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.

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