NINETEEN UNDER NINETEEN STUDENT TO WATCH
At Junior Achievement of Georgia, we believe in the limitless potential of the next generation. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to 19 remarkable students who are already making waves—each under the age of 19.
*Student grade levels reflect the 2023-2024 school year upon which selections were based.
Joanna AntonakaKi
3DE | 11th Grade | Northview High School | Fulton County
Joanna was inspired by 3DE’s case challenges to want to pursue marketing consulting as her future career. She enjoys designing digital media such as presentations and social media posts, often practicing through her non-profit, Class to Career, that she started during her junior year. Joanna has already gained hands-on experience through an internship where she not only developed and crafted marketing campaigns but also successfully pitched them to a high-profile client, showcasing her creativity and strategic thinking. Her goal is to become a future leader within the workforce.
Lucas Beasley
JA BizTown | 6th Grade | Greenbrier Middle School | Columbia County
Lucas is a charismatic kid with a big personality and a big heart. His academic success is very important to him, with that he has always maintained High Honors and has been inducted into Beta Club twice. He is in chorus and has been nominated for district chorus each year. This year, he was chosen to represent the school at the Biltmore for their Christmas program. His after-school activities include lacrosse and flag football. He was nominated by his teachers and classmates to be the first mayor of JA BizTown for the Augusta area. Lucas desires to attend UGA after graduating high school.
Nya Burks
JA BizTown | 10th Grade | Home School | Effingham County
Nya Burks has always been passionate about animals, environmental conservation, and entrepreneurship. Because of that passion, she is involved in programs like 4-H and YELP. As a 4-H teen leader, she strengthened leadership and public speaking skills, and through YELP, she learns how to be an environmental steward and how to implement her knowledge into her community. Nya plans to attend the University of Georgia to pursue a degree in animal science or animal behavior, with the goal of opening a large animal clinic.
Haddy ceesay
3DE | 9th Grade | Riverdale High School | Clayton County
Haddee serves as a 3DE Ambassador as well as a Future Farmers of America member. She is interested in ecology, agricultural science, and earth science, which align with her aspirations of becoming a research scientist. She plans to attend Princeton University majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology. 3DE has been a major focus of her time in high school and has given her the skills to set her on a great path towards her future goals.
Chase Cooper
JA Summer Camp | 6th Grade | Cedar Grove Middle School | DeKalb County
Chase is an astute 12-year-old scholar and leader. He currently serves as Vice President of Student Council, CGMS News Anchor, a member of Young Men of Distinction, and Student Ambassador, all while maintaining straight As. Chase is deeply involved in both school and community activities, aspiring to become the Student Council President for the 2024–2025 school year. Additionally, he would like to attend Morehouse College, Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and Duke University. Chase aims to become a minister and plans to obtain a PhD in ministry. His passion for leadership and service are all motivators helping to shape his ambitions.
Mehrish Charania
3DE | 12th Grade | Parkview High School | Gwinnett County
Inspired by her parents’ journey to build a successful business, Mehrish adopted the belief of “turn your passions into your purpose.” This mindset led to 3DE by Junior Achievement, where she gained real-world skills and earned certifications, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Hard work resulted in recognition as Parkview’s 2024 Student of the Year and the 3DE Shark Tank first place winner. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing/management at Georgia State University while working toward a real estate salesperson license.
Aisha Diallo
3DE | 10th Grade | Roswell High School | Fulton County
Aisha Diallo is one of the two national winners of the JA and the UPS Store’s collaborative Rose Parade. An all-rounded student with a passion for learning, she presides over numerous clubs such as National English Honors Society, Debate Club, and Women Leadership Club. With a love for marketing and entrepreneurship, she serves as a DECA officer and ambassador of the inaugural 3DE class at Roswell High School. With the skills accumulated from her 3DE experiences, Aisha plans to run businesses and charitable organizations of her own that will serve her community and help others cultivate their inner entrepreneur while simultaneously encouraging them to pay it forward.
Aaron Fields
3DE | 12th Grade | South Gwinnett High School | Gwinnett County
Aaron Fields started his own podcast, “Keeping It Real With Fields” during his senior year of high school. Today, Aaron attends Morehouse College as a first-year communication studies major in the Howard Thurman Honors program. Without 3DE, he would not have taken the risk to make his dreams a reality. Aaron is a musician, as he has been playing trumpet for seven years, and has begun learning piano. He is a part of the Maurice Washington Emerging Leaders Program. Aaron plans to obtain his degree from Morehouse College, become a sports broadcaster, and continue to grow his podcast.
Christian Francis
3DE | 11th Grade | South Gwinnett High School | Gwinnett County
Christian is a student at South Gwinnett High School and a soon-to-be 3DE alumni. He serves as the Executive President of the school’s DECA Emerging Leaders chapter and is the Hospitality & Tourism Department Chairman for the 3DE Ambassadorship. In 2023, Christian launched his own men’s skincare brand, Virtus Skincare, and plans to pursue further entrepreneurial ventures. He aspires to attend the University of Georgia in 2025 to continue his business journey.
