05/13/2026
Cole Sanders
Cole began his journey at Dallas First UMC Children’s Learning Center in the 3-year-old program. Some of his fondest memories include the incredible teachers, chapel time, and meeting his best friend, Beau, in Pre-K.
Cole has played basketball for North Paulding for seven years and is serving as team captain this year. In January, he was inducted into the National Honor Society and currently works at Publix in Seven Hills after school. Cole will graduate with honors from North Paulding High School and has been accepted to the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega this fall. He is especially excited to room with Beau at UNG.
Beau Butler
Beau will attend the University of North Georgia this fall, where he plans to major in Accounting and Political Science. He is graduating with honors from North Paulding High School and is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Beau currently serves as Vice President of Finance for DECA.
In 2025, Beau placed third in the state in Finance for DECA and earned a Top 10 state placement again in 2026. He also represented North Paulding at the DECA International Conference both years. Beau hopes to become either a CPA or an attorney in the future. He credits Dallas First United Methodist Church for helping set him up for success and for the lifelong friendships he will carry with him into college.
Cole and Beau’s friendship began in preschool at Dallas First UMC Children’s Learning Center. Over the years, they played baseball together at Oregon Park and later on travel teams. They attended elementary, middle, and high school together and now, as seniors, play on a men’s softball team together as well.
From sharing the same preschool classroom to becoming college roommates, their story is a remarkable example of lasting friendship — and it all began at Dallas First UMC Children’s Learning Center.