J.Tyler’s Keeper Foundation Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients

ATLANTA, Aug. 10, 2026 — J.Tyler’s Keeper Foundation is proud to announce Andrea Acosta and Asia Lanham as the recipients of the 2026 J.Tyler’s Keeper Foundation Scholarship. The foundation selected these two exceptional young women in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, community service, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities and future careers.

“Investing in young people means investing in the future,” said Tracy Jackson, J.Tyler’s Keeper Foundation CEO. “Andrea and Asia exemplify the purpose of this scholarship through their dedication to academic achievement, leadership, service, and their vision. We are honored to support them as they begin this next chapter.”

Andrea Acosta: University of Georgia

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Andrea Acosta, the 2026 Valedictorian of Heritage High School, graduated with the highest GPA in her senior class, earning an impressive 4.53 GPA. She also graduated from the Rockdale Career Academy.

A dedicated student leader, Acosta served as FCCLA President and Key Club Vice President and was an active member of National Beta Club, National Honor Society, the Yearbook Committee, RCA Ambassador, BIG Future Ambassador, and the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy. Her academic accomplishments include receiving the UGA Award of Merit and the Forensics Top Student Award.

Acosta demonstrated a strong commitment to serving her community, accumulating more than 200 hours of community service through clubs, organizations, community cleanups, poster decorating, passion projects, and other service initiatives. She has also served as a student tutor and mentor at Bright Future for Kids, helping students ages 5–17 with their academic needs while encouraging them to build confidence.

Her academic preparation includes Advanced Placement coursework and eight Dual Enrollment courses through Georgia Piedmont Technical College and Georgia Military College.

Acosta will attend the University of Georgia in Athens, where she plans to pursue Interior Design and Film and Media Studies. Her career goal is to become a Set Designer/Architect, combining her creativity, passion for design, and love of film.

Asia Lanham: Howard University

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Asia Lanham, a 4.0 GPA graduate of ALANHS at Newton High School, has distinguished herself through academic achievement, leadership, community service, and a clear commitment to a future in law and public service.

Lanham's honors include being named a Horatio Alger National Scholar, Gates Scholarship Finalist, University of Georgia Merit Scholar, Jackie Robinson Foundation Quarterfinalist, and GCAPP Youth Ambassador of the Year. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club.

Her leadership experience spans her school and community. Lanham served as Marine Corps JROTC Company Commander, National Beta Club Community Service Chair, Junior Varsity Softball Captain, Georgia School Boards Association Youth Advisor, Georgia Secretary of State Ambassador, and Newton County Youth Commissioner, among other roles.

With more than 180 hours of community service, Lanham has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to giving back. Her interest in law and public service has been strengthened through experiences including the Justice Robert Benham Law Camp, RoadMap to Law School, the Close Up Washington, D.C. Program, and an internship at the DeKalb County Courthouse. At the Benham Law Camp, she was recognized as Second Best Attorney on Cross-Examination.

Lanham will attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she plans to major in Political Science with aspirations of becoming an attorney.

Investing in the Future

Through the scholarship, J.Tyler’s Keeper Foundation is continuing its commitment to supporting young people who demonstrate not only academic achievement, but also leadership, service, perseverance, and purpose.

Andrea Acosta and Asia Lanham represent two distinct paths toward creating positive change. Their accomplishments reflect years of hard work and dedication, while their goals point toward futures centered on creativity, leadership, law, service, and community impact.

“Congratulations to Andrea and Asia on this tremendous achievement,” Jackson said. “Your accomplishments are impressive, but what makes us most proud is the purpose behind them — your commitment to learning, leading, serving others, and building a future that extends beyond yourselves. Keep leading. Keep serving. Keep dreaming. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see the impact you make.”

About J.Tyler’s Keeper Foundation

J.Tyler’s Keeper Foundation is committed to investing in the next generation by supporting young people in their pursuit of education, leadership, service, and personal growth. Through scholarships and community-focused initiatives, the foundation works to encourage students to pursue their goals and use their talents to make a positive difference in the world.