Thank you to everyone who joined us for the annual Georgia Laws of Life Teacher & Rotarian Workshop Luncheon! We had a wonderful turnout of educators, Rotarians, and supporters as we came together to kick off the 2026-2027 contest year.

Julie Goldberg, Georgia Laws of Life Board Co-Chair and member of the Rotary Club of Midtown Atlanta, opened the luncheon by highlighting the incredible partnership between Georgia Laws of Life and Rotary Clubs across the state. She also shared an exciting milestone: we are quickly approaching one million essays written by Georgia students since the program began. As we look toward that milestone and the future of Georgia Laws of Life, Julie highlighted several exciting initiatives underway, including a KSU capstone project supporting our efforts to modernize our technology and database, our first-ever marketing intern through Emory’s Ethics and Student Leadership Program, and our work with Pro Bono Analytics to better understand our impact and tell the Georgia Laws of Life story through data.

As we prepare for thousands of students to begin writing their own Laws of Life this fall, attendees were reminded of where that journey can lead. State Winner Sydney Mucke and Susan G. Mason Founder’s Award recipient Sydney Harwell each took the stage to share their award-winning essays, giving attendees the opportunity to hear their stories in their own words. Felicia Gunn , McIntosh High School Contest Chair, also shared highlights from her school’s contest and the impact she sees in her students. It was a powerful way to begin a new contest year: by hearing from the students who experienced it firsthand.

Georgia Laws of Life Executive Director Carol Gray Walker shared important contest information for the year ahead, including essay requirements and participation minimums that give students the opportunity to compete for state-level awards. She also introduced new ways to build excitement and recognize participation this year, including gift card drawings for students and a new drawing for teachers who bring the contest into their classrooms. Georgia Laws of Life will also continue its School Contest Chair honorarium and recognize the ELA teachers of the State Winner, Susan G. Mason Founder’s Award winner, and Character in Action Award winner. Together, these efforts are designed to engage more students while showing our appreciation for the educators who make the contest possible.

Although our scheduled guest speaker and Georgia Laws of Life alum Duane Carver was unfortunately unable to join us, attendees had the opportunity to watch Jackie Harmon’s moving remarks from the Rotary District 6900 Conference this spring, a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Georgia Laws of Life can have on the young people we serve.

Thank you to everyone who helped us start another exciting year. We can’t wait to see the stories Georgia students will share with us in the months ahead.

Celebrate With Us at the Founders Celebration

Please note our new date! The Founders Celebration returns November 4 at the Dunwoody Country Club, and we hope Rotary Clubs, businesses, and individual supporters from across Georgia will join us for our signature annual event.

It’s an evening of cocktails, food, celebration, and inspiring student stories as Rotarians, educators, business leaders, and community supporters come together to celebrate Georgia’s top student essays and honor the students, teachers, and supporters who make it all possible.

There are several ways to be part of this special evening:

• Business Sponsorships | $1,000–$5,000: Designed for businesses and organizations seeking greater visibility while demonstrating their commitment to education and student voice.
• Friends of the Founders Celebration | $250–$1,000: An opportunity for individuals and Rotary Clubs to help celebrate this year’s remarkable students and teachers.
• Rotary Clubs: Clubs are welcome to participate at either level, whether becoming a Friend of the Founder’s Celebration or selecting a sponsorship opportunity that provides additional recognition and event benefits.

Whether you participate through your Rotary Club, your business, or personally, your support helps us celebrate remarkable students and teachers while giving young people across Georgia the opportunity to reflect on what matters most, discover their voice, and shape their future.

Ready to celebrate with us? View sponsorship opportunities and purchase tickets here.

Have questions or interested in discussing a sponsorship? Contact Bob Hagan, D6900 PDG, at bhagan@sterling-health.com or Carol Gray Walker, GLL Executive Director, at carol@georgialawsoflife.com.