Creative Calling: Mill Creek grad goes from aspiring doctor to valedictorian at Savannah College of Art and Design

Simon1025GDP Script/ Top Stories for July 15th 

Publish Date:  July 15th 

 

From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. 

 

Today is Tuesday, July 15th and Happy Birthday to Linda Ronstadt 

 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia 

1. Creative Calling: Mill Creek grad goes from aspiring doctor to valedictorian at Savannah College of Art and Design 
2. UGA researcher and Dacula resident leading Rowen climate study 
3. Mill Creek SS Daniel Pierce Selected in the First Round of MLB Draft 

All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! 

Break 1: Kia MOG (07.14.22 KIA MOG)  

 

STORY 1:     Creative Calling: Mill Creek grad goes from aspiring doctor to valedictorian at Savannah College of Art and Design 

Fallon Perlino, a Mill Creek High alum, pivoted from pursuing medicine to embracing creativity after visiting SCAD, where she majored in advertising and branding. Recently named SCAD’s valedictorian, Perlino emphasized perseverance and openness to opportunities in her speech. During her time at SCAD, she worked on real-world projects, including a branding initiative for Atlanta’s 2026 World Cup preparations. Now exploring her next steps, she seeks a role where she can innovate and push boundaries, possibly in film or creative strategy. Perlino credits SCAD for transforming her and providing unparalleled support and opportunities. 

STORY 2:   UGA researcher and Dacula resident leading Rowen climate study 

UGA professor and climate expert J. Marshall Shepherd will lead the two-year HALOS study at the Rowen development in eastern Gwinnett. The study will examine how early-stage construction impacts land, water, air quality, and local weather, aiming to guide climate-resilient infrastructure development. Using satellite imagery, drones, and real-time instruments, researchers will monitor urban heat islands, air quality, flooding, and water quality through 2027. Data will be shared with local officials and schools for educational purposes. Rowen, a 2,000-acre "knowledge community," aims to become a national model for sustainable development. 

 

STORY 3: Mill Creek SS Daniel Pierce Selected in the First Round of MLB Draft 

Mill Creek High graduate Daniel Pierce was selected 14th overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2025 MLB Draft, becoming the school’s first-ever first-round pick. The 18-year-old shortstop, a Georgia Bulldogs signee, impressed scouts with his mature hitting approach, elite defense, and plus speed. Pierce, who hit .457 with eight home runs and 48 runs as a senior, credited his growth to years of hard work and support from his father, Mill Creek’s head coach. He’ll attend the MLB Home Run Derby and All-Star Game this week as he prepares for his professional baseball journey. 

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We’ll be right back 

Break 2: Ingles Markets 3 

 

STORY 4: 'Operation Southern Slow Down' starts Monday in Georgia 

“Operation Southern Slow Down” returns July 14-20 across five southeastern states, including Georgia, to combat speeding and aggressive driving. Law enforcement will target interstates and highways, aiming to reduce crashes and save lives. Speeding-related fatalities in Georgia rose 35% from 2019 to 2023, with 349 deaths in 2023 alone. Across the region, speeding contributed to 1,604 deaths in 2023, a 13% increase since 2019. Last year, Georgia officers issued over 12,500 citations and warnings during the campaign. Officials