EDUCATION

Rabun County Schools announce that Superintendent Dr. April Childers will be retiring from Rabun County Schools on September 30, 2024. Dr. Childers states, “After 30 years of dedicated service in education and five years of leading our remarkable school district, the time has come for me to embark on the next chapter of my life. This decision was not made lightly, but I am confident it is the right choice for me and my family. Serving as your superintendent has been the most rewarding experience of my professional career.” The Rabun County Board of Education is committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. The district will be seeking input from the community, faculty, and staff throughout this process. If you would like to participate in the Community Input Survey for the Superintendent Selection Process, complete the survey below.

Franklin Elementary School recently held a school-wide ceremony dedicating the school’s new outdoor classroom, which officials there said was built in memory of long-time teaching assistant Tim Simpson. “We are thrilled to have this beautiful outdoor classroom that symbolizes the legacy that he left at Franklin and all the...

Seventeen North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) for fall semester 2023 and spring semester 2024. NTHS is an educational, non-profit organization focused on recognizing and empowering students and instructors in career and technical education. With more than 100,000 secondary and postsecondary members, NTHS helps members achieve their educational and career goals while cultivating effective partnerships with leading business and industry. NTHS inductees include Brandy Arrowood, networking specialist student of Demorest, Ga.; Samuel Arrowood, networking specialist student of Demorest, Ga.; Wendy Ayers, general studies student of Toccoa, Ga.; Tiana Drake, registered nursing student of Lavonia, Ga.; Ana Carina Duran Mora, early childhood care and education student of Baldwin, Ga.; Jacob Edwards, business management student of Alto, Ga.; Angel Fouts, cosmetology student of Carnesville, Ga.; Christopher Gavel, networking specialist student of Blairsville, Ga.; Cole Houston, general studies student of Sautee Nacoochee, Ga.; Nichole Laufer, medical laboratory technology student of Clayton, Ga.; Jessica Lowery, agribusiness student of Toccoa, Ga.; Alexander Mullins, networking specialist student of Hiawassee, Ga.; Liana Newsum, networking specialist student of Cleveland, Ga.; John Richmond, networking specialist student of Clayton, Ga.; Isabella Tucker, business management student of Cleveland, Ga.; Juanita Umberhant, business management student of Mount Airy, Ga.; and Jana Walker, early childhood care and education student of Cleveland, Ga. “We had a great group of National Technical Honor Society inductees for fall 2023 and spring 2024,” said Blake Connor, NGTC biology instructor and NTHS adviser. “It was a pleasure to get together with North Georgia Technical College administration to honor the hard work and dedication to their academic studies each inductee has displayed.” “On behalf of North Georgia Technical College, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to each of our newly inducted NTHS members,” said NGTC President John Wilkinson. “We are proud of the commitment these students have made to their academic studies and look forward to their continued success as they begin their careers.” For more information regarding North Georgia Technical College programs or admission, visit northgatech.edu or call 706-754-7700.

Each month, teachers and staff members at Franklin Elementary School focus on teaching a specific attribute students can learn and use to grow. Earlier this spring, in April, that attribute was being collaborative. The students selected for being collaborative were recognized and awarded a certificate. They are, from left, front row, Eliza Haynes, Phoenix Summerlin, Shiloh Chandler, Benjamin Torres, Luke Oberg, and Kinsley Snow; second row, Oliver Aguilar, JC Nelson, Trenton Catron-Moore, Maverick Payne, Colton O’Dell, Leonardo Rodriguez, and Keaton Heath; third row, Cristian Vega, Moises Neri, Elias Kendrick, Ciena Becker, Emma Palmer, and Sara Leake; back row, Abby Sutherland, Esteban Caballero, Alisson Reyes Flores, Sami Raya, Dixon Alderman, and Asher Gates.

Hattiesburg’s William Carey University topped the charts this week as Mississippi’s best value university, according to a study conducted by financial technology company SmartAsset. The study ranked Mississippi colleges and universities based on tuition, living cost, scholarship opportunities, student retention and new graduate starting salaries. Mississippi State University...