After writing hundreds of papers, answering thousands of test questions and completing an unmeasurable number of homework assignments, these students graduate with the honor of being the top of their class. Meet Gwinnett County's valedictorians.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BERKMAR HIGH SCHOOL

Liana Nisimova

> Age: 19

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Brown University

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents always encouraged me to work hard, but they never offered help on homework and assignments. They have taught me to be an independent thinker.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "My Immortal" by Evanescence

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Jameson, my economics teacher. He taught me about history, economics, and most importantly, life.

> Hobbies: Sleeping, hanging out with friends, eating, watching movies, reading, cooking, shopping, spending time outdoors.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Crammer. Although it pays off sometimes, I usually do not perform to my fullest potential when I cram.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I hope that they will remember the good aspects of my personality over the bad.

BROOKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

Yoon Mun

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Harvard this fall to study biology

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My mom tutored me herself during summers when I was in elementary school. She taught me math, cursive, and Korean. Later, she always offered to set me up with a tutor if I ever wanted one (for example, I wanted to learn Japanese so she found a private tutor to teach me).

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: I can't think of one particular song; my friends and I had a lot of karaoke birthday parties though.

> Favorite teacher: In high school, my most influential teachers were Dr. Dan Rawlins and Mr. Dana Kling. Dr. Rawlins taught me so much about biology and all the possibilities for applying biology to the world around us. His Gifted and AP biology classes got me really excited about studying biology as my major in college. Mr. Kling provided a lot of life advice and counsel after school. He's not just my Gifted and AP literature teacher, he is my mentor in all sorts of different situations.

> Hobbies: I visit my favorite Web sites (Facebook and YouTube), hang out with friends, and make up stories in my head to amuse myself.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Brainiac. I am an expert procrastinator, but I pay attention enough in class that I don't have to study too much anyways before a test.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I definitely don't want them to remember me as the valedictorian. I want them to remember having fun in/out of class with me.

CENTRAL GWINNETT HIGH

Princy Kuriakose

> Age: 17

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Georgia Tech; considering a career in bio-medical engineering

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents were always there to help me and to see that I completed all my work.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Cinderella," by Stephen Curtis Chapman

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Bruce Young, advanced placement human geography teacher. Mr. Young helped me see my potential. He told me to set my goals high and he made me believe I could reach them.

> Hobbies: I love teaching in my church. I do a lot of cooking, but teaching is my love.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Workaholic. I try to do everything ahead of time. I'm a big planner.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I am determined and I try to give my best to all I do. (I also give good advice to my friends.)

COLLINS HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Gina Lee

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Dartmouth College, planning to double major in political science and international affairs

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: They never pressured me to do anything, but are my guide and my counselor to help me achieve the best that I can be.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Aldrich, my advanced placement government teacher. We shared a lot of funny moments, great laughter, periodic frustrations, and deep conversations together. ... Everyone was immersed in his great personality.

> Hobbies: My friends are an integral part of my life. They are the people that I am with 24/7. We love [visiting] new places... weekend get-aways at the beach, karaoke, volunteering, and having fellowship meetings with church members.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Part crammer, brainiac and workaholic.

DACULA HIGH SCHOOL

Dustin Ray Burns

> Age:18

> GPA: N/A. Attending Georgia Institute of Technology where he is hoping to obtain a doctorate in physics.

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: Other than providing constant emotional support, my parents funded my education in the G.A.M.E.S. program at Middle Georgia College these past two years.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Adam's Song," by Blink 182

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Scott Hammond. He has helped me develop my musicianship, which I will never lose.

> Hobbies: I watch Fox TV cartoons and solve multivariable calculus and differential equation problems.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Workaholic.

> What do you want people to remember about you: My willingness to bend over backward to help them with anything academically related.

DULUTH HIGH SCHOOL

Meng K. Lee

> Age: 18

GPA: 4.0, Attending University of Pennsylvania in the fall, planning to major in biology or business

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: They sent me to a SAT prep course, but mostly they provided the support I needed without pushing me too hard.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "In This Diary," by the Ataris

> Favorite teacher: My favorite teacher is Mr. DeCastro, my Algebra II and Calculus BC teacher. He is the best at his subject, and he is also the "sweetest guy in the world."

> Hobbies: I play basketball, tennis, and poker for fun. I also like to just relax and watch basketball, tennis, and poker on TV.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Part crammer and careful studier. I will cram for certain tests, but I mostly try to study beforehand.

