Freedom Walk, Patriot Day and Amy Grant Concert Set for September 11

Patriot Day and the Freedom Walk in Peachtree City will be held in conjunction with the Amy Grant concert on September 11th this year.

The city is holding the 3rd annual “Freedom Walk” along with Patriot Day on Sept. 11, 2009. The walk will begin at 6:45 p.m. Towne Club at the intersection of Peachtree Parkway and Crosstown Drive in Peachtree City. The one-mile walk will end at The Fred Amphitheater where the Patriot Day celebration takes place prior to the opening act at approximately 8 p.m. Following will be a Concert by Amy Grant at 9 p.m. Discounted ticket prices are available for those who join the Freedom Walk.

The “America Supports You Freedom Walk” was started in 2005 by Pentagon employees to commemorate the terrorist attack on that Washington D.C. building and to honor all lives lost Sept. 11, 2001, to honor our veterans past and present and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country. What began as a small gesture became a new national tradition.

Those interested in walking can register their name and how many will be attending with them by email at: ptcfreedomwalk@yahoo.com. Individuals who would like to help in other ways can also go to that email or call Caitlin Dillon 770-880-8239 for more information .

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“Find it in Fayette!” Spotlight on Businesses

The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce has recently implemented a new program to help members shine. Eligible businesses will receive visibility through the new Find it in Fayette! Spotlight program which will bring Chamber members to the business for a networking reception. The spotlight program is part of a larger campaign to raise awareness of Fayette businesses and encourage consumers to buy local.

The first Find it in Fayette! Spotlight was held at Belk in Fayetteville. Store manager Kim Jones welcomed members and provided a 20% discount on purchases. According to Ms. Jones, the Spotlight was very successful and Belk significantly exceeded their sales goal for the day. Belk is the nation’s largest privately-owned department store company with more than 300 stores in 16 contiguous southern states and sales totaling $3.8 billion last year. They are committed to serving the community and providing superior service and merchandise that meet the needs of their customers.

For more information on the Find it in Fayette! Spotlight or other Chamber resources for businesses, contact the Chamber at 770.461.9983 or visit online at www.FayetteChamber.org.

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Come Celebrate the End of the War September 1

The war is over!

What war? Why, the American Revolution, of course!

The Treaty of Paris, which was signed on September 3, 1783, formally ended the American Revolution between Great Britain and the American colonies. Among the points made in the Treaty of Paris was the acknowledgement of the 13 colonies to be free, sovereign and independent States.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to sponsor the Second Annual Marquis de Lafayette Dinner to honor the signing of the Treaty of Paris and to celebrate the birth of Marquis de Lafayette on Tuesday, 1 September 2009, at 6:30 PM at Southern Oaks, 240 North Jeff Davis Drive in Fayetteville.

Dinner will be followed by a program by Phyllis King titled "LaFayette: Hero of the New Nation." The cost is $20 per person.

For more information or to make reservations for this important event in American history, contact Susan Sloan at jandssloan@mindspring.com or 770-461-2458.

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Chamber Presents Speed Networking to the Public August 25

The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Speed Networking event on Tuesday, August 25, 7:30 am – 9:00 am at the Chamber. Speed Networking is a fun, effective way to make a lot of business connections in a short, structured period of time.

Networking guru, Wendy Kinney of Ready Set Go Make Money will facilitate the event and provide tips and feedback. Chamber members and non-members are welcome to attend at no cost – registration is required. Online registration is available at www.FayetteChamber.org.

The Fayette Chamber is comprised of diverse member businesses and organizations working together to strengthen our local economy. Their mission is to provide businesses with tools, resources and visionary leadership which will positively impact community sustainability. Through Chamber networking events like Business After Hours, Business to Business Luncheons, and the new Speed Networking opportunity, valuable relationships can be built that will help businesses grow and prosper.

For information on other Chamber programs, contact the office at 770.461.9983. The Chamber is located on the 1st floor of the old courthouse building at 200 Courthouse Square, Fayetteville.

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Fayette County School Clinics Hold Donation Drive through August 21

Cuts in state funding for education and loss of local revenues have forced some school systems to eliminate programs such as school nurses and clinics. Fayette County chose not to eliminate its health clinics and nurses noting that the service they provide is vital to the educational success of its students.

Fayette County is fortunate to have a staffed clinic at each of its schools. Last year, over 140,000 students visited the clinics to receive care for illnesses, health conditions and injuries. The clinics also administered prescription and over the counter medications to over 1,300 students, as well as performed special procedures such as blood checks, catheterizations and tube feedings.

