Cherokee County School District Announcements Two Class of 2023 Seniors Win National Merit Special Scholarships Nandita Bipin of River Ridge HS has been selected as a winner of the Truist Scholarship, sponsored by Truist Financial Corporation. Rhiannon Crisante of Cherokee HS has been selected as a winner of the ADP Henry Taub Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by ADP Foundation. They are among the 800 distinguished high school seniors nationwide to win special scholarship awards financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations. Selection is made based on review of academic records and college entrance exam scores, leadership and service in school and the community, and personal essays and letters of recommendation. Other factors also may apply such as a winner’s parent being employed with the corporation, living in the corporation’s service area, or planned pursuit of a specific career or college major. Woodstock HS Announces New Girls Head Basketball Coach Woodstock HS Girls Basketball Program is excited to welcome its new head coach, Tiffany Leak. Coach Leak will begin her teaching and coaching responsibilities at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. She will be teaching math at WHS. Coach Leak earned her Bachelor of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia and holds a Master of Arts in Education in Special Education as well as her specialist degree. She comes to WHS from Paulding County HS where she has been the girls head basketball coach and served as an assistant coach for flag football and volleyball since 2020. CCSD Earns National Grant for STEM Learning The district is one of only 10 school systems nationwide to earn the 2023 Make a Change grant from the national Argument Driven Inquiry educational organization. The $75,000 grant will fund “Future Ready Graduates: Elementary Integration with ADI,” an expansion of CCSD’s successful argument driven inquiry program (ADI), already in place for grades 6-12, into elementary schools to further enhance science and math instruction. The research-based instructional model increases students’ math and science knowledge while also developing their writing, presentation, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. The grant will be used to fund training and materials for fourth- and fifth-grade math and science teachers to begin using the ADI instructional model. Six CCSD elementary schools currently are piloting the ADI model, and the grant will fund bringing the program to all elementary schools. School District, Superintendent Named National Award Finalists For a third time, CCSD has been named a national finalist for the Varsity Brands’ Spirit of St. Jude recognition. Only two finalists were named from nominees nationwide. The Spirit of St. Jude award, named for the children’s research hospital, honors schools and school districts that engage the majority of their students in fundraising for the charity, which is a major recipient of Varsity Brands’ philanthropy. As a Varsity Brands “Team Up” for St. Jude school district, the CCSD community has raised $350,000 since 2016 to support the hospital. Woodstock HS earned the Spirit of St. Jude Award in 2022. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower has been named a finalist for the 2023 Most Spirited Superintendent Award, which honors leaders for exemplary commitment to “elevating and improving the student experience.” He is one of only seven superintendents nationwide selected as a finalist. It is the second time Dr. Hightower has made the finalist list for the national honor, having previously been recognized in 2020. Award winners in both categories will be announced this month. River Ridge HS Student Wins National Writing Award Baileigh J. Borna earned First Class honors in the prestigious 2023 National Council of Teachers of English Writing’s Achievement Awards in Writing Program contest, which is a school-based writing program that was established in 1957 to encourage writing and to recognize the nation’s outstanding young writers. Entries are scored by a panel of independent judges on expression of ideas, language use, and unique perspective and voice. Borna is one of only 114 students nationwide to earn the top honor of First Class. Borna’s award-winning entry was about education and the United Nations address by Malala Yousafzai in which she shared the now famous quote: “Let us pick up our books and our pens; they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first.” You can read her entry at CherokeeK12.net.New Principal Announced for Cherokee HS Andy Hall, Cherokee HS’s new principal and a 19-year educator, was appointed to his current role after serving five years as an assistant principal at River Ridge HS. He previously taught English at Cherokee HS, Woodstock HS, and Polaris Evening Program and coached cross country, track, and basketball. His numerous accolades include the Superintendent’s Game Changer Award for Instructional Leadership, Woodstock HS Teacher of the Year, and Woodstock HS STAR Teacher.
