The Class of 2020: lying fallow

What were you doing March 12, 2020? That was the final day of high school for most of Savannah Georgia's high school seniors, including those at Savannah Arts Academy.

Today we speak with DeVon Moore. I thought it fitting that DeVon would be my first episode because he was my first yes when I approached him with the project.

DeVon was a film major at Savannah Arts Academy and graduated in December of 2023 with a degree in film from Georgia State University. DeVon is a committed student of the craft of storytelling, and he is not afraid to chase his dreams. I have no doubt you will see his name in the movie credits in the not-too-distant future.

You can find his work and the film about the Savannah Arts Academy motorcade graduation at www.devonthedirector.com

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Lucia Hoyt-Torres, who was a communications major at Savannah Arts Academy. She headed to Kennesaw State University in the fall of 2020 to study entrepreneurship. She plans to graduate in 2025.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Simon Lough. Simon was a chorus major at the Savannah Arts Academy. And after a challenging start, he has found his path. He is currently studying acting at the Savannah College of Art and Design and plans to graduate in 2026.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today's interview is with Sydney Belcher. Sydney was a visual arts major at Savannah Arts Academy. She spent her freshman year of college living at home and attending Georgia Southern University. She transferred to the University of Georgia her sophomore year and graduated this past May with a degree in marketing. She's currently pursuing a master's in marketing research at UGA and will graduate in May 2025.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

This interview is a bit different because I'm interviewing my son Grayson. I'm not going to lie, this was a challenge. I guess it's hard to be completely transparent when you're speaking to your own mom.

Grayson was a theater major at Savannah Arts Academy. He spent a year at home working before he finally started college six hours away at Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina.

He graduated in May of 2024 with degree in Building Sciences and Construction Management. But 2020 is the gift that keeps on giving. Unable to complete the required internships for graduation early in their college careers, he and his building sciences classmates at App State had to finish an internship this past summer before they received their actual diplomas. He is officially done with college as of this August, and yes, he is back home with me and Savannah interviewing for jobs. He plans to spend some time in Europe and move to a large city up north to enjoy life with the changing seasons.

As you'll hear, Grayson has a knack for letting life roll off his back and is always focused on moving forward.

Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today's interview is with Carson Love. To connect the dots, Carson is Sydney's college roommate and they have been friends since high school.

Carson was a visual arts major at Savannah Arts Academy. She graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2023 with a degree in wildlife science and will graduate in December 2024 with a master's in forestry resources.

She plans to move back to Savannah until she finds a job. Carson is an explorer and lover of nature and I personally find her fearless.

Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Jordan Thompson. Jordan is one of the few seniors I interviewed who did not graduate from Savannah Arts Academy. In fact, she's a graduate of St. Vincent's Academy. College was never in Jordan's vision for her future. Born in Russia and raised by hotelier parents, she is most at home in the Caribbean Islands. Today, Jordan is a yachtie. Depending on the season, you can find her anywhere from the shores of Maine to any Caribbean island –living a lifestyle, most people wish they had the guts to do.

Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today, we speak with Jalin Graham, who was an orchestra major and violist at Savannah Arts Academy. He forged ahead in the fall of 2020 and attended Columbus State University. This past May 2024, he graduated with a degree in music performance. He was kind enough to compose the music for this podcast. He has plans to attend Juilliard and build a career in music.

Jalin composed the music for the podcast. You can find his work at www.jalinalexander.com. Give him a listen. It might change your life.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Gabriel Drabek. Gabe was a visual arts major at Savannah Arts Academy and after spending a year at home, he headed to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. He graduated in May 2024 with a bachelor in fine arts. Gabe is a talented painter and artist, so keep a look out for his website coming this fall.

Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.donavonbruning.com or on Instagram @donavonbruning.