In order to have the supplies needed to care for the thousands of students expected to utilize the clinics this year, school health services is asking the community to donate items regularly used by the clinics. These include latex-free band-aides, facial tissue, small paper cups, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch lotion, cotton balls, antibacterial wipes, liquid soap, throat drops, sandwich baggies, ace wraps, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, cotton swabs, gauze, snacks and drink boxes.

Red donation barrels, marked with “Team Clinic, Together Everyone Can Achieve More,” will be in the lobby of each school, as well as at the Board of Education office and Building “D” of the LEC, from now until August 21. Donations can be dropped off during school hours Monday-Friday at the school locations and from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Board of Education and LEC.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of school nurses in Georgia. Fayette County’s school health program has made many accomplishments since its implementation including adding clinics at all of the high schools, developing an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) policy and guidelines and placing AED units in all school and central office buildings.

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N Fayette Community Assoc. to Meet Aug 15

The North Fayette Community Association third quarter meeting will be held on Saturday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. at the Liberty Baptist Church, 1077 Highway 314, Fayetteville. Dr. John DeCotis, Fayette County School Superintendent or his Assistant Superintendent in his stead has been invited to talk about back-to-school preparations, budget cuts and down sizing of school staffing, classrooms and curriculum planning for the school term. Also invited is Fayette County Fire & Emergency Chief, David Scarborough to address questions and concerns about the zip code change process. All parents of school age children and other residents are encouraged to attend this very important meeting. If you have questions prior to the meeting, please call our message system at 770-994-7998.

Girl Scouts of Fayetteville Hold Open House

Saturday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m, at the Fayette County Public Library. Come see what scouting is all about!

The Southern Nights Chorale Sings National Anthem at Braves Game 8/15

Fayette County's very own Southern Nights Chorale will be singing the National Anthem at the Braves game this Saturday afternoon, August 15. They did a stellar job two years ago:

Peachtree City Police Officers Service Appreciated by Honor Flight Fayette

(l-r)Front row: Gail Sparrow, President of Honor Flight Fayette and George Sparrow, Board Member/Attorney. Back row (l-r): Lt. John Jenkins, Lt. Jason Epps and Cpl. Jay Hughes.


Honor Flight Fayette President Gail Sparrow and board member George Sparrow enjoyed talking to Peachtree City police officers at the recent Glenn Miller Band concert at "The Fred".

Peachtree City officers have joined officers from Fayetteville and Fayette County as escorts when HFF takes WWII veterans in buses to and from the Atlanta airport. This combined effort is a very valuable service and much appreciated by the veterans as well.

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Transportation Voucher Program Provides Seniors and Developmentally Disabled Adults with a Ticket to Ride

For more than four years Fayette Senior Services’ Voucher program has provided seniors and disabled adults with a low-cost, flexible means of transportation. The program is funded in part by grants from the Federal Transit Administration (governed by the Atlanta Regional Commission) and the United Way. Last year nearly 2,500 vouchers were used by Fayette County seniors and more than 2,400 were used by disabled adults who cannot drive through no fault of their own.

Eligible participants can purchase vouchers for a nominal cost-share, arrange their own transportation and negotiate the payment for service with one of the program’s many registered drivers, who may also be an eligible family member, friend, or neighbor.

Transportation vouchers may be used for travel outside of Fayette County, which gives participants more flexibility to meet their needs. This is especially important when it comes to being able to get to non-emergency medical appointments or other essential services or destinations.

Individuals interested in participating in the program as passengers or as drivers should contact Rebecca Doyle, Voucher Coordinator, at 770 -461-0813 Ext. 113.

Fayette Senior Services, Inc. offers adults age 50 and better, the opportunity to be involved in a variety of social, leisure, educational, and wellness activities at its Life Enrichment Center located at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. Since 1978, the organization has also provided important social services that improve quality of life for senior citizens and help them to maintain their independence. This past year, Fayette Senior Services delivered more than 40,000 Meals on Wheels to hundreds of Fayette County seniors. Other services include Adult Day Care Referral Service, Information & Referral Service, Transportation Services, In-Home Personal Care/Homemaker Services, and Case Management.
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DeCotis Receives Smart Board Donation

Presenting the SMART Board to Superintendent DeCotis (second from right) is (L-R) Keith Taylor, executive vice-president, SMART Classroom Group, Multi Media Services; Jodi Carroll, area manager for SMART Technologies Corp.; and Tom Kazmierski, senior account executive, SMART Classroom Group, Multi Media Services.