Cherokee County School District Announcements Six Seniors Named 2023 Georgia Scholars The Georgia Department of Education program honors high school seniors who exhibit excellence in their schools and communities. Honorees demonstrate dedication to academic success, participation in interscholastic events, and leadership through extracurricular activities. Only 154 seniors statewide earned the honor for the Class of 2023. Each Georgia Scholar receives a seal for their diploma.Etowah HS Educator Wins Teacher of the Year Etowah HS science teacher Lara McDonald is the 2023 CCSD Teacher of the Year! McDonald, a 13-year educator who teaches environmental science including AP classes, will advance as CCSD’s nominee for the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition. She is known for her creative engaging lessons and sponsorship of numerous after-school clubs. Reading Bowl Team Earns State Literary Honors E.T. Booth MS’s reading bowl team earned second place in the statewide competition held at TomeCon. The team is coached by media specialist Amanda Graves and teacher Jamie Stahler, and students who competed at TomeCon are Nivesh Addepalli, Hakshara Bisetty, Ava Bourgault, Ahana Das, Evelyn Jackson, Thomas Joyce, Timi Ojo, Rohan Pandya, Eva Schwartz, Saived Tayi, Keirthen Titus, and Pradhyumna Vasishta.River Ridge HS Student Earns First Place in Congressional Art Show Sponsored by the Congressional Institute, this national competition recognizes exemplary high school artwork. Students submit entries to the congressional district that represents their school’s area, and district artists select the winning entries. River Ridge HS junior Ashley McMath was named the 11th District’s overall winner for her charcoal piece, The Holy Spirit. Her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year. As part of the honor, she received airfare tickets to Washington, D.C., to see her artwork displayed and to meet with Congressman Barry Loudermilk, who represents the 11th District.Woodstock HS Student Places in All-State Art Competition Senior Emily Coburn is one of only 50 Georgia high school student artists selected for the All-State Art Symposium. More than 2,000 entries were received from students across Georgia. In addition to being selected for the competitive exhibit, Emily’s artwork also earned fourth place overall. She is a student of visual arts teacher Lori Thompson.Etowah HS Career Program Earns State Industry Certification Etowah HS’s Career Pathway Construction and Carpentry program, which is led by teacher Ty Casteel, several years ago began the challenging process of earning industry certification from the Georgia Department of Education and industry affiliate Construction Ready. Certification is considered an additional “stamp of excellence” for a Career Pathway program. The certification is for the 2022-2027 school years and can be extended through a recertification process. To earn the honor, programs must demonstrate the highest levels of excellence for curriculum and instruction; facilities and equipment; extracurricular programs aligned with the Pathway, such as SkillsUSA for construction; and partnerships with industry professionals. The process involves both submitting information to the state department of education and welcoming evaluators for a school site visit and interviews. CCSD offers a total of 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. The programs offer students opportunities to learn specific job skills and overall beneficial workplace skills as well as valuable individual industry certifications.Creekland MS Students Win First Place at State Technology Careers Competition The annual state Technology Student Association (TSA) career skills competition offers middle and high school students the opportunity to compete in a variety of contests focused on technology related career skills. The top three winners in each contest earn a spot in the national TSA competition to be held this summer in Louisville, Kentucky. Creekland is CCSD’s only middle school with a TSA chapter, and one of its 8th grade teams earned first place in the Off the Grid contest; team members include Graham Bauch, Henry Diaz, Jack Gluckson, and Brad Rodriguez. The team is coached by teachers Anne Benton, Connie Garrison, and Logan Hostetter. Nearly 3,000 students competed at the state event, with 85 different contests offered.Students Earn State Literary Honors Two Teasley MS students earned first place at an annual statewide literary competition called TomeCon. Seventh-graders Aryn Bracewell and Elise Martin won first place for their Book Review Vlog, and Martin also earned first place for her Fan Fiction. In addition, Teasley MS's chapter of the Tome Sudent Literary Society, which is led by teachers Beth DuLong and JamieLynn Lisa, was named Honor Roll Chapter of the Year. Cherokee HS Students Advance to National Career Skills Competition For the second consecutive year, a team of Cherokee HS students placed first in the SkillsUSA Welding Fabrication Competition and now advances to the national competition in June. Team members are seniors Carter Goodrow, Braden Iovino, and Michael Pugachow, and junior James Williams. Their coach is Career Pathways welding teacher Darryl Jones. Clark Creek ES STEM Academy Leader Named a 2023 National Outstanding Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Laura Casey is one of 19 elementary school leaders nationwide to earn the annual honor presented by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She was nominated by the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals. A 22-year educator, Casey served as a classroom teacher for all grades from kindergarten through fifth before becoming as an instructional lead strategist at Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy. She was appointed to serve as assistant principal for Woodstock ES in 2020 and for Clark Creek in 2021, and she earned the 2022 Georgia PTA District 13 Assistant Principal of the Year award for elementary schools with more than 750 students. “In an age of heightened accountability, it is particularly important that today’s assistant principals are equipped to face the challenges of preparing students for a continuously changing society,” said Nikki Sparks, director of the national recognition program. “This award program seeks to recognize and reward the important contributions assistant principals make in schools and communities, and NAESP commends Laura’s continued dedication and commitment to ensuring the success of all children.” Casey has been invited to the Association’s annual conference this summer in Maryland, where she and her fellow award winners will be recognized. She will be honored at the state association’s summer business meeting and fall conference awards banquet. The Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower will celebrate her at an upcoming school board meeting.
