Twenty Rome High School graduates representing careers ranging from education and engineering to law, journalism, public service, and the United States military have been selected for the inaugural Rome City Schools 20 Wolves Under 40 Class of 2026.
The new recognition program honors RCS graduates under the age of 40 who continue to Move the Needle through their professional accomplishments, leadership, and service to others.
"This is an incredible group of Rome City Schools graduates, and I could not be prouder of what they have accomplished," Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said. "When you look at this class, you see educators, business leaders, attorneys, engineers, journalists, community servants, and so many others who are making a difference in their professions and in the lives of the people around them. They represent exactly what we hope for every Rome City Schools graduate. We want our students to take their talents, pursue their goals, and continue to Move the Needle in whatever path they choose.”
Members of the inaugural 20 Wolves Under 40 Class of 2026 are:
Jessica Alexander, Class of 2011, Special Education Teacher at West Central Elementary School
Kasey Anderson (Dean), Class of 2011, Program Associate at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Lydia Bailey, Class of 2016, Attorney with Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr
Joshua Childers, Class of 2006, Senior Director of Operations at NRTC
Lauren Cotton (Murphy), Class of 2019, Account Manager at Propel Insurance
Emma Kate Cowan, Class of 2019, Meteorologist at ABC 33/40 News
Jaleesa Foster-Dublin, Class of 2013, Club Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia
Charlton "Eli" Freeman, Class of 2004, Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force
Cydney Freeman, Class of 2020, Engineering Associate at Barge Design Solutions
Kourtney Green, Class of 2013, Fifth-Grade ELA Teacher at East Central Elementary School
Bianca Griffin, Class of 2009, Public Safety CTAE Teacher at Rome High School
Mariesha Harris, Class of 2012, Special Education Teacher at Rome Middle School
Sarah Huffman, Class of 2008, Assistant Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for the City of Rome
Bobby Jones, Class of 2005, Development Director at Shareable
Wadrick McCluskey, Class of 2008, Senior Manager of Operational Accounting at Rivian Automotive
Ciara McKnight, Class of 2009, Director of A Teen's Choice, Inc.
Raphael Sartorato, Class of 2005, Director of Capital Projects at Realty Trust Group
Candice Spivey, Class of 2006, Program Coordinator at ESP
Lindsey Wilkinson, Class of 2019, Reporter at FedScoop
Ashunti Wise, Class of 2020, Second-Grade Teacher at Anna K. Davie Elementary School
The inaugural class includes graduates spanning 16 years of Rome High School history, from the Class of 2004 through the Class of 2020. Several returned to Rome City Schools to serve the next generation of students, while others have built careers and made an impact across Georgia, the nation, and beyond.
"What stands out to me isn't just what these 20 graduates have accomplished, but how many of them have made service to others an important part of their lives," Dr. Holland said. "Relationships, Commitment and Service are at the heart of who we are as a school system. To see our graduates carrying those values into their careers and communities is special. Our students can look at these honorees and see 20 different examples of where their own Rome City Schools journey can take them."
Rome City Schools will highlight each member of the class leading up to Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 2. The district will also publish a special edition of The Influencer dedicated to the inaugural class.
The class members will also be honored on Friday, Oct. 2, as part of Rome High School's Homecoming festivities. Members of the class will be recognized during a special pregame ceremony at Barron Stadium prior to the Homecoming football game.
The program was created not only to recognize the accomplishments of RCS graduates but also to reconnect alumni with the school system and provide current students with examples of where their education, talents, and ambitions can take them.
"This first class is setting the standard for what 20 Under 40 can become," Dr. Holland said. "We want our students to see these graduates and understand that there isn't one definition of success and there isn't one path to making an impact. These 20 individuals have taken very different journeys, but they all started as Rome City Schools students. Now they are continuing to Move the Needle wherever life has taken them."
Nominations for the 2027 Rome City Schools 20 Under 40 Class will open on Friday, Oct. 2.