Being named Georgia’s Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) has its perks: statewide recognition, a beautiful trophy and a brand new interactive SMART Board.

Multi Media Services presented Fayette County Superintendent John DeCotis with a new SMART Board in recognition of him being named the state’s top educator for 2009 at the GAEL conference last month. The interactive board allows students to manipulate information on-screen with the touch of a finger, SMART pen or extension stick. It features colorful and captivating images, and the sensory system engages different learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic.

A permanent home for the SMART Board has yet to be determined but DeCotis says it will be placed where students can utilize it.

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Fayette-Coweta Chapter of IAAP Offers Free Seminar with Glenda Y. Hicks

This upcoming Monday, August 10, the Fayette-Coweta Chapter of International Association of Administrative Professionals will be offering a free seminar, open to the general public. Glenda Y. Hicks, CPA, will be talking about "Women in Transition." She will be addressing the different stages of life that women go through in terms of career, relationships, etc.

Glenda Y. Hicks is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the states of Georgia and Florida. She has over 20 years of experience and owns a CPA firm in Marietta, Georgia. Ms. Hicks exclusively serves the nonprofit community, by providing a myriad of consulting services in the area of financial management and tax research, in a capacity as CFO by the Hour as well as on a project basis. She is a member of the Professional Women Network, an international training organization, and is trained in offering personal and professional development workshops primarily focused on women's issues including Managing Stress, Leadership & Management Development, the Superwoman Syndrome, Building Positive Self Esteem and more. These workshops are offered to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as professional associations and conferences.

Ms. Hicks is active in her community and serves as Vice-Chair for the Cobb Community Collaborative, and is a member of Leadership Cobb Class of 2010. She is also a board member of the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association (NLADA) based in Washington, D.C.

Four books that Ms. Hicks co-authored will be available for sale as well as other titles in a 17-book series on women and youth issues. The seminar will take place at the Peachtree City Library (151 Willow Bend Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269) in the Floy Farr Room, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to lisa.waslis@nb.com or 404-262-4926. For more information about the Fayette Coweta Chapter of IAAP, please visit www.IAAP-FCC.org.

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Coweta's Top Teacher Speaks to Coweta-Fayette Rotary Club

Pictured (l-r) Rotary President, Cynthia Monsour and Angela Brown

Angela Brown, Teacher of the Year Coweta County 2009, was the guest speaker for the Coweta-Fayette Rotary Club. Angela was selected as “Top Teacher” from among the Teachers of the Year from each of Coweta County’s 30 public schools. Brown is a 5th grade teacher at Ruth Hill Elementary School in Coweta County.

Rotary is a volunteer service organization of over 1.2 million members in over 33,000 clubs worldwide. Coweta-Fayette is the newest chartered Club in District 6900 of Rotary International, which includes 72 clubs with approximately 5,000 members in Georgia.

For more information on Coweta-Fayette Rotary, go to www.cowetafayetterotary.org. President Cynthia Mounsour issues an invitation to meetings held every Monday night at 6:30 pm in Peachtree City.

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Fayette Senior Services Showcases New Classes at Second Annual Meet the Instructors Day

More than 200 people attended last year’s “Meet the Instructor Day” at Fayette Senior Services (FSS) for a chance to learn about the wide variety of classes and activities offered at its Life Enrichment Center and register for classes. The event was such as success that Fayette Senior Services is pleased to announce that it will host it again this year on Tuesday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The public is invited to come out for a first-hand look at the classes and special events available to adults age 50 and better. Instructors will each have displays that offer information, examples and demonstrations of their work. More than 30 new classes will be offered at the Center between August and October in addition to the wide variety of classes and activities that are offered year-round. Classes are open to FSS members as well as non-members. FSS members receive discounts on fee-based classes.

Exciting new day and evening classes include culinary specialties such as Artisan Bread Baking, Creating Chocolate Works of Art, Heart-healthy Baking for Diabetics, and more. A variety of Genealogy courses will be offered as well as Ballroom Dance, Line Dance, Piano Lessons, and everything you wanted to know about selling your treasures on e-Bay. Art classes are available for beginners and crafters can learn all about Card Making, Decorative Accent Tile Making, and Glass Etching Made Easy. An expanded offering of computer, fitness, and needlework classes will also be featured.

Attendees can also learn about upcoming FREE and low-cost special events such as the Vision Seminar, Brain Fit Workshop, Great Military Leaders, Go Green and Save Big, Caregivers Support Group, AARP Driving Course, Estate Planning/Investments with H. Wayne Howell and Mary Lynn Kirby, and “Senior Moments” presented by Dr. Al Martinez. The event will also showcase the many classes offered at FSS through Clayton State University’s Continuing Education program.

