DACULA, Ga. – For the first time in school history, Hebron Christian Academy will recognize tri-valedictorians at the 2023 commencement ceremony after Jon Paul Beck, Jacob Fortner, and Peter Lee all have the exact 4.5 grade point average taken out to the thousandths place.
Jon Paul Beck has been at HCA since the first grade and was recognized as a National Merit Finalist this year. He will attend Auburn University next year and study architecture.
Jacob Fortner has been at HCA since kindergarten and has been accepted at the University of Georgia, where he will study finance.
Peter Lee came to HCA in eighth grade, and he has been recognized as the STAR Student for HCA based on his class rank and achievement test scores. He will attend Emory University, where he plans to major in computer science.
“This year, we have an unprecedented three students scoring to the thousandths percentage point on their final GPA to earn the high accolade of valedictorian,” said HCA Head of School Dr. James Taylor. “While these young men are obviously scholars, they are also well-rounded leaders involved in music, athletics, spiritual life, and campus life. They exhibit personal character and the pursuit of excellence. We are excited to have these valedictorians represent Hebron Christian Academy.”
Along with the valedictorians, HCA also is recognizing a series of students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, either this year or over the course of their high school careers.
The College Board recognizes a group of students based on grade point average and test scores on the PSAT 10, AP Exams, or PSAT/NMSQT. This year, Isaac Adams, Lance Jones, Sochin Jung, Lydiah Kairu, Alyssa Oakley, Marco Perez, Hayley Redrick, Joseph Sexton, and Gabrielle Williams have all earned that recognition.
HCA also is well represented in the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program, as Faith Phillips (Communicative Arts) and Rosie Simpson (Mathematics) have both advanced as semifinalists and will go through an intensive interview process to determine if they will continue to advance through the program. Seven other students were nominated for the program, including Isabella Annett (Biology/Environmental Science), Aidan Barton (Communicative Arts), Madison Connor (Communicative Arts), Ella Fordham (Communicative Arts), Deacon Maynard (Mathematics), Hunter Palmer (Mathematics), Nate Phillips (Engineering), and Cara Simons (Theatre).
All three valedictorians will be recognized and speak at graduation for the 2023 class, which will be held Friday, May 19 at Hebron Church.