Dalton, GA. — Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Dalton High School student Hla Zar has been selected as a recipient of the Emory Classics Gateway Award, a highly competitive scholarship awarded by the Department of Classics at Emory University.
The Emory Classics Gateway Award provides full funding for tuition, room, and board for Emory University’s Pre-College Summer Program. As part of the award, Zar will enroll in the course “Archaeological Investigation: Pompeii and Herculaneum.” In addition to academic study, the program offers immersive experiences on Emory’s campus and throughout the greater Atlanta area.
“Hla is an incredible Latin student, and I am very excited for her to have the opportunity to study Pompeii and the Classics in such a prestigious program," said Latin Teacher Dana Miller.
The Emory Classics Gateway Program seeks to expand access to Emory University, foster interest in Classics among students from diverse backgrounds, and encourage long-term engagement in undergraduate and graduate study within the field.
“Hla’s selection for this prestigious award reflects outstanding academic achievement and intellectual curiosity,” said Principal Dr. Lee Collins. “We are incredibly proud to see a Dalton High School student recognized at the university level for both excellence and potential.”
As a member of the 2026 Gateway cohort, Zar will have opportunities to connect with Emory University’s Classics Department faculty and peers and will be formally recognized during an awards luncheon held as part of the summer program.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Hla Zar on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to celebrating continued success as students pursue advanced academic opportunities beyond the classroom.