Susan Landais, FSS’ Program Manager explains, “This is a great opportunity for adults who may want to take a special interest class but aren’t quite sure if the class is right for them. The Meet the Instructors Day is the perfect way to learn more about the class and meet the expert who will be teaching the class.” Landais adds, “Between our exciting new classes and our regular on-going programs, more than 60 classes and activities will be offered at our Center between August and October. From Baby Boomers to Centenarians, there truly is something for everyone at Fayette Senior Services.”

For those who are unable to attend the event, the August through October class schedule can be found in the Fayette Senior Services newsletter that is online at www.FayetteSeniors.org. Class registration is available now at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center located at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville (across from the Fayette County Justice Center). Find out why Fayette Senior Services is no ordinary senior center! Call 770-461-0813 for more information.

Chamber Collaborates with SCORE to Help Small Businesses

Fayette businesses have a new option for help with everything from writing a business plan to locating available resources to face-to-face counseling. The Fayette Chamber is opening its office to a new SCORE chapter to provide mentoring to new and existing small businesses. And the best news is that the SCORE services are FREE!

SCORE is a national organization of almost 11,000 volunteers in 375 chapters serving over 500,000 clients yearly. The Atlanta Chapter alone has over 75 counselors in 15 offices throughout the metro area. The new Fayette chapter is offering services to Fayette and Coweta businesses.

SCORE counselors will schedule appointments on Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm. Appointments can be made by registering online at www.scoreatlanta.org.

The Chamber’s collaboration with SCORE is part of an on-going effort to provide Fayette businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. If you would like more information, contact the Chamber at 770.461.9983 or visit www.FayetteChamber.org.

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Georgia school teachers learn ecology and sustainable development in Ecuador through UGA program

FL Note: Congratulations to Fayette County's Maureen Tompkins from Flat Rock Middle School in Tyrone who was one of the attendees.

High in the cloud forests of Ecuador, Georgia public school teachers listened and waited. Toucans, trogans and numerous species of hummingbirds flew through the canopy. In the damp, cool landscape, orchids and other plants filled the air with rich scents.

Welcome to a summer field course that from June 27-July 6 attracted some 20 teachers from all over the state to lush sites in this South American country. Each day was packed with intensive study of issues relating to sustainable development. The course was sponsored by the Georgia Museum of Natural History, part of the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

The field school was based in the Maquipucuna Reserve, which has around 15,000 acres of primary and secondary forest and is located within Ecuador’s Choco Andean Bioregion, one of the world’s top-five biodiversity hot spots. The reserve incorporates habitats ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level.

“The reserve really has everything a field school like this needs,” said Carol Hoffman, education director of the museum and co-leader of the field school. “It’s a fascinating biological and ecological site, and a wonderful place to take teachers.”

Co-leader Anne Shenk, director of education at the Botanical Garden, agrees.

“The extent of the area’s biodiversity is evident everywhere,” she said. “For instance, every time you turn over a leaf you find an insect.”

But the beautiful cloud forest supports much more than insects and birds. Jaguars and spectacled bears prowl the reserve, too. And despite the fact that it’s almost directly on the equator, its altitude (some 4,000 feet) gives it a cool, wet climate.

The course, called The Global Naturalists Learning Community: Tropical Ecology of the Andes, developed from previous work that Hoffman and Shenk did with the Maquipucuna Foundation, including an international education project called “Our Shared Forests.” They designed the new field school and activities that teachers will take back to their classrooms to enhance scientific inquiry and help their students understand that global environmental issues affect them in Georgia.

“Once when I was sharing my travel experiences with a group of students, I said that I enjoyed learning about other places and sharing it with them,” said Halley Page, a teacher at Fowler Drive Elementary School in Athens-Clarke County. “One of the students said, ‘And that’s how we get to go, too!’ Educators that have this type of experience increase their knowledge base and pass on their renewed excitement to their students. I hope it will inspire their students to someday see the world and appreciate the diversity of cultures and environments that exist.”

The sheer richness of biodiversity in the Reserve is enough to startle anyone. Maquipucuna is home to a great variety of species, many of them endangered and/or endemic. There are around 2,000 plant species (more than 200 species of orchids), more than 349 bird species and more than 50 species of mammals.

“In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the effects of a variety of land uses on the environment, course activities helped teachers gain a greater understanding of their students with family origins in Latin America,” explained Shenk.