> What do you want people to remember about you: That I was the coolest valedictorian ever to roam the halls of Duluth High School.

GRAYSON HIGH SCHOOL

Grant P. Garner

No other information available

MEADOWCREEK HIGH SCHOOL

Emily Jean Aune

No other information available

MILL CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

Corbin Klett

> Age:18

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Georgia Tech, planning to major in aerospace engineering

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents have always been very encouraging to me. In fact, I credit a lot of my success to them, especially because of the tremendous amount of time they have devoted to supporting me in whatever I do.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "The Stand" by Hillsong United.

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Burrows has taught me for the last four years in various Technology Education classes, including Mechanical Drafting, Architecture, and Transportation Engineering. His impact on my life, however, is from his influence in areas beyond the academic arena. As both a student in his classes and a leader in the organization he sponsors, the Technology Student Association, I have learned from Mr. Burrows' example what characterizes a great leader.

> Hobbies: I play piano often and enjoy using that ability to serve in church worship bands. I am very involved in various ministries ... I do some normal teenager things —- some —- like hanging out with friends on weekends.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: I started my high school career as a "workaholic," and because I was able to develop good study habits I became better at retaining information. Now, I am half "brainiac" and half "workaholic." I can get by without studying, but usually I do anyways.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I want people to remember me as smart, funny, clever, helpful, and God-fearing.

NORCROSS HIGH SCHOOL

Catherine Trippe

> Age:18

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Georgia Tech as a biochemistry major

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents gave me a lot of freedom to do whatever I wanted to do at school, but they are both very well-educated, so I was probably

just imitating them.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Bang on the Drum," by Todd Rundgren

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Nichols, because he has been everywhere and

done everything, and still knows how to explain philosophy in an

interesting way.

> Hobbies: Reading, going to the park, watching movies

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Neither. Generally I take two days to study for a test. There's the first day when I do the review or

flashcards, write stuff out and the second day I re-read or recopy it.

> What do you want people to remember about you: That I try to be helpful, even if I'm not always.

NORTH GWINNETT HIGH

Sven Schlumpberger

No other information available

PARKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Riti Mahadevia

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Northwestern University; planning to pursue a career in health care.

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: They always supported me by offering me help if I needed any or taking me to school early if I had to ask a teacher a question.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)," by Green Day

> Favorite teacher: Mrs. Finco, my language arts teacher, because her class has never been boring. She always wants us to understand and "soak-up" literature, not simply read novels just to memorize plots and names of different characters. This is a lasting impression because reading is now one of my favorite things to do.

> Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Workaholic. I "study ahead" of time so I do not have to stay up cramming.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I want be remembered for my dependability and loyalty, as a friend and classmate.

PEACHTREE RIDGE HIGH

Joy Choi

> Age: N/A

> GPA: N/A, Attending Harvard College in the fall, interested in urban studies.

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: I did all my studying without their supervision. My mom was supportive of learning and excelling in school, but she always gave me space to grow and learn on my own. She paid for SAT classes (which I enjoyed and really benefited from) and a stint of C2 Education tutoring for Calculus BC (it didn't really help).

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day, "Pressing On" by Relient K

> Favorite teacher: Dr. Sarah Skinner has really been a real force of nature in my life. Last semester, when I was going hysterical trying to get through college applications and overwhelming advanced placement work, she was there to counsel me and cheer me on. She was one of the first people I called when I got accepted at Harvard and she'll be the one I seek out on graduation day to pose for a picture.

> Hobbies: I surf YouTube videos and Facebook like crazy. I like to hang out with friends, watch movies, play guitar, sing Disney songs ... and read great literature.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Part crammer and workaholic. I'd like to think I have photographic memory, but I really have to sit down and read my testbook if I want to absorb the material.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I know people will remember me as "the smart one" ... but I want to be remembered as a sweet and caring individual who had the time to listen to your problems even when she was busy.

SHILOH HIGH SCHOOL

Gregory Hamilton Boike

> Age: 17

> GPA: 4.0, Attending University of Georgia as a political science major, planning to minor in music

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: From the very beginning, my parents always helped me stay determined to do my best. Whenever I needed additional help, whether memorizing vocabulary, re-reading papers, or understanding complex math, my parents made the time to help me and ensure that I could succeed.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata: It is a very difficult piece that I have worked hard on all year. I have finally come close to finishing it.

