Impact Academy Senior Hannon Grimwood Moss Named 2026 Georgia Scholar

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Impact Academy High School senior Hannon Grimwood Moss was recently recognized as a 2026 Georgia Scholar by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).

State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced the list of honorees on April 1, celebrating graduating seniors across the state who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and service.

To receive this highly competitive accolade, students must meet rigorous criteria, including outstanding academic performance, a history of leadership roles in school, and extensive community involvement.

“Hannon’s recognition as a Georgia Scholar reflects his profound devotion to academic excellence and his passion for making a difference in the lives of his peers,” said HCS Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “This is a noteworthy honor, and Hannon’s leadership at the local and state levels reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to prepare students to be global leaders and responsible citizens.”

The Georgia Scholar distinction marks the culmination of a student’s high school experience, as eligibility requirements factor in performance throughout all four years of high school.

The program specifies eight criteria set in state law that students must meet to receive the distinction:

• Earn at least 22 Carnegie Units of credit for graduation with a required number of units in specific subjects.
• Have a minimum combined score of 1360 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or a composite score of 31 on the American College Test (ACT) at one test sitting.
• Have a non-weighted, cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be a registered voter, if a United States citizen and 18 years of age on or before the date of application.
• Provide evidence of self-esteem and concern for others in daily activities.
• Participate in at least three different competitive interscholastic activities.
• Appointment by a school official or elected to positions of leadership in a minimum of two different organizations sponsored by the school.
• Evidence of leadership in a minimum of two different organizations outside the school, including being appointed or elected to a position of leadership or role of responsibility in a minimum of one of these activities.

Grimwood Moss has built an extensive resume of service, including serving as the first student representative to the Henry County Board of Education and being selected for the State School Superintendent’s 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council.

He is also a graduate of Youth Leadership Henry and the Model Atlanta Regional Commission youth leadership program, and he has held leadership roles in the National Beta Club, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, and the Impact Academy Owl Ambassadors, as well as being a member of the Superintendent’s High School Student Advisory.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Georgia Scholar and, specifically, to represent Henry County Schools,” said Grimwood Moss. “With graduation right around the corner, I can’t help but look back at my academic journey, and I’m grateful for the many opportunities that have helped shape me along the way. I’ve loved all the volunteer, community engagement, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles that I’ve been able to hold and am a part of, which further enriched my academic achievements. I am excited for what the future holds and look forward to continuing to give back and making a positive impact in our community.”

Georgia Scholars receive a special diploma seal and a graduation cord in recognition of their achievement.

“We are so proud of Hannon. He represents the very best of Impact Academy – embodying our vision of being the ‘Best of the Best’ through his curiosity, kindness, diligence, and self-motivation,” said Impact Academy Principal Dr. Delphine Patterson. “He approaches every challenge with maturity, enthusiasm, and an unwavering work ethic, and his compassion and drive reflect the qualities of a true future leader. With students like Hannon, we are already the ‘Best of the Best.’”

“Henry County Schools is committed to nurturing students who lead with purpose and who are dedicated to making a positive impact,” added Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “Hannon is a shining example of those objectives in action, and we congratulate him on this well-earned recognition.”

GaDOE coordinates the Georgia Scholar program in partnership with local districts and schools. For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website.