May 20, 2025—The end of the school year marks a time of celebration for more than 8,500 students across the Cobb County School District. This week, those students will walk across the graduation stage to accept their diplomas and the future success they represent. 

The Class of 2025 shows what’s possible when students, families, and educators work together to support success from kindergarten through senior year—and beyond. 

Whether joining the military, entering the workforce, or continuing their education at colleges and universities across the country, the Class of 2025 carries a legacy of excellence, dedication, and resilience. 

“What we’re seeing in the Class of 2025 is the result of years of dedication and hard work by Cobb students, teachers, and families,” said Cobb Schools Board Chair David Chastain. “Cobb’s reputation for world-class education wasn’t built overnight. It’s the result of keeping students at the center of everything we do, free from outside distractions. This graduating class is a testament to that commitment and why families call Cobb home.” 

By the Numbers: A Snapshot of Success 

• More than 8,500 students earned Cobb Schools diplomas in 2025. 
• Over $137 million in scholarships earned districtwide
• More than 70% of graduates have a post-secondary plan 
• About 300 students plan to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, including 10 appointments to the U.S. military academies
• Graduates completed 216,000+ community service hours 
• Valedictorians’ average GPA: 4.712 (Highest: 4.875; 12 above 4.7) 
• Salutatorians’ average GPA: 4.668 (High: 4.848; 10 above 4.7; 14 above 4.5)

Excellence Beyond the Classroom 

The accomplishments of the Cobb Schools Class of 2025 extended well beyond academic success. Students earned state and national honors on stage, in the arts, and in extracurricular competitions. Fine arts programs continued to thrive, with one school celebrating its first-ever Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl State Championship and another producing a Best Actress winner in the One Act Play competition thanks to the senior class. Cobb students were crowned National Certamen Champions and won the Georgia Model UN and Literary Competitions. Marching bands captured Grand Champion titles, while the district’s Winter Guard earned international recognition as 2025 Scholastic A World Champions. 

In music, the Sonic Edge A Cappella group took home back-to-back wins at the International Championship of High School A Cappella, further demonstrating the district’s artistic talents. Business and leadership students also impressed on the global stage with two top-five international finishes in DECA. Across sports, Cobb athletes brought home titles in a variety of sports, including state championships in basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, wrestling, and more. Other notable achievements included state titles in flag football, gymnastics, swim and dive, and track and field. Whether performing, competing, or giving back, the Class of 2025 truly excelled in every arena. 

Bright Futures Ahead 

Cobb’s Class of 2025 is headed to top colleges and universities in Georgia and across the nation, but three universities will welcome the most Cobb students:

1. Kennesaw State University 
2. University of Georgia 
3. Georgia State University 

Many students also plan to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, including more than 20 of Cobb’s valedictorians and salutatorians. Georgia Southern University, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama are also among some of the top choices of Cobb’s Class of 2025. Graduates also earned admission to elite institutions across the Ivy League, including Princeton University, Brown University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Pennsylvania. 

In addition to being accepted to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, Cobb’s graduates have been awarded millions in scholarship dollars, opening doors to higher education and future success. 

Top Scholarships: Investing in the Future 

Cobb’s Class of 2025 earned more than $137 million in scholarships, including some of the nation's most competitive and prestigious awards. Among the standout honors were multiple full-ride scholarships through the Posse Foundation and QuestBridge programs, which recognize high-achieving students with strong leadership skills and financial need. Cobb students were also named National Merit Scholars, earning $2,500 awards and college-sponsored or corporate-sponsored scholarships through the program. 

Two students received the distinguished STAMPS Scholarship, which covers full tuition and provides enrichment stipends at select universities. One student made district history by receiving both the Bessie Willingham Tift Scholarship and a STAMPS Scholarship from Mercer University. Another student earned $1.1 million, including full rides to 5 colleges. Full-ride ROTC scholarships will support Cobb graduates pursuing military service, while others secured athletic scholarships across multiple sports. 

Additional scholarship highlights include the Johnson Scholarship at Washington and Lee University—valued at nearly $400,000—and Emory University’s Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship, one of the school’s top merit awards. From national scholarships like Horatio Alger and Dell to presidential and trustee awards from top universities, Cobb students have turned hard work into life-changing opportunities. 

As the thousands of Cobb graduates step into the next chapter of their lives, the Class of 2025 carries the strength of a world-class education and the support of a community that believes in their potential. Their future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all they will accomplish.