Charles Brooks, Clayton Solicitor-General

by Robin Kemp

It’s been a somewhat disappointing graduation for the Class of 2020. However, the top 24 students in Clayton County–the valedictorians and salutatorians–received “a lovely parting gift” in the form of a new laptop for each of them as they head off to college.

“It is with the utmost admiration that we take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2020 graduates for completion of secondary schooling and their strength of character during these challenging times,” read a statement from Solicitor-General Charles Brooks’ office.

“We have committed to purchasing and delivering to the valedictorian and salutatorian of each Clayton County high school a laptop to ensure they have the necessary tools to be successful in college and hopefully one day pay it forward to the county that has supported their success from kindergarten to college,” Brooks said.

Brooks’ office also has supplied paper, pencils, markers, crayons and other supplies to Clayton County schoolchildren. “I’m sure most, if not all, of the graduating classes were beneficiaries of our contributions,” Brooks said. “To the valedictorian and salutatorian of each respective school, let me personally salute you, for your many years of dedicated focus, discipline, and seriousness of purpose as it relates to your education and future success.”

The valedictorian and salutatorian of each high school are:

Charles Drew: John Pham, Hai Dao

Elite Scholars Academy: David Egbuna, Moriah Milner

Forest Park: Cindy Nguyen, Thy Pham

Jonesboro: Anh Nguyen, Elena Bernabe

Lovejoy: Joi Gordon, Kelvin Nguyen

Morrow: Gabriella Perez, Nadiayah Williams

Mt. Zion: Evelyn Berganza, Elizabeth Bui

Mundy’s Mill: Zachary Luangamath, Kemya Phillips

North Clayton: Emmanuelle Asomaning Agyei, Dara Kim

Perry Career Academy: Kiara Sams, Alexis Sams

Riverdale: Summer Blanding, Deanna Te

Stilwell School of the Arts: Darian Long, Diana Nguyen

Each scholar also was awarded $500 by the Clayton County Public Schools Foundation, Inc.