorian of Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM). During high school, Calhoun earned the CompTIA Security+ 701 certification and was named a Zell Miller Scholar. His academic honors also include the East Georgia State College L.E.A.D. Scholar Award, the RIT Presidential Scholarship, and Georgia State University’s Honors Second Century Scholarship. He was nominated for the Governor’s Honors Program and will further his experience this summer as a participant in the 2025 Scientific Research Corporation Cybersecurity Internship at the Georgia Cyber Center.
Calhoun was actively involved in a wide range of school activities and organizations. He played on the varsity soccer team and was a member of the robotics team, National Honor Society, National Society of Black Engineers, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). He also participated in the Black Scholar Recognition Program, the Better2gether Internship Program, and Work-Based Learning. Outside of school, Calhoun remained committed to service through New Hope Baptist Church, where he regularly volunteered and helped lead community outreach events.
After graduation, Calhoun plans to attend Augusta University Honors College to major in cybersecurity, focusing on penetration testing. His long-term goals include earning a Ph.D. and obtaining certifications in Network+, PenTest+, and Certified Information Security Management, aiming to advance the information security field.
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Celebrating the Class of 2025: Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School
Posted by Haley Lacuesta on 5/25/2025 3:00:00 PMSeniors 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.
Valedictorian
Memorie Rhodes
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.
Salutatorian
Kiara Gray
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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Celebrating the Class of 2025: Cross Creek Comprehensive High School
Posted by Haley Lacuesta on 5/24/2025 3:00:00 PMSeniors 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.
Valedictorian
Taylor Corley
Taylor Corley is graduating as the valedictorian of Cross Creek High School’s Class of 2025. While at Cross Creek, Corley participated in dual enrollment and earned more than 30 hours of college credit while still in high school. She was active in athletics as a member of the softball and soccer teams and competed academically as a member of the Math Team. Beyond her school commitments, Corley is active in her church and youth group, volunteering each summer as a counselor at a church camp where she mentors elementary school girls.
Corley also held leadership roles as vice president of the French Club and was inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars and the Foreign Language Honor Society. Her academic excellence was recognized with numerous awards, including STAR Student, Coca-Cola’s Outstanding High School Science Student, Scholar Athlete of the Year, and highest average honors in three Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
She says her most proud academic achievement is being named valedictorian, and one of the most influential figures in her educational journey was Mr. N’Kutula. Corley said, “He has made learning more interactive and fun, while pushing students out of their comfort zone. His inclusive environment made it easier to make friends, allowing me to meet one of my best friends ever. He genuinely cares for his students and gives them the tools to succeed while being funny and someone students can talk to.”
Her biggest advice to incoming freshmen is to focus on their education and take it seriously. After graduation, Corley plans to attend Georgia Southern University to pursue a degree in criminal psychology. Her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate and become a criminal profiler for the FBI.
Salutatorian
Jayla Wimberly
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.
Select a School...
Select a School
- A. R. Johnson
- Academy of Richmond County
- Richmond Hill Elementary School
- Barton Chapel Elementary School
- Bayvale Elementary School
- Belair Elementary school
- Blythe Elementary School
- Butler High School
- C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet
- Copeland Elementary School
- Cross Creek High School
- Cyber Academy of Excellence
- Davidson Fine Arts
- Deer Chase Elementary School
- Diamond Lakes Elementary School
- Freedom Park School
- Garrett Elementary School
- Glenn Hills Elementary School
- Glenn Hills High School
- Glenn Hills Middle School
- Goshen Elementary School
- Gracewood Elementary School
- A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School
- Hephzibah Elementary School
- Hephzibah High School
- Hephzibah Middle School
- Jenkins White Elementary School
- Jamestown Elementary School
- Lake Forest Hills Elementary School
- Lamar-Milledge Elementary School
- Lucy C. Laney High School
- McBean Elementary School
- Meadowbrook Elementary School
- Monte Sano Elementary School
- Alternative School at Morgan Road
- Murphey Middle School
- Performance Learning Center
- Pine Hill Middle School
- Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School
- eSchool
- Richmond Hill Middle School
- W.S. Hornsby Middle School
- Sue Reynolds Elementary School
- T.W. Josey High School
- Tobacco Road Elementary School
- Tutt Middle School
- W. S. Hornsby Elementary School
- Warren Road Elementary School
- Westside High School
- Wheeless Road Elementary School
- Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School
- Belair Middle School
- Marion E. Barnes Career Center
- Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing (RPM)
