Roland and Debbie Barlowe of Gainesville announce the engagement of their daughter Katie Elizabeth Barlowe to Lance Robert Gresham, son of Greg and Judy Smith of Gainesville, Patti Gresham of Hiawassee and the late Randy Gresham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Bill and Charlotte Hightower and Clifford and Mary Barlowe, all of Gainesville.

She is a 2003 graduate of Heritage Academy in Oakwood. She graduated in 2007 from North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega with a bachelor's degree in early childhood and special education. She is employed as a special education teacher with the Hall County school system.

The groom-elect is the grandson of Jack and Joyce Boyd of Cartersville, Lorene Gresham of Rome and the late Robert Gresham.

He is a 2001 graduate of Johnson High School in Gainesville. He graduated in 2005 from North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega with a bachelor's degree in finance. He is employed as a financial adviser with Edward Jones in Gainesville. He is a member of the Gainesville Jaycees.

The couple plan to wed Sept. 6, 2008, in Mexico Beach, Fla.