New Woodstock Fire Chief Named The City of Woodstock announces the hiring of Shane Dobson as fire chief. Dobson started his career as a Woodstock firefighter in 1993. Thirty years later, equipped with extensive experience, training, and education, he is returning to where his career began. Chief Dobson most recently served as the deputy fire chief for administration with the Roswell Fire Department. Prior to that, he held several roles with Dekalb County Fire Rescue including battalion chief and deputy chief of operations, rising to the rank of deputy fire chief for professional services & training in 2021. “The Woodstock Fire Department has a long and rich history of which I was privileged to be a part early in my career,” stated Chief Dobson. “The city made a lasting impression on me personally and professionally, as it ultimately influenced my career and my successes. I consider it a privilege to represent the department and take it to the next level.”
Reeves House Wins TravelBlazer Award The Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau honored The Reeves House at Woodstock Arts with a TravelBlazer Award. One of only five projects selected this year, The Reeves House earned the honor due to Woodstock Arts’ partnership with the City of Woodstock, Woodstock Downtown Development Authority, and John Wieland’s JW Collection.TravelBlazer Awards recognize destination development projects that are innovative and original, while demonstrating creative community collaboration and partnership. The Reeves House will be featured in the July issue of Georgia Trend with the other four recipients.The replica of the century-old Reeves farmhouse in downtown Woodstock features a gallery for rotating exhibits, a classroom, an artist studio, and a coffee and wine bar. Learn about Woodstock Arts' world-class performing arts productions, concerts, in-depth classes, and exciting camps at WoodstockArts.com. Plan your adventure in a city unexpected at VisitWoodstockGa.com.
Construction of Chambers Street Extension Is Underway in Downtown Woodstock The new section of Chambers Street will be for two-way traffic and will allow for the removal of East Main Street from Arnold Mill Road to Wheeler Street. This construction project is part of Phase I of Woodstock City Center. The extension of Chambers Street from Arnold Mill Road to Wheeler Street establishes a grid street connection that will eventually run all the way to Dupree Road. When complete, it will allow for efficient access to the downtown parking deck.
Design for Hickory Flat Park To Begin The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a Professional Services Agreement with Lose Design for the planning and design of a new 40-acre Hickory Flat park located at 3552 East Cherokee Drive. The cost for Lose Design services is $43,350. County Manager Geoff Morton told the Board the park is in the beginning planning stages.
Heart for Woodstock Encourages Employee Volunteerism The City of Woodstock has introduced a new service program called Heart for Woodstock. All full-time employees are eligible to spend one full day or two half days on volunteer activities in Cherokee County. Heart for Woodstock service days make great department team building events and are also a means to get together with other coworkers who have similar interests. The program is 100% voluntary.
Event Green Construction Update ne of the most welcoming spots in downtown Woodstock is getting some much-needed TLC, thanks to the leadership of the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority (DDA). In March, the Woodstock DDA approved a proposal presented by Woodstock Arts Executive Director Christopher Brazelton, requesting improvements to the Event Green and stage. The improvements include grading and resodding the green space; construction of retaining walls, sidewalks, and stairs; installation of monument signs; and the addition of stage storage. The cost of the improvements is estimated at $125K. The Event Green and stage is used for activities and rentals as well as green space for visitors. This amenity increases community engagement by building artistic spaces and positions Woodstock as a regional leader in the arts.
Registration Is Open for Cherokee County Safety Town This summer, Safety Town is coming back to Bascomb ES. Through this program, local students learn how to stay safe with fun, interactive lessons each day. Safe Kids partners, including US Army Corps of Engineers, Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Marshal’s Office, School Police, School Bus Transportation, and Animal Shelter will teach about subjects such as water safety, school bus safety, and other topics. Safety Town also provides an opportunity for teens to earn community hours by registering as counselors. Students entering kindergarten in the fall can attend the first session, June 19-23. Students entering first grade can attend the second session, June 26-30. The camp runs from 9:00am-12:00pm each day. Registration is open at SafeKidsCherokeeCounty.org. Cherokee County Safety Town is hosted by Safe Kids Cherokee County and Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. For questions, please contact Lisa Grisham at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 678-493-4343.
Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration Opens New Headquarters Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters, which brings all operations under one roof. The purchase of this building was necessary to comply with Georgia State House Bill 202, which mandates increased viewing areas, parking capabilities, and storage. Located at 193 Lamar Haley Parkway in Canton, the facility was purchased for $1.5 million by the Board of Commissioners in August 2022.The building previously housed the Cherokee County Division of Family and Children Services. For more information on the Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration office, visit CherokeeGaVotes.com.