B. Douglas Archer

East Jackson High School graduate B. Douglas Archer's story is one of hope. After being diagnosed with autism at age three, it was predicted that he would never lead a normal life. Archer, son of David and Linda Archer, says, "The doctors said one thing, but my mother believed something very different. She believed I could achieve great things, so we focused on my strengths and worked on my weaknesses." In the fall, Archer will begin his college career at Gainesville State College where he'll major in education.

Joshua Cofield

Joshua Cofield, the son of Phillip and Brenda Cofield, was a leader at East Hall High School, serving as president to the Senior Class, Beta Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, He is also actively involved in the Future Business Leaders of America. He teaches Sunday school regularly at Central Baptist Church and is often asked to preach as well. With plans to major in business, Cofield already has his sights set on becoming an operator for Chick-fil-A, where he currently works part-time. He says, "My motto is to let everyone have their own chance in life with whatever it is. Anyone can become what they want as long as they try."

Brittany Farmer

A chance soccer practice changed Brittany Farmer's life. Crediting teamwork as the driving force behind her overcoming shyness, improving her ability to work on group projects and organizing extracurricular activities, Farmer says it all started when she joined a friend for soccer practice. Her love for sports led her to study sports journalism at the University of Georgia. "My career in teamwork makes me firm in my belief that I can cooperate with a room full of frantic sportswriters cramming to meet a deadline," she says. The daughter of Johnny and Lori Kenimer, Farmer's dream is to work at ESPN.

Amanda Stephens

Amanda Stephens began her college career at the University of Georgia in 2008. Since then, she's maintained a 3.92 GPA along with a list of extracurricular activities and organizations. Stephens says she chose agriculture education as her major because of the impact the Future Farmers of America (FFA) had on her. "Growing up, I was a very shy person and would never dream of voluntarily speaking publicly. However, I enrolled in an agriculture class in the ninth grade and had a great experience in the FFA organization and an opportunity to gain public speaking experience." Stephens is the daughter of Chris and Lisa Stephens and plans to pursue a master's degree in agriculture leadership.

Taylor Wood

Influenced by his high school teacher, Mrs. Tana Oliver, Taylor Wood will attend Gainesville State College in the fall to pursue a degree in secondary education. Wood plans to teach United States History and says he'd like to enhance students' minds through quality teaching. The son of Angelia Wood, Wood credits his love of education to his mother. "My mother has encouraged me to meet my goals and dreams. At age 40, she went back to college for her associate degree and is now pursuing her bachelor's degree in computer technology." Wood maintained an active extracurricular schedule while attending Johnson High School, participating in the Johnson High Band, Captain of the drum line, Chorale and BETA Club, as well as being an active member of the First Baptist Church Oakwood.

Avery Gouchin Yu

Completing her freshman year at Georgia Institute of Technology with a 4.0 GPA, Yu is on the right track toward her chemical engineering degree. Yu says her passion for science was when she attended a science magnet elementary school. Yu's love for science is only rivaled by her passion for music. Starting piano lessons at age four, Yu won several music competitions over the years; however, music's impact meant much more than awards. "I was accepted into the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony Orchestra, which allowed me to create beautiful music, shake off my stress and cope with many of my problems through the healing power of music."