Congratulations to 2025 FSC Scholar - Addison Drinnon!
Graduating senior Addison Drinnon has been named the 2025 recipient of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peacemaker Award at Furlow Charter School in Americus, Georgia.
Furlow was the first school in the state of Georgia to become Peace Certified by Mattie’s Peace Foundation back in 2019. Their Peace Certification Project included a Peace Garden outside of the Pre-K to 12 school – a creative and calming space which continues to be enjoyed by Furlow scholars and the local community.
Since becoming Peace Certified, the school has awarded the annual Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peacemaker Award to a graduating senior. “This honor goes to someone who demonstrates choices as a change maker and as an instrument of peace,” said Dr. JoAnna Arnold, former FCS teacher who first brought the idea of Peace Certification to the school.
“This award honors not only Mattie’s legacy, it also reflects the values that have shaped my high school journey.” Drinnon shared. “Being recognized through the Peacemaker Award affirms how much compassion, service, and community have meant to me and how important these experiences will be in shaping my future.”
“Addison is a beautiful example of servant leadership at its finest,” Arnold, who now works as a literacy specialist for Chattahoochee-Flint RESA, added. “She dedicated her high school years in service to her school and community.”
“I remember some amazing ‘Mama Peace Chat’ conversations with Addison while I was in Americus and mentoring staff and students during their Certification journey,” said Dr. Jeni Stepanek, President & Founding Chair of Mattie’s Peace Foundation. “This young scholar was always eager to serve others, to learn and grow as a person, and to role model peace as a choice. What a joy to see her named the recipient of this year’s award!”
Drinnon has been accepted into the Berry College Research Fellows Scholarship program where she plans to explore a career in chemical scientific research.
“I believe the research I will be doing will better our society – whether that be through medical advancements, environmental solutions, or new discoveries,” she said. “I hope to live in a way that not only advances knowledge, but also uplifts others, always remembering that we all matter.”