It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton Academy graduate Haley Marquez-Nieves!

During her time at The Dalton Academy, Haley Marquez-Nieves was an exceptional and highly involved student who made the absolute most of every opportunity. On campus, she participated in volleyball, soccer, flag football, Translation Academy, and served all four years on the Student Council. Haley’s hard work led to remarkable achievements, including winning a Young Georgia Authors award, maintaining solid grades, and graduating, a milestone that honors the sacrifices her parents made to give their children a thriving future. When she looks back at her high school journey, her favorite memories are being able to grab morning coffee with her friends and having opportunities to bond with her classmates. This fall, Haley will attend Dalton State College to pursue social work and human resources, with dreams of one day opening her own practice in adolescent therapy to ensure every child feels heard and supported. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Haley’s passion and dedication, and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future!

Way to go Haley!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Maria Carla Cuervo!

Throughout her time at Dalton High School, Maria Carla Cuervo was an exceptionally dedicated student who demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to her education. As an immigrant student, she had to adapt to a new country, language, and culture. Despite facing many challenges, she was able to pass the ESL test, maintain A’s and B’s, take AP and IB courses, and complete Dual Enrollment classes at Dalton State College. Maria was also involved in the DHS HoPe Club and the National Honor Society, all while balancing her academic responsibilities with work and personal growth. Her greatest achievements include receiving honor recognition in subjects like biology, math, history, and literature, as well as graduating and continuing her education. When she looks back at her high school journey, her favorite memories remain the deep connections made with her friends and wonderful teachers. This fall, Maria will attend Dalton State College to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, aiming to expand her business knowledge and help immigrants manage and achieve financial stability. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Maria’s perseverance and hard work, and we look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the future!

Way to go Maria!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Yesenia Cruz Delabra!

During her time at Dalton High School, Yesenia Cruz Delabra was an exceptionally talented student who dedicated her time to the arts. She was an active member of DHS Choirs for three years, proudly singing in the Beginner, Women’s, and Catamount Choirs, while also participating as the marching band manager for a year. She also spent her time pushing herself out of her comfort zone to keep up with her studies and succeed in her AP classes. When Yesenia looks back at all of her outstanding achievements, her favorites remain getting more involved on campus and finally graduating. This fall, Yesenia will attend Dalton State College to major in Nursing. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Yesenia’s creative dedication, and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in her future!

Way to go Yesenia!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Kerin Chicas!

While Kerin Chicas attended Dalton High School, he spent his time as a student who had a deep passion for academics and music technology. He maintained a schedule of being an active member of the National Honor Society. Kerin’s hard work and commitment resulted in him keeping A’s and B’s throughout all four years. As a student of Mr. Gibson’s Music Tech class, his greatest achievements include successfully running the DHS library’s “Tiny Desk” concerts and serving as a co-DJ at the homecoming dance. When he looks back at all of his memories made during high school, his favorite memories are being able to travel to Lee University on a school trip and being nominated for this senior spotlight. This fall, Kerin plans to attend Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to study to become an electrician. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Kerin’s outstanding hard work, and we look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in the future!

Way to go Kerin!

Brookwood, Westwood, and Dalton High families: Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Are Now Available – in English & Spanish!

The 2026–2027 Free & Reduced Lunch Application is open!

Everyone is encouraged to complete a new application each year, even if you’ve qualified in the past.
Submit your application by September 1, 2026. A new application is required each year, and last year’s status will expire on September 18.

Apply online or pick up a limited paper copy at the front office of any Dalton school.
ENGLISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=1
SPANISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=2

🍎 It’s About More Than a Meal!
✅ Access to free or reduced prices on healthy, delicious meals
✅ Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams
✅ Eligibility for college scholarships and academic programs
✅ Helps maintain critical student services and enrichment programs

Take a few minutes to apply—it’s a small step that supports big opportunities for your student!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Emely Aguirre!

Throughout her time at Dalton High School, Emely Aguirre was seen as an exceptionally dedicated student with a deep passion for community service. She had created a balanced schedule leading both the HoPe Club and Interact Club, while also being an active member of the DHS volleyball team, Beta Club, DECA, and the National Honor Society. Emely’s unbelievable commitment to helping others resulted in her earning over 500 service hours, which led to prestigious honors from the Rotary Association and the United Way of Northwest Georgia. Serving as a Senior Ambassador on the United Way Youth Council, she was awarded the $5,000 Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding community impact. When she looks back at all of her memories made during high school, her favorite memory remains her senior prom, where she celebrated with her closest friends and was named to the Prom Court. This fall, Emely will attend Dalton State College to major in Early Childhood Education, with plans to bring the same warmth given to her by Mrs. Andersen to her future classroom so every child feels loved, seen, and heard. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Emely’s outstanding hard work, and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in this next chapter!

Way to go Emely!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Kamila Montalvo!

