Two DeKalb students were picked from more than 15,000 finalists to receive $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. Winners are selected from each state based on their accomplishments, skills and potential for college success. A committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors made the selections. The winners are Charles S. Pennell and John K. Ewing of Lakeside High.

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Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)