05/22/2026
So proud of these three. Sofia DeRenzo is the first GateKey Scholar to earn the distinction of valedictorian.
Earning the top two rankings in a class is always an honored distinction. This year Cartersville High School has the unique fortune to award the Class of 2026’s top spot to two students! Congratulations to Sofia DeRenzo and Sophia Kim, the valedictorians, and Ayah Hadbawi, the salutatorian! We are extremely proud of these three outstanding, hardworking students. 💜 Another notable element is they will all continue their educational journeys together at Georgia Tech 🐝
Sofia DeRenzo will attend Georgia Tech to pursue a degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Sofia’s achievements include AP Scholar with Distinction, Honor Graduate with Distinction, Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient, National Merit Commended Scholar, GateKey Scholar, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Etowah Scholarship recipient, Georgia Mock Trial Regional Outstanding Witness, Honors Biology Student of the Year, Honors Geometry Student of the Year, Honors Advanced Algebra Student of the Year, Honors Chemistry Student of the Year, AP World History Student of the Year, AP Psychology Student of the Year, AP Computer Science Student of the Year, AP Art History Student of the Year, AP Environmental Science Student of the Year, and AP Calculus AB Student of the Year.
Sophia Kim plans to attend Georgia Tech to study biology. Sophia Kim’s accomplishments include Honors Graduate with Distinction, Georgia Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Varsity Golf Team (3 years), Beta Club, HOSA, HOPE Club, and Sources of Strength Peer Leadership Team.
Ayah Hadbawi plans to attend Georgia Tech to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Ayah’s accomplishments include AP Scholar with Distinction, National Honors Society, Beta Club, Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient, Management on Cartersville Robotics (3 years), Vice-President and cofounder of Cartersville Environmental Science Club, Peer Leader of Sources of Strength (3 years), Mu Alpha Theta, Etowah Foundation Scholarship recipient, and is recognized by the College Board National Recognition Program.
From left to right: Sophia Kim, Sofia DeRenzo, and Ayah Hadbawi