Greater Atlanta Christian School is proud to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2026, recognizing two students whose achievements reflect excellence in scholarship, leadership, and a commitment to Christian Life.

Noah An of Atlanta has been named class valedictorian. He will attend the University of Georgia as a Foundation Fellow through the Morehead Honors College, where he plans to pursue a double major in Chemistry and Music Performance. He is the son of Dr. Young An and Hannah An.

As a recipient of the University of Georgia’s prestigious Foundation Fellowship, Noah joins an elite group of students recognized among the top applicants nationwide for their academic achievement, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. With an acceptance rate of approximately 2 percent, the Foundation Fellowship selects just 20 to 30 students each year from a highly competitive pool. The program provides a full scholarship along with extensive funding for research, international travel, and academic enrichment, placing Fellows in a community of distinguished scholars.

Noah is a scholar, musician, and leader whose accomplishments reflect both academic distinction and artistic excellence. As a National Merit Finalist, he was recognized for his outstanding academic achievement. He was also honored through Georgia’s Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, which recognizes the state’s highest-achieving seniors based on SAT performance and class ranking. Musically, Noah has been selected for the All-State Band and Orchestra for five consecutive years. He serves as Drum Major of the GAC marching band and as Assistant Concertmaster of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, with whom he has toured internationally, performing in cities such as Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg. 

Beyond the classroom and stage, Noah has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, earning both the Congressional Award Silver Medal and the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the gold level. His discipline, creativity, and leadership have distinguished him throughout his time at GAC.

Madeline Austin of Peachtree Corners has been named class salutatorian. She will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in the fall, where she plans to major in Biomedical Engineering. She is the daughter of Josh Austin and Darcy Austin.

Madeline is an accomplished scholar, athlete, and communicator whose leadership and versatility have shaped her GAC experience. A National Merit Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, she has served as Admissions Prefect (Senior Class Leadership Team) and as a Beta Club officer throughout her high school career. She is also a two-year captain of the varsity cross country team and a member of the girls track and field team that captured the 2025 state championship.

A gifted writer and speaker, Madeline has earned three individual state titles through GAC’s Literary Team, winning in Literary Analysis Essay, Argumentative Essay, and Extemporaneous Speaking (Domestic). She was also named a 2025 Governor’s Honors Program Finalist in Communicative Arts. In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Madeline has been deeply involved in the performing arts, participating in ten theatre productions and serving on the high school worship band.

Madeline’s intellectual curiosity, leadership, and commitment to excellence distinguish her among her peers and have made a lasting impact on the GAC community.

GAC has 154 students graduating on Saturday, May 16, at the Long Forum on the campus of Greater Atlanta Christian School.