| salutatorian |
CCHS 2023 salutatorian
Eric Garcia credits his family for perseverance , success
by Akilah C . Clarke
“ Success is no accident . It is hard work , perseverance , learning , studying , sacrifice and most of all , love of what you are doing or learning to do .” — Pelé
At the tender age of 18 , graduating second in his high school class of 510 students , 2023 Colquitt County High School salutatorian Eric Andrew Garcia can rightfully claim his success has been no accident , in keeping with the quote by Brazilian soccer great Edson Arantes do Nascimento , more popularly known as Pelé .
Garcia , the third youngest of eight children , comes from a first-generation immigrant family . He credits examples set by his parents and siblings , all of whom consistently encouraged him to strive for greatness in all aspects of his life .
“ All of my [ older ] brothers , they ’ ve gotten their college degrees , but my mama – she ’ s always pushed me . Her highest education back in Mexico was probably until the eighth grade . When she got here , she got her GED and then her associate ’ s , which I ’ m very proud of her for .”
Bound for Georgia Tech , where he will major in business administration and minor in computer science , Garcia went on to detail how earning the title of salutatorian was a way of paying homage to those who paved the way for him .
“ What it really means to me is giving back to my roots , that I was able to push myself and make it to where I am – to show that despite adversity , you can do it ,” he said . “ It ’ s all about hard work – a reflection of the hard work that I ’ ve put in in order to not only complete my dreams , but my family ’ s dreams .”
He further explained how his parents supported him , always wanting him to do well in school . Periodically , when his parents were busy running the family business , Garcia Farms in Adel ,
The Garcia family poses in front of the sign outside their farm near Adel . From left are Fernando Hernandez , Richard Garcia , Saul Garcia Sr ., Daniel Garcia , Saul Garcia Jr ., Eric Garcia and Raymon Garcia .
24 MoultrieScene JULY 2023