Hoffman said the teachers also visited several towns and saw how homes, markets, schools, businesses and micro-enterprises operate and how they fit in with goals of sustainability. For instance, the town of Salinas has some 93 micro-enterprises, including chocolate and cheese production.

“Because of hunting and development pressures, some of the original species are gone, but so much remains, and there’s so much richness and diversity, that saving it is important, and every teacher understood that,” she said.

That perspective was tested often, however, not least on one trip when a giant cockroach made its appearance, along with numerous species of spiders and scorpions.

The group studying at the field school this summer included high school science teachers, middle school life- and earth-sciences teachers and upper-elementary science specialists. Each had to write a preliminary essay on why she or he wanted to attend the field school, and the group’s eagerness and eloquence assured Hoffman and Shenk of an interested and committed trip. Each teacher earned seven Professional Learning Units—extended education that all teachers in Georgia must earn during their careers.

“The trip to Ecuador provided me with a comprehensive perspective of the interdependence of all people on the environment, exposing me to the diversity of cultures within one nation, and showing me the dependence on resources available within the different climate zones within the country,” said Steven King of Whit Davis Elementary School, also in Athens-Clarke County. “The experiences of this trip will shape my instruction to my students in the areas of biology, environmental science, sociology, geology and climatology. It will always be a trip that I will never forget.”

The field course was funded by a grant from the U.S. Teacher Quality Higher Education Program for the Improvement of Math and Science Education.

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Fayette County Student Awarded Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship

Jessica Craddock of Fayetteville was the only Starr’s Mill High School and Fayette County student to be awarded a Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship as announced by the University of Georgia last week.

A total of twelve University of Georgia first-year students have been awarded Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. Three returning UGA students also received the award.

This scholarship, funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation since 2007, supports academically outstanding students who are the first in their families to attend college. Recipients must demonstrate financial need to be eligible.

Recipients receive $5,000 per year in addition to the state-supported HOPE Scholarship.

The Coca-Cola award is renewable for another three years of undergraduate study if recipients maintain certain academic credentials.

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National Night Out: Tuesday Aug 4th

The Tyrone Police Department invites you to come visit us during National Night Out: Tuesday August 4th from 6 to 8.

Officers from the Tyrone and Peachtree City Police Departments will be participating in National Night Out festivities on Tuesday August 4th from 6 to 8 pm at the Kedron Target on Peachtree Parkway.

National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen our communities by encouraging neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners. The goal is to heighten crime-prevention awareness, build support and
participation in local anti-crime programs, and most importantly, send a message that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get to know your neighbors even better.

We will use this event to: further publicize our use of Nixle as a community information service, present information on neighborhood watch, and offer insight into police activity in Tyrone. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see our new mobile computer system in action.

Please help us spread the word by passing this information on to your family, friends, and neighbors. We hope to see you there!

Fayette County Students Score High with End of Course Tests

The majority of Fayette County students are either meeting or exceeding performance requirements for end of course tests based on data released by the Georgia Department of Education.

The spring administration of the test shows students performing strongest in US History, Physical Science, Economics/Business/Free Enterprise, American Literature and Composition, and Ninth Grade Literature and Composition with the majority scoring in the “exceeds” category. In comparison to last year, Ninth Grade Literature and Composition had the largest jump in the “exceeds” performance level with a gain of 15 percentage points.

In the other subjects tested, Algebra I, Geometry and Biology, the majority of students scored in the “meets” category.

Overall, Fayette County outperformed the state in all subjects tested by 7 to 27 points. The biggest gap between the school system and the state was in Economics/Business/Free Enterprise where Fayette’s mean score was 449 compared to the state’s 422.

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Don't Wait To Get Your Children Ready for School

The Fayette County Health Department urges parents not to wait in getting their children vaccinated for the new school year starting in early August. Special days have been set aside at the health department to be sure students are ready to enter school. Special Hearing-Vision-Dental and immunization clinics will be held July 21, 22, 28, 29 and August 4, 5 and 12.

Fayette County Health Department has also set aside special days for physical exams for children entering Head-Start program in the fall. Head-Start physicals will be done on July 24, 31 and August 12.

Georgia law requires children enrolling in day care or school to have required vaccinations. A child entering private or public school in Fayette County for the first time must have two key forms: Georgia immunization form 3231(which must be completed by a health center or doctor) and Georgia form 3300, documenting vision, hearing and dental screenings. Parents should bring along their child's immunization record to the health center.

