Sarah McPherson, First Presbyterian Christian Academy’s Class of 2015 valedictorian, attended a reception hosted by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and first lady Sandra Deal to honor the state’s 2015 valedictorians June 6 at the governor’s mansion in Atlanta.  

Valedictorians and their parents enjoyed touring the mansion and grounds, meeting with other valedictorians and guests, and having photos taken with the governor and first lady. Both the governor and first lady, as well as other speakers, encouraged the valedictorians to continue to work hard, remember the communities they come from and strive to use their abilities and future careers to benefit their local communities and state.  

McPherson — who also is FPCA’s STAR Student, Shining Senior and Washington Youth Tour delegate — has received numerous other academic awards and honors. She has been accepted to the Honors Program at Georgia Regents University in Augusta and plans to major in nursing. Upon graduation, she plans to complete her graduate work at GRU’s Medical College of Georgia to become a certified registered-nurse anesthetist.