> Favorite teacher: My favorite teacher was Carl Zimmerman. (Everyone calls him Coach Z.) He taught me advanced placement U.S. History. Coach Z was a great teacher because he had a video and/or personal story that went with every concept that he taught throughout the year. He made every topic interesting.

> Hobbies: I enjoy playing golf and music; I play both saxophone and piano. I spend a lot of time watching sports, especially football. I also play sports or simulation video games.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Neither. Above all else, I ALWAYS did ALL of my work for class. That alone gave me a great advantage in learning the material. After that, I studied the materials that I didn't feel comfortable with, mainly just reviewing notes from class. I never "crammed" —- that doesn't work.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I want people to remember me as a hard worker who was dedicated to success in all endeavors. I also want to be remembered as a kind and friendly person who wanted to help and inspire others to be as successful as they could be.

SOUTH GWINNETT HIGH

Bessy Baby

> Age: 17

> GPA: 4.0, Attending University of Georgia; planning a career as a pharmacist

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents and my sister are the people who should be credited for my success. They have supported and given me encouragement. They have taught me to work hard and to achieve.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: A hymn. "Who Am I? That the Lord of all the Earth would care to know my name. . ."

> Favorite teacher: Ms. Erica Poole and Ms. Michelle Venable-Foster. Ms. Poole has not missed a single day of class, which shows her dedication to teaching. She is very energetic, knowledgeable, inquisitive of other cultures, and a great person to talk to. Ms. Venable-Foster has made my learning experience fun. Her love for cats, computers and mathematics has rubbed off on me.

> Hobbies: Sometimes, I simply hang out with my friends . . . play video games or tinker with the computer. I also enjoy listening to music, relaxing and thinking about my life.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Part crammer and careful studier. For math and subjects that need practice to help ace the tests, I usually start studying a few days earlier.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I work hard for what I believe I deserve and that I do not like to give up. I always adhere to my morals and values.

BUFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Jonathan Kaplan

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.39 Attending McCombs School of Business at University of Texas at Austin

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: They raised me correctly, for one thing. You don't see too much of that these days.

> Favorite teacher: Picking a favorite would be impossible. I would, however, like to thank Tim Harris, Christian Hunnicutt, Wallace Conrath, Pat Treutle, and Glenda Lewis for all the love and support they've given me throughout the years. I would be nothing without you guys.

> What do you want people to remember about you: Nothing I'd want posted in the newspaper, that's for sure.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN

Rahmaan Lodhia

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.67, Attending Georgia Tech as an aerospace engineering major

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: Allowed me to choose how I wanted to study. By letting me learn in my own ways, I learned how to work independently, which has made me a stronger worker at school.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Working Man" by Rush.

> Favorite teacher: My math teacher, Mr. Beasley. I have been his math student for three years for Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, and Honors Analysis. He has been a large influence in my life as he has taught me many things that have benefited me far outside of the classroom. His methods forced me to think outside of the box when I have to deal with problems.

> Hobbies: Sometimes, I simply hang out with my friends . . . play video games or tinker with the computer. I also enjoy listening to music, relaxing and thinking about my life.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: I would describe myself as a mix between a "crammer" and a "brainiac" depending on (his appreciation for) the class.

> What do you want people to remember about you: That I enjoyed my friends.

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Emily Fuller

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.0 Attending Baylor University as a business major

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents always encouraged me to work hard and do my best, but they also told me that grades are not the most important thing in my life.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Amazed," by Phillips, Craig and Dean

> Favorite teacher: Coach Cantrell, AP Biology. He has a passion for biology and encourages his students to excel.

> Hobbies: Pilates, baby-sitting, shopping, church activities, spending time with family and friends.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Workaholic

> What do you want people to remember about you: I lived my life for Christ's glory ... I was a person who served and encouraged others.

WESLEYAN SCHOOL

Price Davidson

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.184 (4.3 scale) Attending Duke University; planning to pursue a career in medicine

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: They left me on my own academically. Perhaps that is exactly why I did well in school —- they taught me the values of responsibility and accountability. I was motivated at a very young age to always do my best, and I have never settled for anything less.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Remember the Name," Fort Minor

> Favorite teacher: My biology teacher, Mrs. Fedas. She loved not only what she does as a teacher, but also her students. Mrs. Fedas had a geniune interest in me and always was there when I needed somebody to talk to ... I shall never forget all she has done for me.

