Tuesday, May 6, 2025 marked a milestone moment at Bainbridge High School as the campus celebrated the 2025 Teach in the Peach Future Educators’ Signing Day — a powerful tribute to commitment, passion, and purpose. The event honored four remarkable young women who have chosen to pursue a career in education, a calling that builds communities, shapes futures, and leaves a lasting legacy.
This year’s honorees — Kaitlyn Weathersby, Katleen Lopez, Destiny Grijalva, and Alexandra Scott — proudly signed their letters of intent in front of their families, peers, teachers, and community supporters. Each student affirmed her decision to enter the education profession, signaling the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to guiding and empowering future generations.
At Bainbridge High School, the Early Childhood Education program plays a pivotal role in developing future educators through a “Grow Your Own” approach — Growing Tomorrow’s Bearcat Teachers Today. This initiative nurtures local talent and establishes a strong educator pipeline for Bainbridge and Decatur County schools.
“These students represent the very best of our community,” said Tonya Welch, Early Childhood Education instructor at Bainbridge High. “They have demonstrated not only the academic skills and leadership needed to succeed, but also the heart and dedication that define truly exceptional teachers.”
Meet Our Future Educators
Destiny Grijalva – Future Elementary Educator
Destiny Grijalva has always known her purpose is to work with children. From an early age, she felt a strong desire to make a difference in young lives, and teaching quickly became the path that captured her heart. For Destiny, education is about more than academics—it’s about offering love, patience, and support to those who need it most.
Inspired by her teacher and mentor, Mrs. Welch, Destiny experienced firsthand the impact a caring educator can make during difficult times. That experience shaped her vision: to become a teacher her students can always count on—someone who listens, uplifts, and creates a safe space for learning and growth.
Destiny plans to foster a classroom environment filled with joy, acceptance, and open conversations, especially around mental health. Her goal is to ensure every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
She will attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) to study Early Childhood Education.
Katleen Sophia Lopez – Future Elementary Educator
From childhood play to high school preparation, Katleen Sophia Lopez has always envisioned herself as a teacher. Her dream has steadily evolved into a passion for making learning meaningful, joyful, and inclusive. Katleen is especially drawn to second grade, a time she believes is full of curiosity, creativity, and opportunity.
Her role model, Mrs. Welch, showed her that great teaching goes beyond content—it’s about connecting with students, showing empathy, and leading with fairness. Katleen aims to build a classroom where all students feel emotionally supported and free to be themselves.
Deeply rooted in her faith and inspired by Luke 6:40 — “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” — Katleen is committed to leading with integrity and love.
She will attend ABAC to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.
Kaitlyn Renee Weathersby – Future Elementary Educator
Kaitlyn Weathersby’s passion for teaching was born from a place of vulnerability. During a difficult time in her life, a second-grade teacher made school feel safe again. That compassion planted a seed, and over the years—with the encouragement of educators like Mrs. Welch—Kaitlyn’s calling became clear.
She plans to teach students in grades one through three, focusing on building strong relationships and using differentiated instruction to meet each child’s unique needs. Kaitlyn’s philosophy is anchored in a powerful quote: “Students who are loved at home come to school to learn, and students who aren’t come to school to be loved.” She strives to be a teacher who brings both structure and compassion to every child she teaches.
Kaitlyn’s vision is to create a welcoming classroom where students feel confident, respected, and excited to learn.
She will attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) to study Early Childhood Education.
Alexandra Maelee Scott – Future Music Educator
Alexandra Maelee Scott discovered her love for education through the power of music. Years in band—under the mentorship of inspiring directors like Mr. Parker and Mr. Sewell—taught her that music education is about more than notes; it’s about connection, confidence, and community.
Alexandra plans to become a high school band director who balances fun with focus, creativity with discipline, and heart with high expectations. Her classroom will be a safe haven—where students not only grow as musicians but also as individuals. Mental health is central to her mission, and she hopes to offer students a space where they can feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves.
With a sense of humor and wisdom passed down from her own mentors, Alexandra is excited to lead the next generation of musicians.
She will attend Troy University to major in Music Education with a focus on instrumental music.
The signing ceremony also recognized the important role of families, mentors, and educators who support these future teachers every step of the way. “Behind every future educator is a network of encouragement and belief,” said Mrs. Welch. “We thank our families and guests for being that unwavering support.”
As these students step forward to begin their careers in education, the message is clear: the profession needs their energy, passion, and compassion now more than ever. Their journey is just beginning, but their potential to make a lasting impact is limitless.
Congratulations, Kaitlyn, Katleen, Destiny, and Alexandra. Your story is one of purpose, passion, and promise — and we are honored to be part of it.
And remember… in a world where you can be anything — Be a Bearcat Teacher.