NORCROSS, Ga. – May 23, 2025
 
Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) held a joyous commencement ceremony at the Long Forum on May 17, 2025. The event brought together family, friends, faculty, and staff to honor the Class of 2025 and commemorate the accomplishments of the graduating class of 171 students. 
 
Ethan Braswell of Stone Mountain was the class valedictorian. He will attend Indiana University in the fall as a Wells Scholar and a member of the inaugural class in the Jacobs School of Music’s Music Business program. He is the son of Courtney and Martha Braswell.
 
Jayden Lee of Duluth was the class salutatorian. He will attend Emory University in the fall. He is the son of Brian and Katherine Lee.
 
You can read more about their accomplishments here.  
 
Dr. Scott Harsh, President, brought the community together with a commencement speech, congratulating the graduating class and providing encouragement as the Class of 2025 enters the next stage of life. Harsh emphasized the importance of aligning graduates' future endeavors with God's purpose. 
 
“No matter your chosen field of study, remember this: you are preparing for more than just a career — you are stepping into a calling. God has entrusted you with gifts and passions to serve His greater purposes. Pursue law with a heart for justice. Practice medicine to bring healing and hope. Lead in business to uplift lives and communities. Engage in science to steward and explore God’s creation. Create through film and the arts to tell stories of truth and redemption. And in every discipline, in every setting, let your life reflect the One who sent you — so that through your work, you make God known,” Harsh said during the speech.
 
The GAC Class of 2025 collectively received 713 acceptances to 202 top colleges and universities. What stands out even more is the caliber of schools to which they gained access. From renowned national and international universities, such as Penn State, Rutgers, Howard, Indiana, and George Washington University, to prestigious local institutions like Georgia Tech, Emory, Spelman, and the University of Georgia, our graduates will be coast to coast. 
 
Several students will be studying at leading Christian Universities next year, including Belmont, Baylor, Harding, Lipscomb, and Southern Methodist University. 
 
Our graduates' acceptances reflect their intellect, dedication, and drive for excellence. In addition to the universities they will attend, the Class of 2025 received over $25.7 million in scholarships, a testament to their remarkable accomplishments and character. Among the graduates are 42 AP Scholars (including 17 as an AP Scholar with Honors and 12 as an AP Scholar with Distinction), five Commended National Merit Scholars, and one National Merit Finalist. Twenty-one students received athletic scholarships, showcasing their achievements both in academics and sports as student-athletes. 
 
GAC's college counseling staff was instrumental in guiding these students through the college application process. GAC teachers played a crucial role in the acceptances through their dedication and commitment to preparing the students well and providing powerful recommendations on their behalf. The graduating class completed a total of 1,219 applications.
 
Beyond academic success, the Class of 2025 demonstrated a profound commitment to service and community. They exemplified the scripture from Matthew 5:16, letting their light shine before others and glorifying their Father in heaven. Throughout high school, they volunteered over 17,000 hours, bringing light and hope to Atlanta and beyond through various projects and mission trips, reaching their impact beyond campus borders.

Greater Atlanta Christian School is immensely proud of the Class of 2025 and wishes them success and fulfillment as they embrace the next chapter of their lives. We look forward to seeing how the GAC Class of 2025 will be the light of Christ on college campuses around the globe. Congratulations!
 
View the complete gallery of photos from Commencement 2025.
 
Click here to view a recording of Commencement 2025.