As the school year draws to a close, North Gwinnett High School senior Kya Garcia is preparing for her next chapter at Georgia Southern University. But before she turns the page, she takes a moment to reflect on her years growing up in Edinburgh—a place that has become more than just a neighborhood; it’s home.

Kya’s journey in Edinburgh began six years ago when her family moved from Duluth. While switching schools in the middle of seventh grade was challenging, she quickly found her place, making lifelong friends through school and sports. “At the time, moving didn’t seem ideal, but looking back, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Kya shares. “The friendships I’ve built here are some of the best, and as we all head off to different colleges, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye.”

Family is at the heart of Kya’s story. She lives with her dad Karl, her mom Amanda, and two brothers, Lio (15) and Nicholas (23)—an athletic duo who have fueled her love for baseball. “I’ve been to more baseball games than I can count,” she laughs. “Even though my oldest brother has graduated college, my younger brother, Lio, keeps the family baseball tradition alive.”

A soon-to-be nursing major at Georgia Southern, Kya is following in the footsteps of her cousin Hannah, a GSU nursing graduate now working in Savannah. But her connection to the university runs even deeper—as her father Karl played baseball there and graduated from the same institution. “It feels like I’m carrying on a legacy,” she says with pride.

Outside of school, Kya has a love for volleyball, having played competitively for nine years, and she looks forward to continuing the sport at the intramural level in college. In her free time, she enjoys reading at coffee shops or by the pool and traveling—especially to the Dominican Republic, where she admires the breathtaking beaches. And when it comes to favorite local spots, Kya loves indulging in a Goldie Mango Bowl at Playa Bowls or enjoying a meal at Sushi Nami or Bravos.

Edinburgh holds countless cherished memories for Kya, from babysitting neighborhood kids to cruising through the streets with her family on a golf cart during summer evenings. “Those summer nights, when everyone is outside, walking their dogs, and just enjoying the community, are my absolute favorite,” she reminisces.

As she prepares to leave for college, Kya is both nostalgic and excited. “It’s hard to say goodbye to a place that’s meant so much to me, but I know Edinburgh will always be home,” she says. Though her next adventure awaits, her heart remains deeply tied to the neighborhood that shaped her.

Congratulations, Kya! Edinburgh is proud of you and can’t wait to see all you accomplish.