We will feature each of the Bulloch County valedictorians this weekend, courtesy of Bulloch County Schools. Congratulations, Emily!
Emily Peacock, 18, Southeast Bulloch High School’s 2025 valedictorian, is not only graduating at the top of her class—she’s also heading straight toward her lifelong dream. With early action acceptance to the University of Georgia, her first and only college application, Emily plans to pursue a degree in biology with a pre-dental focus.
“I am very interested in this career field, and I hope to attend dental school after finishing my undergraduate degree,” she said.
This academic passion took root in high school through her involvement in her high school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter. Competing in dental terminology at the regional, state, and national levels, Emily found her calling. Now, she’s ready to follow it.
“My mom always told me to keep my eye on the prize—stay goal-directed, stay focused,” she said. “It validates that you can make your dreams come true if you put in the extra effort.”
That effort has been years in the making. Although she didn’t hold the top academic spot in middle school, Emily captured the highest overall GPA in her freshman year at Southeast Bulloch High and worked relentlessly to maintain it.
“I did not win it my sophomore year, and I was second in my class,” she recalled. “Interestingly, I think going from first to second motivated me more than being awarded first did.”
She returned to the top spot in her junior year and never looked back. Her final GPA edged out the salutatorian’s by just a few tenths of a point.
Emily’s love for science fueled much of her academic enthusiasm, especially in classes like honors chemistry and advanced placement biology.
“I love figuring out how and why things work together,” she said.
She also credits her success to standout teachers and early academic mentors, including sixth-grade English teacher Nicole Maldonado and elementary gifted teacher Joey Harvey.
“Ms. Maldonado taught me to be kind to myself and to be proud of anything I accomplish, first place or not,” Emily said. “Ms. Harvey made her classroom a fun, safe environment where we could be whoever we wanted to be.”
“Emily is one of the most hardworking and determined students I’ve ever had the joy of teaching,” said Maldonado of Southeast Bulloch Middle School. “Even early on in sixth grade, it was clear she held herself to a high standard and met every challenge with determination and persistence. Her becoming valedictorian comes as no surprise to me—it’s a reflection of her dedication and perseverance. I’m truly honored to have been a small part of her journey, and I have no doubt she’ll continue to do amazing things in the years ahead.”
Ms. Harvey of Brooklet Elementary School also had praise for Emily. “Her creativity thrived in my classroom where she approached projects with curiosity and originality,” Harvey said. “I have loved getting to watch her be successful in school and in life. I couldn't be more proud of her.”
In addition to serving as senior class president, Emily took on several officer roles across multiple clubs in high school and dual enrolled in college courses for four semesters. She was inducted into the National Honor Society. She received the Rotary Club of Statesboro Scholarship for $1,000 and the Koch Family Foundation Dependent Scholarship for $2,000.
At UGA, Emily is most excited to go to Athens and room with her best friend.
“We’ve shared many classes and car rides throughout high school, and we’ve both been accepted to UGA through early action and we’re eager to start our next chapter.
Emily says that her parents are extremely proud of her accomplishment.
“They have always made sure I understand the importance of education. They are my biggest motivators and biggest fans.”
Emily wants her classmates to be proud of their successes as well. In her valedictory speech on graduation night, she shared that whatever chapter is next in their story, she hopes each graduate finds devotion, happiness, and security within it.