Eduardo Freire Gomes
3DE | 11th Grade | Northview High School | Fulton County
Eduardo Freire Gomes, born in Brazil, has had a technical mindset from a young age. When he’s not focused on his schoolwork, Eduardo enjoys working on cars and going on long drives with friends. In his junior year with 3DE, Eduardo founded Dinner Genie, an app designed to help people cook more efficiently and affordably. Today, he works part time at AutoZone as a sales associate while also serving as vice president of recruiting at Ping Pong Parkinson Atlanta. His future goal is to attend UGA Business School in 2025.
Logan Hedrick
JA Summer Camp | 6th Grade | River Trail Middle School | Fulton County
Logan is an innovative thinker who thrives on collaboration. Whether playing the bassoon in the symphonic band, competing with his middle school’s Science Olympiad team, or swimming year-round, Logan exemplifies true team spirit. He had the opportunity to apply these skills in a business setting during his 6th-grade trip to JA BizTown and the JA BizTown summer camp, where he served as CEO. Logan aims to leverage the lessons learned to guide his endeavors, which include a joy and passion for cooking for and feeding people.
Daniel Jefferson
3DE | 10th Grade | Martin Luther King Jr. High School | DeKalb County
Daniel (DJ) Jefferson is a young entrepreneur with a deep passion for business and a creative mind that sets him apart. His innovative ideas impressed Mercedes-Benz USA, leading to his recognition as a standout talent. JA of Georgia provided him with valuable insights into the business world, fueling his drive to turn his vision into reality. Guided by faith, determination, and the belief that with God by his side, anything is possible, DJ continues his journey despite the challenges he has faced.
George Marte
3DE | 10th Grade | The Dalton Acadamy | Whitfield County
George has always enjoyed helping others find joy in their lives. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, he found a home here in the United States with his family and has thrived in 3DE. George’s favorite case challenge to date has been the UPS challenge. In his free time, George enjoys acting and playing video games. His hobby with video games inspires him to want to pursue a career in engineering technology. He hopes his passion for this career will allow him to improve the lives of others in the future.
MaKayla Oates
3DE | 12th Grade | Savannah High School | Chatham County
Makayla Oates has always had a mindset of creativity, curiosity, and innovation. In her junior year of high school, Makayla started a photography company through 3DE that later helped in her passion for mass communications studies. After graduating as the Class of 2024 Valedictorian, she now is a first-year student at the University of Georgia where she studies advertising as well as participates in clubs such as Women in Media and the National Council of Negro Women. Makayla plans to work in the field of brand imaging and art direction.
Bailey Pentronis
3DE | 12th Grade | West Forsyth High School | Forsyth County
Bailey is a committed business owner on the path to vet school, who spent her four years of high school at West Forsyth in 3DE. She started her business, The Pampered Pony, at the age of 13, and it is a successful business still today. The Pampered Pony offers decorated cookies made specially for horses, which are sold to customers across the country every week. Bailey has always been motivated by her love for animals, which is why she is on a path to apply to vet school and pursue a career as a veterinarian. Bailey’s goal is to start her own vet practice with either small animals or horses.
Taliaa Pouncey
3DE | 10th Grade | South Gwinnett High School | Gwinnett County
Taliaa discovered her passion for entrepreneurship and leadership during a 6th-grade field trip to JA of Georgia, which has since fueled her success in the 3DE program. In 2023, she was part of a team that won first place in the Arby’s National Case Challenge. Taliaa is actively involved in DECA, BETA Club, National Honor Society, JROTC, Student Council, and the Media Team. In addition to her school involvement, she runs two businesses, Liaa Studios, a photography venture, and Liaa’s Arts & Crafts, a jewelry business. Taliaa plans to major in business administration and pursue an MBA in the future.
Diana Victoriano
3DE | 10th Grade | The Dalton Acadamy | Whitfield County
Diana Victoriano is a part of her school’s Spirit Squad and teaches students through her school’s preschool program. As a 3DE student, her favorite case challenge so far has been The Home Depot National Case Challenge, in which her team received an honorable mention for her school’s first year competing! She loves creating. In her free time, Diana can usually be found painting or drawing. Upon graduation, she plans to attend college as well as the Police Academy in order to become a Homeland Security Investigations agent.
Julian Wayne
JA Finance Park | 7th Grade | Belair Middle School | Richmond County
Julian Wayne is a member of his school track team and football team, as well as being a peer mediator. He also enjoys wrestling and spending time with his family and friends. He is inspired by multiple family members who have instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in him. Julian is currently exploring his future options while cultivating his love for sports, history, and business.
Caroline Williamson
3DE | 12th Grade | West Forsyth High School | Forsyth County
Caroline Williamson has been greatly inspired by the leadership and community of 3DE. Throughout her four years in the program, she learned the value of entrepreneurship, career readiness, and financial literacy. She displays a deep passion for music and uses playing percussion as a way to express herself. Additionally, she participated in the concert band program and the marching band, earning the title of Front Ensemble Captain in 2023. In her senior year, she applied her experience in 3DE to her year-long senior consulting project. Caroline is now studying music education at Western Carolina University.