Details

Dublin High School Senior Tristen Ellis has achieved an extraordinary milestone, earning over $1.3 million in merit-based scholarships and receiving acceptance letters from 60 colleges and universities across the country! A dedicated scholar, athlete, and leader, Ellis has made the most of every opportunity during his time at Dublin City Schools, excelling in academics, extracurriculars, and community involvement.

A member of the Fighting Irish family since Pre-K, Tristen’s educational journey began at Susie Dasher Elementary, continued through Hillcrest Elementary and Dublin Middle School, and is now culminating at Dublin High School, where he has participated in Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment courses.

“Dublin City Schools is like a family,” he said. “I feel like I am surrounded by teachers and staff everywhere that I consider second mothers and fathers. So, although I am not with my parents during the day, I feel like I am near moms and dads always, and I know they will always be there for me even after I graduate.”

Tristen serves as Dublin High School’s 2024-2025 Student Body President, is Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team, and leads Dublin High’s Senior Beta Club as President. He is also the Fighting Irish Marching Band’s Woodwind Section Leader, an active member of the Math Team, and was voted Dublin High School’s 2024 Homecoming King.

Outside of school, Tristen was recognized as the 2025 Dublin-Laurens County Black History Festival Youth of the Year, was part of the 2023-2024 Morris Bank Youth Advisory Council, and served as a shift leader at Scoops.

He also received the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit for being in the top 10% of his class—a feat he easily accomplished by maintaining a 4.0 grade point average all four years of high school.

Tristen encourages others to take advantage of the incredible opportunities available at Dublin City Schools, adding, “We have opportunities that you will not be able to find anywhere else. I recommend everyone come to DHS.”

Tristen’s impressive list of college acceptances spans institutions across the country, including: Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, Baker College, Belmont University, Benedict College, Berry College, Bethune-Cookman University, Central Michigan University, Clark Atlanta University, Clemson University, Columbus State University, Covenant College, Eastern Kentucky University, Edward Waters University, Fisher College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, High Point University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Jackson State University, Kennesaw State University, Louisiana State University, Middle Georgia State University, Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, North Dakota State University, Northern Arizona University, Northern Michigan University, Ohio State University, Oglethorpe University, Oklahoma State University, Ole Miss, Oregon Tech, Penn State University, Paine College, Presbyterian College, Savannah State University, South Alabama University, Tennessee State University, The University of Tulsa, Troy University, University of Arkansas, University of Connecticut, University of Georgia, University of Houston, University of Idaho, University of Indiana, University of Kentucky, University of Memphis, University of North Florida, University of North Georgia, University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, Utah State University, Washington College, Wayne State University, Xavier University (Louisiana), and Young Harris College.

Despite having many incredible options, one university stood above the rest as Ellis' ultimate dream school: the University of Georgia!

While in Athens, Tristen will be majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med route. He plans to participate in the Double Dawgs Program, allowing him to earn both his bachelor’s degree and master’s in epidemiology within five years. In fact, he was also one of just 45 students statewide to receive the Georgia Initiative Scholarship from UGA.

When asked about his biggest role model, Tristen credits Dublin City Schools College and Career Academy's CEO, Ben Lanier, for helping him navigate both Dublin and UGA.

“Mr. Lanier went to DHS and then UGA just like me. He’s given me all the ins and outs—not just about Dublin, but also about Athens," said Ellis. "He’s shown me who to meet, who to talk to, who to network with, and so much more. He has so many connections that I would have probably never known about without him - which speaks to the larger family aspect Dublin City Schools cultivates.”

With a heart for learning, a passion for medicine, and an unbreakable connection to his Fighting Irish Family, Tristen Ellis is a shining example of what Dublin City Schools students can achieve. Please join us in congratulating him on his incredible accomplishments!