Junior Achievement of Georgia (JA of Georgia) is proud to announce the third class of Nineteen Under Nineteen Students to Watch, a statewide recognition program celebrating young people who demonstrate remarkable leadership, innovation and community impact.

Representing schools and communities across Georgia and representing ten regions, these honorees are already making an impact through entrepreneurship, academics, service, leadership and creative pursuits:

• Jalayah Beason (South Gwinnett High School, Gwinnett County) – Jalayah Beason is a student entrepreneur who uses her passion for business, natural hair education, and connecting others with opportunities to inspire confidence and growth in her community.
• Alex Bigsby (Northview High School, Fulton County) – Alex Bigsby is a sustainable-fashion entrepreneur, athlete, and community leader who creates reusable apparel patches while empowering customers to support causes they care about.
• Samantha de Haan (Forsyth Central High School, Forsyth County) – Samantha de Haan is a real estate and marketing entrepreneur who turns curiosity into opportunity while championing financial literacy, mentorship, and career exploration for young people across Georgia.
• Bailey Edwards (Homeschool, Fulton County) – Bailey Edwards is a four-time author, creative entrepreneur, and youth wellness advocate who uses storytelling and the arts to help young people recognize their potential, build confidence, and feel supported.
• David Evans (Cross Creek High School, Richmond County) – David Evans is a young entrepreneur and emerging leader who combines creativity, adaptability, and service to create meaningful experiences, mentor others, and open doors for those around him.
• Caycee Hill (Greenbrier Middle School, Columbia County) – Caycee Hill is a creative young strategist, athlete, and aspiring professional gamer who uses collaboration, innovation, and leadership to turn bold ideas into shared success.
• Iris Holberton (Columbia Virtual Academy, Columbia County) – Iris Holberton is an award-winning artist and young entrepreneur who combines creativity, history, and storytelling to preserve meaningful stories for future generations.
• Michael Lawton (St. John Academy, Savannah-Chattahm County) – Michael Lawton is a creative entrepreneur, artist, and academic leader who hopes to combine technology and innovation to solve meaningful problems and improve people’s lives.
• Jonah Mann (Northview High School, Fulton County) – Jonah Mann is a motivational speaker, and community leader who expands access to sports, builds meaningful connections, and inspires others to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
• Lily Reese Miller (West Forsyth High School, Forsyth County) – Lily Reese Miller is a student leader, mentor, and youth cheer coach who builds confidence in others through encouragement, service, and leading by example.
• Tanya Patel (Parkview High School, Gwinnett County) – Tanya Patel is a safety-focused entrepreneur and leader who creates innovative products, programs, and opportunities that empower others to feel confident, supported, and capable of meaningful change.
• Pranshu Raithatha (West Forsyth High School, Forsyth County) – Pranshu Raithatha is a technology innovator and award-winning digital storyteller who combines engineering, design, and behavioral insight to create tools that inspire more intentional choices.
• Jenell Reid (Dacula High School, Gwinnett County) – Jenell Reid is an aspiring marketing professional and entrepreneur who combines technology, financial insight, and real-world business experience to transform everyday challenges into promising ideas.
• Gabriela Ruelas (The Dalton Academy, Whitfield County) – Gabriela Ruelas is a first-generation college student who has transformed quiet determination into confident communication, collaborative leadership, and a passion for understanding others.
• Destiny Joy Sagay (Douglas County High School, Douglas County) – Destiny Joy Sagay is a global youth leader and human rights advocate who advances equity through diplomacy, sustainable innovation, and expanded access to opportunities in sports.
• Caroline Surratt (Calhoun Middle School, Gordon County) – Caroline Surratt is an animal welfare advocate and nonprofit founder who supports dog rescues, champions adoption, and aspires to expand access to compassionate veterinary care across Georgia.
• Reid Voglesonger (Roswell High School, Fulton County) –Reid Voglesonger is a woodworking entrepreneur who is transforming his growing confidence into handcrafted products, ambitious ideas, and a future distinctly his own.
• Darielle Williams (Savannah Legacy Academy, Savannah-Chattahm County) – Darielle Williams is a curious problem-solver and community-minded leader who combines STEM, creativity, and service while pursuing her dream of becoming a forensic investigator and entrepreneur.
• Jane Zhang (Northview High School, Fulton County) – Jane Zhang is a student researcher, photographer, and bird enthusiast who transforms curiosity about the natural world into scientific discovery, nature-inspired innovation, and meaningful conservation.

“These 19 students reflect the extraordinary talent, determination and potential found throughout Georgia,” said John Hancock, President & CEO of JA of Georgia. “Each honoree has found a meaningful way to lead, create and serve. We are proud to recognize all they have already accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make.”

Now celebrating its third class, JA of Georgia’s Nineteen Under Nineteen: Students to Watch recognizes 19 young people from across the state who are making a difference in their schools, communities and beyond. Honorees range from middle school students to recent high school graduates and have participated in JA experiences such as JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, 3DE by Junior Achievement, JA Summer Camp, and the JA Dream Accelerator.

Each honoree receives a scholarship to support their educational or entrepreneurial goals and will be recognized at their local JA Business Hall of Fame gala.

To learn more about the 2026–2027 class of Nineteen Under Nineteen Students to Watch, visit https://www.georgia.ja.org/19-under-19.