My name is Bailee Elizabeth Johnston, and I’ve never been afraid of hard work.
From a young age in Chatsworth, Georgia, I’ve had a quiet but unshakable drive to do more, to be more. I was the kid who actually loved school—not just because of the grades, but because I saw every assignment, every challenge, as a step closer to the future I’ve always dreamed of.
By the time I was a sophomore at North Murray High School, I had already started college courses at Dalton State College, and now, as a junior, I’m a full-time college student on track to graduate high school with my associate degree. With a 4.1 GPA I’ve consistently pushed myself academically, earning awards like Best in English and Best in Science along the way. Recently I’ve earned the Certificate of Merit issued by the state and university of Georgia.
But my story isn’t just about academics. It’s about growth through challenge—learning how to stand tall in the face of adversity. Middle and high school weren’t always easy. I often felt out of place and struggled with strained relationships, depression, and the heartbreak of losing loved ones at a young age. But those experiences lit a fire in me. I made a promise to myself: I would become the kind of person I needed myself to be when I was younger—strong, driven, and resilient.
That strength carried me through not just school but everything else I poured myself into. I was involved in Student Council during my freshman and sophomore years, where I held the position of “St. Nick Officer”—organizing gifts for children in need during the holidays. I also found my voice on stage, performing in three theatre productions and even winning Best Actress at the one-act competition for “The Tree.” I competed in literary events, played volleyball and track, and took part in gymnastics, archery, and dance. Each activity, each competition, wasn’t just an extracurricular—it was another way for me to prove to myself that I could keep going.
I’ve also worked hard to give back to the community that raised me, volunteering with the Murray County Humane Society and Chatsworth Healthcare Center. Serving others grounds me, reminds me why I work so hard, and keeps me focused on the bigger picture.
My future? It’s already in motion. I plan to attend either Coastal College of Georgia or Georgia Southern and become a CPA by my early twenties. I’m already studying accounting at Dalton State and I’m passionate about the kind of stability, clarity, and independence a career in accounting can offer—not just for myself, but for those I hope to serve.
At the end of the day, I live by a few simple truths: Every day is all that you have. If you don’t define your worth, others will. Balance matters—yes, diamonds are made under pressure, but dough rises when you let it rest. I aim to live in that balance: driven, but grounded; ambitious, but authentic.
And this is just the beginning.
