Twenty graduates. Twenty different journeys. One shared beginning.
Rome City Schools brought its inaugural 20 Wolves Under 40 class home Friday, celebrating the honorees at a luncheon before introducing them to a cheering Homecoming crowd at Barron Stadium.
The inaugural class represents Rome High School graduates from 2004 through 2020 and includes professionals working in education, law, engineering, journalism, meteorology, nonprofit leadership, finance, business and the military.
Rome City Schools Board Chair Faith Collins welcomed the honorees and their families to the luncheon and told the group how proud the Board of Education and Rome City Schools are of them. Collins said it was especially meaningful to see the accomplishments of so many Rome High School graduates and the different paths they have taken since leaving the district.
Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland told the honorees the celebration represented more than recognition of their individual accomplishments.
“Today is a special day, not only because we are celebrating the 20 Wolves Under 40 honorees, but because we are celebrating possibilities,” Dr. Holland said. “At Rome High School, our mission is clear. All students will graduate prepared for college or work. This is more than a statement. It is a promise. It’s a promise that every student who walks through our doors will be given the opportunity and the support and the belief that they can build a successful future. Today, we have the privilege of looking around this room and seeing the mission in motion.”
During the luncheon, each honoree walked the red carpet to receive an award recognizing their selection to the inaugural class. Some chose to address the audience, while others had a portion of their submitted reflections shared by the master of ceremonies.
The afternoon provided a mixture of moving moments, humor and reflection as honorees shared memories of Rome City Schools and the people and experiences that helped shape their lives.
Raphael Sartorato recalled moving from Rome, Italy, to Rome, Georgia, and making the transition from a small school to the much larger Rome High School. He spoke about how his new classmates welcomed him and helped him succeed.
For Emma Kate Cowan and Lindsey Wilkinson, their current careers provided an interesting connection to their days as Rome students. Cowan, now a meteorologist in Birmingham, Alabama, and Wilkinson, now a reporter for FedScoop, recalled hosting ECTV together. Cowan handled the weather while Wilkinson served as a reporter, foreshadowing the careers both would eventually pursue.
Candice Spivey, a program coordinator with ESP, reflected on the number of honorees who have returned to Rome and now play important roles in serving and strengthening the community.
Bobby Jones added some humor to the afternoon by wearing his old Rome letterman jacket. Jones joked that Dr. Holland always has the best Rome City Schools gear and he wanted to give the superintendent some competition. Jones also reflected on the diversity he experienced as a Rome student and how learning alongside people from different backgrounds broadened his view of the world and strengthened his education.
Kasey Anderson, a program associate with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, spoke about her pride in being from Rome and the formative role the community played in her life. Anderson also was part of the foundation’s work that helped provide a grant supporting Rome High School’s first flag football team.
Dr. Holland said the impact of the inaugural class extends beyond the accomplishments being celebrated.
“What makes this group truly special is not just what you have accomplished. It’s what your accomplishments represent to the kids behind you,” Dr. Holland said. “If you look behind you at the kids walking through the halls, those kids are looking up to you, and you give them hope that they can be whatever they want to be and they can become the person they want to become because of something you have done, something you have shared or something you continue to do. On behalf of Rome City Schools, I want to say thank you so much, and thank you so much for representing us.”
The celebration continued Friday night at Barron Stadium as the 20 Wolves Under 40 honorees were introduced before the Rome High School Homecoming game. The crowd greeted the honorees with plenty of cheers as each was recognized for their accomplishments.
Joshua Childers had an especially enthusiastic supporter in the stands. His sister, who nominated him for 20 Wolves Under 40, flew in from New York for the celebration and showed up at Barron Stadium wearing a T-shirt with her brother’s face on it.
The moment added some fun to a day that celebrated not only what the honorees have accomplished, but also the families, friendships and connections that remain part of their Rome City Schools story.
The inaugural Rome City Schools 20 Wolves Under 40 class includes:
Jessica Alexander, Class of 2011, special education teacher at West Central Elementary School.
Kasey Anderson, Class of 2011, program associate with 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 with NRTC.
Lauren Cotton, Class of 2019, account manager with Propel Insurance.
Emma Kate Cowan, Class of 2019, meteorologist with ABC 33/40 News.
Charlton “Eli” Freeman, Class of 2004, lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force.
Cydney Freeman, Class of 2020, engineering associate with Barge Design Solutions.
Jaleesa Foster-Dublin, Class of 2013, club director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia.
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, with Rome Middle School ESS.
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 with Shareable.
Wadrick McCluskey, Class of 2008, senior manager of operational accounting with Rivian Automotive.
Ciara McKnight, Class of 2009, director of A Teen’s Choice Inc.
Raphael Sartorato, Class of 2005, director of capital projects with Realty Trust Group.
Candice Spivey, Class of 2006, program coordinator with ESP.
Lindsey Wilkinson, Class of 2019, reporter with FedScoop.
Ashunti Wise, Class of 2020, second-grade teacher at Anna K. Davie Elementary School.
The 20 Wolves Under 40 program recognizes outstanding Rome High School alumni under the age of 40 for extraordinary accomplishments, significant professional achievements and distinguished service to others. Friday’s luncheon and recognition at Barron Stadium gave Rome City Schools the opportunity to celebrate those accomplishments alongside the families, friends and community members who helped make the inaugural class possible.
Nominations are now open for the next Rome City Schools 20 Wolves Under 40 class.