by Katheryne Fields
Julia Carlotto Biral of Brazil and Guang ‘Loski’ Jin of China were recently announced as the winners of the 2025-2026 Barbara M. and Donald L. Thomas Peace Award. The awards were presented in December by Rotary Club of Roswell Committee Chair John Carruth, alongside GRSP Executive Director Katheryne Fields and Past District Governor Cheryl Greenway.
Julia attends Oglethorpe University and is hosted by the Rotary Club of Dunwoody, and was recognized as a “natural-born leader.” The committee was moved by her ability to foster deep relationships with her peers and promote peace through her everyday interactions.
“Julia takes charge without imposing,” Carruth noted. “She gives us a glimpse of a young woman who promotes peace naturally.” The award will assist Julia with the financial challenges of being an international student, helping to cover educational expenses and improve her housing situation so she can focus on her studies and emotional health.
Loski studies at the University of Georgia (UGA) and is hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Madison County, Hartwell, Elberton, and Royston/Franklin County. Loski was honored for his extensive volunteer teaching in China and Nepal and leadership at UGA with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and the International Student Advisory Board.
“Loski understands that peace begins not with big speeches, but with everyday interactions,” said Carruth. “He has fully embraced the GRSP spirit in this final year at Georgia.”
The award carries the names of Barbara and Donald Thomas, who became icons in Georgia during the 1980s for their “Anchor Banker” commercials. Following a mission trip to Costa Rica in 2000, the Thomases were inspired to establish this award to support GRSP students in financial need who exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Since 2002, the Rotary Club of Roswell has administered this annual award, which has grown to two scholarships with $3,000 per recipient. This year’s presentation serves as a powerful reminder of the Thomases’ generosity and the 80-year mission of GRSP to create a more peaceful world, one student at a time.
