Lauryn Carter was in sixth grade when she lost her mother to cancer. By eighth grade, she set her sights on Georgia Tech — even though the schools in Americus, Georgia, didn’t offer much engineering curriculum.
On Friday — with the aid of a Tech Promise scholarship — she will graduate debt-free as a first-generation college student with a degree in industrial systems and engineering. At the end of the ceremony, Lauryn will turn a special tassel that features a picture of her and her mother, whom she says has been with her every step of the way.
After graduation, she’s headed to Texas to work for @pepsi. #WeCanDoThat #GT26 💪🎓💛🐝
Not sure if this is a thing everywhere, but seniors give their jerseys to the teachers who had the greatest impact on their lives. Thank you to the teachers who really make a difference in these kids' lives.
Had a great time serving our Coweta County community with @SHPbeds ! Nobody should go without a place to rest their head and the Vikings are happy to do their part!
#ETH
Looking forward to another Homeroom Wednesday Connect tomorrow! This is a great opportunity for our students to learn more about the amazing programs at CEC presented by their peers. Students, do not miss out!
130 schools said no.
He led the losingest program in college football history to a national championship anyway.
Fernando Mendoza was a 2-star recruit from Miami.
He tried to walk on at his hometown school. They passed.
So did FIU.
So did FAU.
So did everyone else.
At 17, he was sitting in his bedroom, crying over a silent recruiting inbox—after driving to 18 camps with his dad and sending highlights to more than 100 programs.
Not one FBS offer.
His only option? Yale. No scholarship. No NFL path.
Everyone told him to be “realistic.”
“Know your place.”
“Be grateful.”
He didn’t listen.
Because Mendoza understood something most people miss:
The worst outcome isn’t failing.
It’s never getting the chance to try.
Two weeks before signing day in 2022, his phone rang.
Cal needed a body. One offer. Out of 134 schools.
He took it.
He arrived as the third-string quarterback.
Spent a year on the scout team.
Lost his first four starts.
Got sacked 41 times behind a broken offensive line.
Still got up. Every time.
Then Cal brought in a transfer instead of building around him.
So Mendoza left the only school that had ever said yes.
He transferred to Indiana—the losingest program in college football history.
People laughed.
“Career suicide.”
“Graveyard program.”
“Nobody wins there.”
One coach told him something different:
“I’m going to make you the best Fernando Mendoza possible.”
That was enough.
Mendoza wasn’t just playing for football.
His mother has battled multiple sclerosis for 18 years.
Before every snap, he thought of her.
“My mother is my why.”
Indiana went 16–0.
Beat six Top-10 teams.
Won their first Big Ten title since 1945.
Mendoza threw 41 touchdowns.
Won the Heisman—first in school history.
First Cuban-American to ever do it.
Then came the title game.
Miami. Near his hometown.
Fourth-and-4. Season on the line.
Quarterback draw.
The kid 134 schools rejected spun through defenders and dove into the end zone.
Game over.
Indiana—national champions.
The losingest program became the best team in America.
All because a 17-year-old refused to believe “no” was the end.
Rankings don’t decide your ceiling.
Gatekeepers don’t write your ending.
Being overlooked isn’t a verdict—it’s a starting point.
Sometimes all you need is one shot…
and the courage to bet on yourself when nobody else will.
Don’t quit.
Credit: Barclay Mullins
Congratulations to Faith (1st Place), Meagan (2nd Place) and Azariah (3rd Place) for winning the 2026 MLK Day Oratorical Competition held by the NAACP Coweta Chapter. This competition was open to all Juniors and Seniors in the county and judged by Truist Bank. So proud!
@RayMartin79059@goodbreffis Katz Deli in New York City. You can order online and have it shipped but there’s nothing like the in person experience in Manhattan. Great pastrami, Ruebens, latkes, and cheese cake!!!
CBS Atlanta's Sam Crenshaw has been recognized as NSMA's 2025 Georgia Sportscaster of the Year. The veteran sportscaster was among six finalists for the honor. https://t.co/Al4iCfFcnQ
“It is not enough for us to restrain from doing evil, unless we shall also do good.” -St. Jerome
Make it a great day…or not. The choice yours. #BeGREAT