145 GA Scholars Revealed On New State List

ATLANTA, GA — The Georgia Department of Education on Tuesday identified the 145 students who were named to the 2025 Georgia Scholars list.

Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods recognized the more than 100 graduating high-school seniors for their academic and community excellence.

“Congratulations to the 145 outstanding students honored as Georgia Scholars this year," Woods said in a news release. “This prestigious recognition identifies students who go above and beyond in all aspects of life – both within the school walls and in the community. I wish them great success in their futures and can’t wait to see the impact they make on our state, nation and world.”

The graduates who completed Georgia Scholars will receive a seal for their diploma and a graduation cord, education officials stated.

Students who were in the counties of Bartow, DeKalb, Cobb, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Douglas, Hall and Chatham were among those who made the 2025 scholars list. (See the full list here.)

“We are absolutely thrilled to see our students shine at the state level,” DeKalb County School Superintendent Devon Q. Horton said in a news release. “These 18 young leaders have shown remarkable academic ability, dedication to their communities, and exemplary character throughout their high school journeys. They embody the best of DeKalb County, and we look forward to witnessing all the amazing achievements their futures hold.”

Criteria to participate in the annual state program is extensive. Students have to:

• Earn at least 22 academic units detailed by state officials
• Have a minimum combined score of 1360 on the Scholastic Assessment Test or a composite score of 31 on the American College Test
• Have at least a 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Be registered to vote if a U.S. citizen and 18 years of age on or before the date of application
• Show evidence of self-esteem and concern for others in day-to-day activities
• Participate in at least three different competitive interscholastic activities (for example, athletics, music, literary events, fairs and exhibits
• Be appointed by a school official or elected to positions of leadership in at least two different organizations sponsored by the school
• Show evidence of leadership in a minimum of two different organizations outside the school

"Georgia Scholars carried exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, performed excellently in all courses, successfully participated in interscholastic events within their schools and communities and assumed leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools," education officials stated in the release.

The application window for the 2026 Georgia Scholar program is no longer open.