Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan Board Member District V | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan Board Member District V | Gwinnett County Public Schools
At Lanier High School, the First Generation Club provides a supportive environment for students who are the first in their families to graduate high school or attend college. Established by Dr. Bobby Gueh in 2016, the club addresses the needs of many students from undocumented backgrounds or those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status. Since 2018, Joanna Key has led the club, co-sponsored by Allye Druian, creating a community that acknowledges and supports these students' unique challenges.
The club consists of 40 to 50 members each year and focuses on college and career planning through university field trips, workshops, and participation in the Georgia First Gen Leadership Summit. These activities help students overcome obstacles like Imposter Syndrome and build confidence in their abilities.
The success of the club is highlighted by stories such as Fallou Diagne's acceptance into the University of Georgia’s Accelerated Business program and Emily Nyeswa’s Posse Scholarship award to attend The College of Wooster. Despite challenges such as familial obligations, the club's partnerships and initiatives like Interpretation Nation continue to empower students to contribute to their communities.
Reflecting on the club's impact, Key states, “This club truly makes a difference in students’ lives as they plan for their life after high school.” The Lanier First Generation Club is dedicated to helping students turn their aspirations into reality.
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