The November/December edition of the Southwest Gwinnett Magazine holds a few familiar faces. Each year, Southwest Gwinnett Magazine chooses twenty to twenty-one individuals under the age of twenty-one who were nominated to be featured. These individuals, typically high school students, are engaged with those around them, service-oriented, and are true leaders of their community. This article showcases each of their accomplishments. This year, four GAC students were chosen to be featured. Below are the students featured, along with a highlight of what you’ll find in the article:

Jayden Lee, Class of ‘25

• Jayden earning a spot on the USA Taekwondo Team's reserve roster for the 2024 World Championships in Hong Kong
• His volunteer experience at Milal, a faith-based organization supporting individuals with physical and mental impairments
• Jayden’s role of principal cellist in the Master Chamber Orchestra
• His efforts to expand the peer-tutoring program to include GAC middle and elementary schools
• Jayden’s aspiration to specialize in orthopedic surgery after GAC. 

Julianna Cangiano Ayala, Class of ‘25

• Julianna’s efforts in managing GAC's biannual Red Cross Blood Drive.
• The way she honors her Hispanic heritage by organizing and performing in GAC's Hispanic Heritage Chapels.
• Julianna’s membership in the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Beta Club
• Her passion to follow in her father’s footsteps and pursue medicine.

William Duke, Class of ‘25

• William’s role as an Eagle Scout with GAC’s Troop 21 BSA in the Northeast Georgia Region.
• His service as an active member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and National Art Honor Society at GAC
• William’s experience as an athlete & artist, lettering in cross country and swimming, and he has received recognition for his visual arts work
• His goal of finding schools focused on programs with strong ROTC opportunities after GAC.

Makenzie Griffin, Class of ‘26

• Makenzie’s service as team leader in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign
• Her mission trip experience on GAC’s Guatemala Mission Trip.
• Mackenzie’s passion for competing in varsity cheerleading, varsity diving, varsity lacrosse, and travel lacrosse.
• After GAC, Mackenzie plans to pursue medicine.

To read the full article showcasing these students, click here.