Fees for immunizations and screenings will vary, please call for more information and to schedule an appointment. Payments for health services may be made by cash, MasterCard or Visa. Medicaid covers vision and hearing screenings and immunizations.

For more information on the immunizations your child needs and where to get them, contact your child’s health care provider, the Fayette County Health Department at 770-305-5416.

Two Fayette County Schools Ranked Best in Nation by Newsweek Magazine

Two Fayette County high schools have earned spots on the prestigious “Top of the Class” list published by Newsweek magazine.

Starr’s Mill and McIntosh High earned rankings on the list that features the top 1,500 public high schools in the nation. Schools making the list are among the top six percent of all public high schools in the U.S.

Both schools have been included on previous “Top of the Class” lists. Starr’s Mill made the list in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2008. McIntosh has made the list every year since 2006.

Georgia’s U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson recognized this achievement in a congratulatory letter to Superintendent John DeCotis.

“To place among the top six percent of public schools in the United States is a testament to the dedication and hard work put forth by you and the others who made this honor possible,” Isakson stated.

Schools on the list are ranked according to the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at the school in 2008 divided by the number of graduating seniors.

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DeCotis Named Outstanding Georgia Educator

Each year the membership of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) nominates fellow members for the association’s Outstanding Educator Award. One of the nominees and winner of the 2009 award is Fayette County School Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis.

“I’m honored that I was selected for this award. Our board members, staff, teachers and students have allowed me to serve them and I thank them,” says DeCotis.

To be eligible for nomination, a candidate most possess an exemplary record of service in educational leadership and exhibit leadership characteristics that are considered a positive role model for others. In choosing a winner, selection team members look for demonstration of effective leadership and management skills, how new ideas and projects have been implemented, contributions made to the educational leadership profession, profession growth activities, membership in professional organizations and community involvement.

The award was presented at the summer GAEL conference July 12-15.

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Recall Robert Horgan Gains Steam

The “Committee to Recall Robert Horgan” (Committee) held a Kick-Off Rally on Tuesday evening at the Whitewater Creek Community Association’s Club House. The goal was to collect signatures to jump-start the recall of Fayette County Commissioner Robert Horgan and to energize volunteers.

Signatures from over 90 registered voters were quickly obtained that evening. Most of those present at the Rally took signature sheets with them to help obtain signatures for the recall effort.

Harold Bost, the coordinator of the Recall Robert Horgan drive, has received numerous additional phone calls from Fayette residents asking where they can sign the application and others asking where they can get more signature forms so they can help obtain more registered voter’s signatures.

“Although we believe we now have sufficient signatures to obtain the official Recall Petition, we plan to collect signatures until July 29, 2009, the deadline for returning the “Application for Recall”, Bost noted. “We are doing this to train our “staff” of volunteers and to demonstrate to Robert Horgan that this is a determined group of Fayette County Voters working hard to get him recalled.”

On May 23, 2009 Commissioner Horgan was pulled over by Fayette County Sheriff’s deputies for driving with an expired license tag. After noting a strong smell of marijuana, Horgan’s vehicle was searched and a pill bottle with marijuana was located under the driver’s seat. He was subsequently cited for the expired tag and for “Possession of Marijuana – Less than one ounce U.T.C. #106982”. Horgan admitted to smoking marijuana while driving; however, he was not charged with driving under the influence or tested for drugs.

According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s “The Supplemental Report, Case Number: 0904859” (attached), while sitting in the back of the patrol car Horgan asked deputies “If there was anything that we could do to resolve this right here, right now”.

Commissioner Horgan has refused to resign despite repeated calls to do so by citizens, seven former commissioners, and at least one of his fellow Commissioners. An Ethics Violation has been filed by two Fayette citizens and a pubic hearing is pending.

Horgan is one of the five senior elected officials in Fayette County, responsible for approving its $63M budget. Committee members and citizens across the county have voiced concerns regarding Horgan’s judgment, his involvement with unlawful activities, and his ethics.

The Committee was registered with the State of Georgia on July 11, 2009 and began its initial steps to recall Horgan on July 14. A website has been set up to keep Fayette County citizens updated on the recall efforts: www.recallhorgan.com.

Information regarding volunteering to help, how to sign the recall petition, and downloadable official recall forms are also located on the site. Completed forms should be returned to Harold Bost 125 Turnberry Circle, Fayetteville, 30215. Forms may also be obtained by contacting Bost at 770-719-0638.

For more information contact Harold Bost at hbostmail@aol.com (770-719-0638) or Bob Ross at administrator@recallhorgan.com (770-486-1104).

