GAC valedictorian
Ethan Braswell of Stone Mountain has been named Greater Atlanta Christian School’s class valedictorian. A student at GAC since Pre-First, Ethan will attend Indiana University as a Wells Scholar and a member of the inaugural class in the Jacobs School of Music’s Music Business program. He is the son of Courtney and Martha Braswell.
Ethan is a scholar, leader and artist whose achievements span rigorous academics, musical excellence and meaningful service. A National Merit Scholarship Winner and AP Scholar with Distinction, Ethan has served as the academic prefect (a member of GAC’s prestigious student leadership team) and long-time captain of the Varsity Academic Team.
He has also earned the Georgia Certificate of Merit and the prestigious Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award from the University of Rochester.
A gifted violist, Ethan has served as the principal violist of the GAC Orchestra since the 9th grade and was selected for the All-State Orchestra each year from 2021 to 2025. He has performed with the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Group, the GAC Quartet and even works as a wedding DJ. He is also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Beyond music, Ethan is a dedicated Boy Scout, has participated in mission work in Philadelphia and with the City of Children in Mexico and enjoys scuba diving, skiing, hunting and camping. His intellect, creativity and servant-leadership have left a lasting mark on the GAC community.
GAC salutatorian
Jayden Lee of Duluth has been named class salutatorian. He will attend Emory University in the fall and is the son of Brian and Katherine Lee.
Jayden exemplifies academic excellence, artistic achievement and global service. A two-time AP Scholar — With Honor in 2024 and With Distinction in 2025 — he has also received the AP Chemistry and AP Computer Science Principles awards.
His talents span disciplines, earning regional first-place honors in the American Mathematics Competition in 2023 and 2024, as well as a Golden Key award in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition for critical essay writing.
A distinguished cellist, Jayden was named one of only five statewide finalists for the Governor’s Honors Program and has served as principal cellist of the GAC Chamber Orchestra since 2022.
Jayden is a bronze medalist at the Pan American Taekwondo Championships, a gold medalist at the 2024 US Final Championships and ranked seventh in the nation in the 2023-2024 season.
He serves as club captain at Kim’s K Taekwondo Studio and teaches students with physical and mental impairments through Milal Mission Church. His heart for service has led him on mission trips to El Paso, Texas and Manchay, Peru, where he served as a builder, translator and dental assistant.
Jayden is a regional vice president of the Health Occupations Student Association, a peer tutor in multiple subjects, a Tri-M Honor Society member and a two-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the gold level.
He was also named one of Southwest Gwinnett magazine’s 21 Under 21 for 2024.
Jayden’s intellect, discipline and empathy distinguish him among his peers.
GAC has 174 students graduating on Saturday, May 17 at the Long Forum on the campus of Greater Atlanta Christian School.
For more information about GAC, visit greateratlantachristian.org.
