By Margaret Schell


T he sixth in her family to attend Georgia College & State University, incoming freshman Abi Bragg is hoping to begin her college career as the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of America.

Named the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Georgia — a title awarded by the oldest and largest national scholarship program for high school girls in the country, formerly known as Junior Miss — Bragg is now competing at the national level. 

She takes the stage June 26-28, in Mobile, Alabama, in an event that challenges participants to illustrate their empowerment through academics, physical fitness, morality, character and social/civic participation.

“While this is a competition, and we want to give it our all in hopes for a life-changing scholarship, being in Mobile feels like I’ve already won 10 times over because of every person I’ve met and story I’ve heard,” Bragg said. “While only a few walk away with a medal, each of us becomes someone who changes lives by making a positive impact on the world around us.” 

Bragg is no stranger to the DYW competition. April Brooks Bragg ('00) led the program in Milledgeville, Georgia. Prior to that, April competed in the statewide 1996 Junior Miss program.

“It’s been a lifelong journey for her,” April said of her daughter. “Abi grew up understanding how this competition is rooted in being the best version of yourself. Representing that on a statewide platform, then participating with 49 other winners from across the U.S. is her dream come true.”

Bobcat Nation can cheer Abi on from afar by tuning into the Distinguished Young Woman National Finals livestream.

Deep Roots

Georgia College has been central to the Bragg’s family story for decades.

April Brooks and husband Terry Bragg ('95) met as students on campus and have been married for 25 years. While the family lived in Milledgeville, Abi performed youth dance recitals at GCSU. Today, she looks forward to returning to campus to begin her college career in pursuit of becoming a nurse anesthetist.

“I want to work with kids through surgery, explain the procedure and how they can have more autonomy over their body in that difficult time,” she said. “I also want patients’ stories to continue, because you're not just saving lives, you're saving a lifetime of experiences.”

Abi’s father, Terry — a middle school band director for the past 29 years — recalls the impact that Georgia College professors have had on his life and career. Former music professor Dr. Todd Shiver, in fact, introduced him to the field by making him pep band director for basketball games.

“As we watched the game, Dr. Shiver said, ‘You'd be great with kids. You should try a school practicum to decide if you want to major in music,’” Terry remembers. “Dr. Shiver changed my life.” 

Meanwhile, April credits former professors Drs. Amy Burt, Robin Harris, Chris Hendley, Scott Dillard and Jan Hoffmann for bringing out her talents for public speaking and motivating others. 

As president and CEO of Robins Regional Chamber, April currently works as a champion for her community, facilitating business growth and connecting people with resources to encourage economic development in Warner Robins, Georgia.

“My time as a theater major prepared me well for my success at the chamber,” April said. 

She starred in theatrical productions as a student and was a member of the inaugural New Max Noah Singers, show choir, jazz band and more. 

April’s aunts and uncles also enjoyed their time at GCSU.

Melinda Sanders Fowler ('85) earned her bachelor's in psychology and is a semi-retired teacher. Bonnie Roberts Sanders ('76) earned a bachelor’s in business management and went on to teach at Montessori School. Her husband, Mike Sanders’ ('77) was a Marine then worked in aerospace. Although April’s great uncle, Horace Sanders, is not an alumnus, he oversaw the renovation of Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, a national historic landmark; while her grandfather, Julian Sanders, worked with his twin brothers for decades on campus.

“Give yourself the opportunity to fall in love with Georgia College,” April advised incoming students. “You just need to be ready for it and willing to be vulnerable, because it’s not only a moment in time of your college experience, but it’s something you’ll carry forward.”

Header Images: Abi Bragg at the Distinguished Young Woman of America National Finals in Mobile, Alabama (Photo: Ruby Media); April, Abi and Terry Bragg at GCSU’s orientation (Photo: Anna Leavitt)