> Hobbies: I play a lot of video games and fought hard early on in my high school career to balance academics with maintaining my global Madden rank of 18 on Xbox Live.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Crammer.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I was easy to get along with and fun to be around! I hope they see that sometimes those that make good grades can also be all-around normal kids.

LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Hannah Warren

> Age: 17

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Erskine College; planning to pursue a medical career

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents provided me with the encouragement I needed in order to keep going when I was stressed.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "The Adventure" by Angels and Airways

> Favorite teacher: My chemistry teacher, Mr. Snow. He has instilled in me a love of science and challenged me to work hard at everything.

> Hobbies: I play basketball for my school, run around my neighborhood, hang out with friends, and bake decadent desserts like chocolate ganache cupcakes.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Workaholic ... I just love learning new things every day.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I was able to mix having a good time hanging out with friends with studying and still be successful.

OLD SUWANEE CHRISTIAN

Morgan Nalley

> Age: 17

> GPA: 3.98, Attending Young Harris College

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: They encouraged me to manage my time wisely; study now and you can have more time to play later.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "I Surrender All" by J.W. Van Deventer

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Wells. He taught all of his students with a true passion and conviction rare to most teachers, and still he was one of the coolest teachers walking the halls.

> Hobbies: Hang out with my friends, play volleyball, the guitar, or the flute, read a good book

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Brainiac

> What do you want people to remember about you: I strive to serve the Lord in all areas, I worked hard, I loved my classmates.

COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Joey Krumpach

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.15, Attending Georgia Gwinnett College

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My mother helped me every week to learn my spelling and vocabulary lists. She also helped me learn my multiplication and division tables through use of flash cards.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "Through Fire and Flames" by Dragonforce.

> Favorite teacher: Mr. Dillard. He taught me that it is easy to have fun and learn at the same time.

> Hobbies: I play video games, compete in various nonsensical activities, and play on my computer.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Crammer. I pay attention in class and study the day of tests.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I'm fun, helpful, and nice.

HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Rebekah Yoder

> Age: 17

> GPA: 4.00, Attending Toccoa Falls College to major in Early Childhood Education.

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: My parents homeschooled me through the eighth grade and I received a very solid education. They also encouraged me to do everything to the best of my ability.

> Favorite teacher: Mrs. Sutton. She is full of love and compassion and she believes in me even when I don't believe in myself.

> Hobbies: Read and spend time with my brother and sister.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Part crammer and workaholic. I spend hours studying for my harder subjects, but I only spend a little bit of time studying for my easier subjects.

> What do you want people to remember about you: That I was an encouraging person and that I did everything for the glory of God.

KILLIAN HILL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Mac Hildebrand

> Age:18

> GPA: 4.06. Attending Clearwater Christian College to major in math.

No further information available

FAITH ACADEMY —- BUFORD CAMPUS

Jessica Mary Lyszczasz

> Age: 18

> GPA: 4.0, Attending Gwinnett Technical College for a year and then planning to transfer to Toccoa Falls College to study counseling/theology and possibly medicine

> What did your parents do to help prepare you to succeed: They didn't pressure me ... I'm the kind of kid that does their homework without having to be told. I hated not turning in my homework and getting bad grades. My mom always encouraged me though and helped me when I did need it.

> Soundtrack that captures senior year experience: "And Now My Lifesong Sings," by Casting Crowns

> Favorite teacher: I would have to say either Mr. Orfan, my fifth-grade teacher when we lived in New Jersey, or Mr. Cshey was my freshman biology teacher. Mr. Orfan was so nice and always willing to listen and help out . . . I will always remember how awesome Mr. Cshey made biology. During a really hard time in my life he was one of the only teachers that seemed to notice anything was wrong, and he made me feel really smart too.

> Hobbies: Going online, playing rock band or my Wii, dance, listening to music, hanging out with my youth group ... I made a video of my testimony on YouTube. It's pretty sweet.

> Are you a crammer, a brainiac who retains information with little review or a workaholic who reads ahead in textbooks for fun: Part crammer, part brainiac.

> What do you want people to remember about you: I don't want people to remember me; I want people to remember what God did in me. It was only by His grace and love that I am who I am today, and I am where I am today.