Announcing Zac Brown as our 2025 Graduation Commencement Speaker
We are proud and excited to announce that Zac Brown will give the Commencement address at our graduation on May 17, 2025, at 10am.
This event marks not only the graduation of our seniors but also the advancement of learners across all Studios. This momentous occasion brings together our in-person and online learners, creating a powerful gathering of students, families, guides, and community members to honor the achievements of our heroes.
Meet Zac Brown
Zac Brown is the frontman of the Zac Brown Band, a Grammy Award-winning country music group based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a unique blend of country, rock, and folk, the band has released multiple platinum albums and earned 17 number-one hits on the Billboard country charts, along with three Grammy Awards. They also landed 13 number-one hits on the Billboard country charts. Known for their high-energy performances and collaborations with artists like Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Grohl, and Brandi Carlile, they’ve built a reputation as one of the most versatile and beloved bands in country music.
Beyond music, Zac is passionate about giving back. He founded Camp Southern Ground, a 450-acre nonprofit camp in Fayetteville, Georgia, where children of all abilities, including those with autism and learning differences, come together for a life-changing summer experience. The camp also provides year-round programs for veterans and active-duty military families, helping them find support and community. Zac, who grew up as a camper and counselor himself, believes deeply in the power of camp to shape lives, and his mission with Camp Southern Ground is to grow unique gifts, grow healthy bodies, and grow good communities.
Meet our Hero Speakers
Cheyenne Turner
Cheyenne is 18 years old and has attended The Forest School for 5 years. She’s passionate about art of all mediums, psychology, and activism. She will be attending Impact 360 Fellows after graduating.
Oswin Thigpen
Oswin is 17 and has been with The Forest School for 7 years. He loves to create and tell stories through several different mediums. His dream is to become a director and he plans on becoming a camera operator after graduating.
Noah Holmes
Noah is 17 and has been at Forest since its launch in 2018. He’s passionate about Jesus, videography, and music. He will attend Impact360 Fellows in the fall and college after.
Join Us!
We invite all families, friends, and members of the community to celebrate with us on our campus as we honor these incredible milestones. Come witness the future leaders, creators, and innovators stepping forward into their next chapter.