By CILE G. WARR

Director of Development

Grace Christian Academy

On Saturday, June 4, Gov. Nathan Deal and his wife, Sandra, hosted a reception honoring the 2011 Georgia valedictorians at the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta.

Taylor Morris McDonald was personally congratulated by Gov. Deal and the first lady for his outstanding accomplishment of academic excellence as Grace Christian Academy’s 2011 valedictorian.

The reception was attended by Georgia’s 2011 valedictorians and their guests, Georgia Student Finance Commission and Georgia Board of Regents officials and trustees. During the event, honorees were given the opportunity to tour the grounds, meet other valedictorians, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and have their photo with the governor and first lady.

In Deal’s address to the valedictorians, he stated, “Through your talent and hard work, you have earned the right to be called Georgia’s best and brightest. Your natural gifts and work ethic will play a crucial role in the future prosperity of this state. Take pride in your accomplishments, keep up the good work and seek out ways to use your abilities to benefit your community and this state.”

The event was “exceptionally nice,” stated Merreann McDonald. “From the moment we arrived on the grounds, Taylor was congratulated as were his dad and I.”

The staff and hosts did a remarkable job making each student feel special for what they have accomplished. They all went above and beyond to reach out to the students and their parents.

Taylor is the son of Greg and Merreann McDonald of Bainbridge, the grandson of James A. and Karen McDonald of Sumner, Ga., and the late Earp and Annette Morris of Bainbridge. Taylor will be attending Mercer University Macon in August majoring in biology. He hopes one day to return to this area to practice medicine.