CARROLLTON, GA— Within the strong group of academic seniors graduating from Carrollton High School this year, two students earned the prestigious titles of valedictorian and salutatorian. Daija Preston earned the top honor — valedictorian —for finishing her career at CHS with the highest average, while Ryan Parcels was recognized for earning the second-highest average to be designated the salutatorian for the Class of 2025. 

Earning these titles means the students must have the highest grade point averages, with the requirements of successfully completing 10 or more Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate classes, including Spanish IV and either AP Calculus or AP Chemistry, or be a full IB diploma student. 

Daija’s academic accomplishments earn her this distinction. The ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule while being a leader on the girls' basketball team demonstrates the impressive level of performance at which she operates. Serving as a team captain for the past two years, Daija led her teammates, encouraging them to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the court. Throughout her years at CHS, she was a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society and was recognized for numerous honors, including a Governor’s Honors Program nomination, the University of Rochester’s George Eastman Young Leaders Award, and Georgia State School Superintendent's School Advisory Council nomination. With 22 scholarship offers totaling nearly $5.6 million, Daija chose to continue her academic and athletic pursuits at Virginia Commonwealth University on a full basketball scholarship, where she will study engineering. Daija is the daughter of Demeatric Preston and Troy Breece.

Ryan, the son of Lorna and Eric Jens and Richard Parcels, will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall to study Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his high school years, he actively participated in several organizations, such as National Honor Society, Secretary of State Student Ambassadors, Anchor Club, Spanish Honor Society, Technical Honor Society, and Key Club. As a freshman and sophomore, Ryan also played baseball for the Trojans. His junior year was particularly notable, as he received the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit and the Presbyterian College Junior Fellows award, and served as a Junior Honor Marshal. As he prepares to transition into the next chapter, Ryan’s achievements and aspirations position him for success in academics and all that he pursues.

Voted by their classmates to receive the “Most Intellectual” superlatives, Daija and Ryan have stood out for their academic prowess amongst their peers before this determination. Both said they are honored and excited to address their class during speeches at graduation this Friday, May 16. 

CHS Principal Ian Lyle said he knows these two students will continue to make an impact. 

“Daija and Ryan are well-rounded students who excel across the board, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so after graduating from Carrollton High School,” said Lyle. “As leaders in the school, they have set the standard for academic excellence. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments.” 
 

Carrollton High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian is Daija Preston (right). The salutatorian is Ryan Parcels (left).

CARROLLTON, GA — Carrollton High School seniors Jasnia Jordan and Morgan Lee became the first students to each direct a one-act play on April 21 at the Mabry Arts Center. Drawing on their performance experiences, Jasnia and Morgan embraced challenges and demonstrated their leadership capabilities. 

Inspired by the power of creative storytelling, both seniors jumped at the opportunity to learn more about directing. 

Their performances consisted of single acts selected from larger works. Jasnia chose to direct part of “Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion” by Ian McWethy, and Morgan selected a key scene from Marian de Forest’s “Little Women,” an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel. 

Learning the art of directing requires skills that translate beyond the stage as well. As they guided the actors through practices and rehearsals, Jasnia and Morgan encountered obstacles such as forgotten lines, stage light planning, and tight deadlines for dress rehearsals. With each challenge, the aspiring directors persevered to thoughtfully solve problems and encourage their peers. 

“The biggest challenge was transitioning from being an actress and crew member to running the entire show,” said Morgan. “Taking on the responsibility of a director was a whole new experience, but it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.”

Fellow student director Jasnia said she enjoyed seeing other actors shine and show off their strengths. With the comedic moments in her one-act, she was able to help the cast lean into their characters’ traits to make the play a success.

Out of the spotlight, Jasnia and Morgan reflected on ways they can continue to grow as actresses while pursuing opportunities to direct again. 

“This was a great opportunity for them to learn firsthand the organizational and leadership traits needed to direct,” said CHS Performing Arts Director Tommy Cox. “Working with a fixed schedule and leading a team of individuals toward a common goal are skills they can take with them into any field.”

As the curtains closed, applause could be heard throughout the auditorium, leaving these student directors with a sense of accomplishment and marking a milestone achievement on their theatre resumes and for the performing arts program as a whole.

CHS seniors Morgan Lee (left) and Jasnia Jordan (right) took on the role of director and led their peers through selections of one-act plays. Their directing debuts took place on April 21 at the CHS Mabry Arts Center.

CARROLLTON, GA — The Carrollton City Schools Board of Education approved Brooke Mobley to serve as the next executive director of the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation at the board meeting Tuesday night. She will succeed Kristen Gill, who has decided to step away from her role to dedicate more time to her family.

Brooke Mobley, a 2001 Carrollton High alumna, is deeply rooted in the Carrollton community. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia and later worked there as an admissions counselor before shifting into the nonprofit sector.

In her most recent role as the executive director of Partners Advancing Student Success (PASS), a nonprofit committed to improving student outcomes through mentorship, advocacy and community partnerships, Mobley oversaw a period of remarkable growth. Under her direction, PASS not only reached more students but also boasted an impressive 97.5% graduation rate and garnered record-breaking financial support.

Demonstrating passion for her community, she has served on numerous boards and committees for nonprofit organizations, including the Tanner Medical Foundation’s Magnolia Ball, the United Methodist Children’s Home, the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center (CCCAC), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and PTO organizations at local school systems. 

Raising third-generation Trojans, Mobley understands the profound impact of investing in educational experiences. She and her husband, Tim, have three children currently attending Carrollton City Schools. 

“It is an incredible honor to serve as the new executive director of the CCS Education Foundation. As both an alum and a parent, I am invested in the success of our schools and community,” said Mobley. “The Trojan Nation has always been a source of pride for me, and I look forward to building on the strong legacy of this organization and working together to create even more opportunities for our students and educators.”

Mobley is eager to begin her work with the foundation, following in the footsteps of Kristen Gill, who has led the foundation since 2022. During her tenure, Gill and the foundation board nearly doubled net assets by increasing funds through corporate donations, growing the number of endowed funds, and championing initiatives, including the expansion of field trip opportunities for students. 

“Serving this foundation for the past three years has been incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see the generosity of our community and alumni come to life in such meaningful ways to support the teachers and students in our schools,” said Gill. “The strong leadership and shared vision among our board of directors, school administrators, and the board of education truly makes an impact. We’re lucky to have such a dedicated team behind this foundation’s success.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus expressed his appreciation for Gill’s contributions and said he looks forward to continued success under Mobley's direction.

“Kristen Gill has done an excellent job laying the groundwork for the foundation’s future success,” he said. “As she steps away to focus on family, we’re excited to welcome Brooke Mobley to the team, bringing valuable nonprofit experience and strong community ties to the role. Her leadership will build on our momentum and help us continue meeting the needs of our students.”

Mobley will assume her role as executive director of the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation in July.