During her time at Dalton High School, Kamila Montalvo was an exceptionally talented student who dedicated her time to the arts. She was a highly active member who spent four years with the DHS Players and Catamount Singers, proudly holding officer positions in both organizations, while also participating in every DHS drama production since she started high school in 2022. She also spent two years dedicating her time to the Buddy Program. When Kamila reflects on her many outstanding achievements, her favorites are earning first place as the Regional Champion in Literary Dramatic Interpretation and placing third at state level. This fall, Kamila will attend Dalton State College to major in Marketing. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Kamila’s creative dedication, and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in her future!

Way to go Kamila!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton Academy graduate Jose Vela!

While he attended The Dalton Academy, Jose Vela stood out as an engaged student who was dedicated to hands-on learning and innovation. He maintained a schedule balancing school clubs such as DECA and Junior Civitan, while also actively participating in 3DE programs. His accomplishments in high school are all highlighted by his hands-on work with 3DE, where he collaborated directly with local businesses to solve real-world problems. This fall, Jose will begin his next chapter by attending Genesis Career College to study HVAC technology, a high-demand field that allows him to work with his hands and stay active. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Jose and his practical problem-solving skills, and we look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in his next chapter!

Way to go Jose!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates! 

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Shamyra Robinson!

During her time at Dalton High School, Shamyra completed the Teaching as a Profession Pathway, where she gained valuable hands-on experience through a practicum in a Pre-K classroom at City Park School. With a genuine love for working with children, Shamyra embraced every opportunity to grow her skills and prepare for her future. She also made history as the first student in the pathway to take the Paraprofessional GACE as her End of Pathway Assessment, and she successfully passed the exam! Although her next chapter is taking her in a different direction, Shamyra was excited to earn this credential and add another valuable accomplishment to her résumé. Shamyra has chosen to serve our country by enlisting in the United States Navy, and Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of her hard work, dedication, and willingness to pursue new opportunities. We look forward to seeing all the amazing things she accomplishes next!

Way to go Shamyra!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Emmanuel Munoz!

During his time at Dalton High School, Emmanuel Munoz stood out as an accomplished student-athlete who dedicated himself to making a positive impact on everyone around him. As a well-rounded campus leader, Emmanuel balanced his time between the football and lacrosse teams while staying actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Catholic Club. His hard work earned him the Scholar Athlete award, and his athletic career was highlighted by a historic run to the Sweet 16 in football and helping win the first regional game in Dalton lacrosse history. When reflecting on his time as a Catamount, his absolute favorite memory was the thrilling experience of defeating rival Calhoun during his sophomore year. This fall, Emmanuel will begin his higher education journey at Dalton State College before transferring to Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to pursue a degree in Fire Science, a major step toward fulfilling his goal of becoming a firefighter. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Emmanuel’s leadership and determination, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he continues to make in his next chapter!

Way to go Emmanuel!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Adrian Cerda-Marquez!

As he attended Dalton High School, Adrian Cerda-Marquez stood out as a motivated student-athlete and an inspiring role model for other students. As a member of the DHS football team, Adrian took great pride in setting a positive example for others both on and off the field. One of his absolute favorite high school memories was scoring a touchdown, alongside the rewarding experience of building meaningful connections with teammates across different grade levels. Adrian’s journey holds a special significance for his family, as he proudly marks the third individual in his family to graduate high school and pursue a college education. This fall, Adrian will attend Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to study Automotive Technology. Dalton Public Schools is incredibly proud of Adrian’s leadership and athletic dedication, and we look forward to seeing him excel in his next chapter!

Way to go Adrian!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Paula Gonzalez!

As Paula Gonzalez spent her time at Dalton High School, she was an exceptionally resilient and accomplished student. After adapting to a new environment and mastering a new language, Paula consistently maintained outstanding grades while still becoming involved on campus. She was also able to develop strong leadership and teamwork skills as a dedicated member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. Her passion for giving back also extended outside the school environment, where she spent time volunteering at the Humane Society of Northwest Georgia. When she looks back at all the memories she has created, her favorites all center around being a part of the DHS Color Guard team during her senior year, especially the energy of performing at Friday night football games, traveling to competitions, and celebrating their many victories together with her closest friends. This fall, Paula will begin her next chapter by attending Dalton State College before transferring to Kennesaw State University to major in Civil Engineering. Dalton Public Schools is immensely proud of Paula’s perseverance and academic success, and we cannot wait to see all she builds in her future!

Way to go Paula!

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our
recent graduates!

Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate Belma Lopez!

Throughout her time at Dalton High School, Belma Lopez demonstrated incredible dedication, creativity, and motivation. Belma focused heavily on her academics and personal growth while successfully balancing outside responsibilities, which included helping her family and launching her own business creating bouquets. One of her proudest achievements was keeping her grades high and staying focused on finishing strong even after missing school to help her mother recover following surgery. When she reflects on her time as a Catamount, Belma looks back fondly on the supportive teachers and friends who helped her along the way, as well as the unforgettable, proud moment she and her family shared upon her college acceptance. This fall, Belma will attend Dalton State College to study Radiologic Technology, a career path inspired by her desire to work in healthcare and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Dalton Public Schools is immensely proud of Belma’s hard work and creative spirit, and we look forward to seeing all she achieves in her next chapter!

Way to go Belma!