Students in the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) program celebrated a major milestone on Friday, May 15, as they graduated after completing a year focused on learning about how government works.
GCAPS is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn first-hand the roles and services that Macon-Bibb County government provides. Throughout the course of the program year, GCAPS participants took part in team building exercises, toured county facilities, and interacted with local and state elected officials.
“Programs like GCAPS are incredibly important because they give students real-world experience and expose them to careers and opportunities that can help shape their future,” says Macon-Bibb County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “We are proud of these graduates and excited to see where their hard work, leadership, and dedication take them next.”
During the ceremony, several students and community members were recognized for their leadership, service, and dedication throughout the year.
The Bert Bivins Leadership Awards were presented to William Martin, Keziah Milton, Londyn Rodgers, Devin Reaves, and Ja’Cora Anderson. Appreciation Awards were also presented to Chief Shane Edwards, Carlene Howard, and Keith Butler for their support and contributions to the program.
Additional student honors included the Sophomore Superlative Award presented to Madisyn Yarbrough, the Junior Superlative Award presented to Devin Reaves, and the Senior Superlative Award presented to Keziah Milton.
Students also received the Lester M. Miller Academic Scholarship, which were also presented during the Mayor’s Sneaker Ball in December. The three Merit Scholars, Amari Scott, Adeline Cooke, and Tabais Williams, received $500 each. The three Mayor’s Scholars, Marley Battle, Zaris Odoms, and Karrington Williams, received $1,000 each.
Graduates left the program with not only classroom knowledge, but practical experience and professional skills they can carry into future careers and opportunities.
Congratulations to the 2026 GCAPS graduates!
Magaly Abarca Sophomore Southwest High School
Genesis Aguilar-Barajas Sophomore Southwest High School
Athena Cheyenne Alonzo Junior Howard High School
Ja’Cora Anderson Junior Northeast High School
Marley Battle** Senior First Presbyterian Day School
Nicholas Battle Sophomore Northeast High School
Shaelin Calder-Denny* Senior VIP Academy
Adelene Cooke** Senior Mount DeSales Academy
Karmen Hill Sophomore Rutland High School
Nyla Howard* Senior Northeast High School
Caleb Hughes Sophomore Rutland High School
Salter Hutchinson* Senior Central High School
Zion Jones Junior Mt. DeSales High School
Kayla Lee* Senior Northeast High School
Makiya Lundy* Senior Northeast High School
Getzemany Mancio Junior Howard High School
William Martin Junior Academy for Classical Education
Mami Masoka Junior Howard High School
Anamaria Miller Sophomore VIP Academy
Keziah Milton* Senior Howard High School
Zaris Odoms** Senior Northeast High School
Devin Reaves Junior Southwest High School
Izabella Rivers Junior Southwest High School
Londyn Rodgers Junior Howard High School
Amari Scott* Senior Northeast High School
Mylee Terry* Senior Northeast high School
Karrington Williams*** Senior Howard High School
Tabais Williams** Senior Howard High School
Madisyn Yarbrough Sophomore Mt. DeSales Academy