Psssttt--- Piedmont Hospital Offers a Free Service for Women‏

Piedmont Hospital has received a grant from Susan G. Komen for the cure. They are now providing free breast imaging services, mammograms, ultrasound, MRI, etc. including biopsy to underserved women in 5 counties. Fayette County is included and is the furthest south county served.

If interested in learning more, please call 404-605-4427. Translation services are provided. Piedmont Fayette Hospital is the service provider for our county or women can choose Piedmont Buckhead.

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Fayette County Students Learn Music and Leadership at All Girls Summer Camp

A total of 13 students from Fayette’s middle and high schools participated in the first Athena Music and Leadership Camp designed to encourage females to become leaders in their band programs.

Young musicians from five of Fayette County's middle and high schools were a part of history in the making this summer as they attended the first ever music leadership camp just for girls.

The Athena Music and Leadership Camp, sponsored by Music Essentials, was created by Fayette County High School band director Myra Rhoden in an effort to encourage girls to become leaders in their school band programs. Men have long dominated the music field at the high school level, and although women are starting to enter the field, Rhoden says attitudes take time to catch up. That’s why she spent a year organizing the camp that is named after the Greek goddess of the arts and wisdom. The camp is the only band camp in the state serving just girls, according to Rhoden.

At total of 44 students from nine metro-Atlanta counties, including 13 from Fayette, attended the first all female music camp June 9-13 on the campus of the University of West Georgia. Fayette students included Katherine Burke, Bennett’s Mill Middle; Callie Burks, Flat Rock Middle; Ashley Carter, Fayette County High; Emily Gomes, Fayette Middle; Gabrielle Illg, Rising Starr Middle; Alexis Johnson, Fayette County High; Tori Melton, Rising Starr Middle; Sarah Mendes, Rising Starr Middle; Mallory Northrop, Fayette County High; Elisabeth Pagan, Fayette Middle; Sara Preiss, Flat Rock Middle; Omone Tokurah, Fayette Middle and Marisa Winter, Rising Starr Middle.

The girls spent the week in music and leadership classes and concluded the camp by showing off what they had learned during a concert performance on the final day.

An all female staff of professional musicians and teachers from around the state lead the camp including Leslie Minor, assistant director at Flat Rock Middle, who served as the clarinet and music theory instructor and Rhoden, who served as the camp’s director and conductor of the all girl symphonic band.

The camp is open to all female 7th-12th grade musicians who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. Due to the success of the first camp, a second has been planned for next summer, June 8-12, 2010 at the University of West Georgia.

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Fayetteville DAR Lays Wreath at Tomb of George and Martha Washington

Shown (l-r): Jo Lynn Burge, prospect, Atlanta Chapter; Karol Vella, General Daniel Newnan Chapter, Brenda Jessel, General Daniel Newnan Chapter; Martha Knight, Fort Peachtree Chapter; Anna Thompson, General Daniel Newnan Chapter; Lynn Brackey, Regent, Sandy Springs Chapter, Dee Redkevitch, Sandy Springs Chapter; Betty Harrah, Regent, James Waldrop Chapter, Pat Cole, James Waldrop Chapter, Becky West, James Waldrop Chapter, and Mary Leita Burge, prospect, Atlanta Chapter.

During the recent 118th Continental Congress of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, DC, members of the James Waldrop Chapter in Fayetteville, attended a ceremony and wreath laying at the tomb of George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon.

After attending the ceremony, James Waldrop Chapter Regent Betty Harrah commented, "It was an honor to be able to pay respects to our first President. The reading of George Washington's prayer for his country written in 1783 by DAR member Martha Knight contributed to the solemn ceremony and reaffirmed our devotion to patriotism as Americans."

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Croft Named Fayette County Schools Psychologist of the Year

The Fayette County Association of School Psychologists has selected Stacy Croft as Fayette County Schools Psychologist of the Year.

Each year the local association selects a member who has demonstrated exemplary job performance, earning the respect of fellow workers, students and parents. The award not only recognizes persons who have made outstanding contributions to school psychology but it also serves as a vehicle for increasing public awareness of the profession.

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school.

School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They must complete a minimum of a post-Master’s degree program that includes a year-long internship and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning styles and processes, behavior, motivation and effective teaching.

Fayette’s school psychologists are certified by the state of Georgia (Georgia Professional Standards Board) with several current staff members holding national certification from the National School Psychology Certification Board.

