A mother from Georgia contacted me recently about her daughter, BreAnna Nicole White (”Breezy”), who just graduated with an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree this month from Georgia Highlands College in Rome, Georgia, part of the University System of Georgia. She had a 4.0 GPA (straight A’s), earned President’s List honors, and received the Excellence in Social Sciences award. What makes her accomplishment even more special is that she also happens to have Down syndrome. Breezy is one of a growing number of people from around the country who are breaking stereotypes about what individuals with Down syndrome can achieve. There are over 360 post-secondary programs at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S. for people with intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome. Here is an article featuring Breezy’s accomplishment that appeared on the Georgia Highlands College website.
Breezy White Breaks Barriers, Inspires Others Through Graduation Achievement at Georgia Highlands College
May 13, 20026
Georgia Highlands College is celebrating the remarkable journey of Breezy White, whose path to earning an Associate of Science degree represents perseverance, determination and the power of opportunity.
A 2026 graduate and trailblazer for individuals with Down syndrome, White said attending Georgia Highlands College fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to college and becoming the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from GHC and to earn a college degree in the state of Georgia.
“I have always dreamed of going to college,” White said. “I wanted to be the first person with Down syndrome to do this at GHC, and I did it.”
White chose Georgia Highlands College because of its welcoming atmosphere and supportive environment, describing the campus community “like family.”
During her time at GHC, White excelled in a variety of classes, including sociology, English, history and art, also earning her CPR certification. Though statistics proved challenging, persistence and hard work helped her overcome obstacles.
“I practiced over and over, took lots of notes, and stayed focused,” White said.
Some of White’s favorite on-campus experiences included competing in several speech competitions at GHC, including earning runner-up honors in one competition. She has also participated in the college’s Academic Showcase for four consecutive years, where she highlighted her crocheting talents and creativity.
In 2026, White received the Honors Award for Excellence in Social Sciences, presented by Professor of Psychology Elizabeth Dose, recognizing her achievements in psychology and social sciences. She was also recognized as one of the top psychology students at GHC.
Academically, White earned a place on the President’s List for the spring 2026 semester after achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA with all A’s.
Outside the classroom, White has built an impressive record of service and advocacy. She is CPR certified and actively involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, where she serves on the board for My Voice My Participation My Board. She has remained active with the organization since being named Buddy of the Year in 2016.
White also recently received recognition at the Georgia State Capitol during National Down Syndrome Day, describing the experience as “awesome” and saying it opened new doors and opportunities. She says she was honored to meet Rep. Scott Hilton and Rep. Matthew Gambill.
Her impact has also been recognized through Ruby’s Rainbow, which raised enough support to establish a scholarship in her honor.
On campus, White is involved in both the Psychology Club and the Woman to Woman Club, further demonstrating her commitment to leadership and community engagement.
In addition, White is active in her church community, where she serves as an assistant teacher in the youth program, continuing her passion for mentoring and serving others.
This week, her latest accomplishment will put her center stage.
“It means everything,” White said. “It was my dream to go to college and earn this degree. I worked so hard to be here today.”
Throughout her college journey, support from professors, classmates, friends and family played a major role in White’s success.
“All of my professors were supportive and helpful,” White said. “I feel like they became my friends. They believed in me.”
After graduation, White plans to continue pursuing acting classes, earn her driver’s license, and enter a medical assistant program. Long term, White hopes to work with children and potentially become a teacher.
“I love working with kids,” White said.
White hopes her story will encourage others to pursue their goals regardless of obstacles.
“I hope people see that someone with Down syndrome is capable of achieving great things when given the opportunity and support,” White said. “Everyone deserves to be seen for their abilities.”
_____________________________________
For more information about the assets, talents, and strengths of people with intellectual disabilities like Down syndrome, see my books:
- The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Neurodivergent Brain (Completely Revised and Updated Second Edition), and
- Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strength-Based Strategies to Help Students with Special Needs Succeed in School and Life.
Watch videos on my ”The Power of Neurodiversity” You Tube playlist.
Subscribe to my blog feed and receive a 200-item Neurodiversity Strengths Checklist
This page was brought to you by Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. and www.institute4learning.com.