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4th Annual Tyrone Back to School Bash

The Annual Tyrone Back to School Bash will take place at Shamrock Park on July 18 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The festivities will include all day fun for kids including moonwalks and face painting, there will be drawings for great prizes and several grand prizes, lots of music and fun with a local DJ, a variety of vendors providing food at a nominal cost, and more! The great part about this event is that there will be no charge to the public. Each year gets bigger and better!!

Fayette County School Bus Driver Takes Top 10 in Safety Competition

Imagine steering a school bus in and out of five cones set at a close proximity and then doing it again, backwards, without stopping or bumping the markers. This and other grueling tests is what Michael Dixon, driver of bus #259, had to successfully complete to place in the top 10 at the annual Georgia School Bus Roade-o competition in Warner Robins.

A total of 44 drivers from across Georgia participated in the state event after winning their local school bus safety competitions. Dixon placed eighth among the Georgia drivers.

Contestants compete in three separate tests over a two-day period to demonstrate their knowledge of driving skills and safety: a written exam covering state laws and policies, a pre-trip inspection that includes finding five mechanical defects and maneuvering a skills course of seven obstacles, such as serpentine mentioned at the beginning of this article.

The overall purpose of the competition is to reinforce safe driving skills and practices among drivers. Safety competitions have proven to be one of the most effective instructional tools to improve a person’s driving skills.

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All Fayette County Schools Make AYP

The Fayette County School System is the only system in metro Atlanta with 100 percent of its schools making AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) for six consecutive years.

Fayette is among 44 systems in Georgia with all schools meeting AYP requirements in 2009. Of these systems, most have less than 10 schools compared to Fayette’s 28.

All of Fayette’s schools have made AYP each of the six years since the assessment was implemented.

AYP is one of the cornerstones of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. It is a measure of year-to-year student achievement on statewide assessments.


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Additional College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners Named in Fayette County

Two more 2009 Fayette County high school graduates have been included in the last group of National Merit Scholar designees announced by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Randy Goodheart, Whitewater High, and Qian Zhou, McIntosh High, round out the last of the College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship winners for 2009. Both students earned their scholarships from Georgia Tech. Goodheart plans to study physics and aerospace; Zhou has not decided on a possible career field.

Officials of each sponsor college selected their winners from among finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program who will attend their institution. College-sponsored awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.

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Fayette County CRCT Scores Best in State

The 2009 CRCT results show Fayette County students leading the state in subjects tested at all grade levels.

In comparison to the critical grade levels where students must pass reading in third grade and both reading and math in fifth and eighth grades to get promoted, only a handful of smaller school systems posted higher scores in some subjects. These systems had fewer than 1,000 students taking the tests compared to Fayette’s more than 1,400-1,700 students, depending on the grade level.

The CRCT is a curriculum-based test given to students in grades 1-8 in the subjects of reading, English language arts and mathematics. In grades 3-8, science and social students are added. This year all of the CRCTs were aligned with Georgia’s new curriculum, resulting in more rigorous tests.

Overall, test scores remain high across all subjects and grade levels, soaring will above state averages. The largest gain in scores was seen in science in grades 3, 5 and 8 with increases between 4-6 percentage points.

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Tyrone Xtreme U10 All-Stars Take Home State Title

Front Row: L-R Jared Smith, Trey Houlberg, Lawson Dial, Hunter Campbell, Jake Lee, Donovan Devane, Ethan Ange; Back Row: L-R Coach David Healy, Ryan Coleman, Drew Darcy, Coach Larry Lee, Christian Vermilyea, Beau Healy, Coach Tony Campbell, Manager, Joey Ange (not pictured)

With a winning season under their belt the Tyrone Xtreme led the U10 league with an impressive 12 – 0 record. On June 12th at Handley Park after defeating the Rex Yankees, Panhandle Cardinals, and the North Clayton Braves the team walked away with a 4-0 record and the Sub-state title.

A State Championship in their sights and a 4-1 win in the state tournament led them on to victory on June 26th as they readily defeated the Hopewell Gladiators, Rex Yankees, and Sharon Springs Blue All Stars to take home the State Title.

(The Tyrone Xtreme is currently in Mandeville, Louisiana playing in the 2009 World Series)
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Nature Photography Exhibition Moves to PTC Library

Prize-winning photographs from Southern Conservation Trust’s inaugural nature photography exhibition will be on display at the Peachtree City Library through July 15th.

Nature, Undisturbed 2009 took place in early May 2009 at the Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone. Fifty stunning images, selected from 185 entries, showcased the area’s natural beauty and highlighted the importance of land conservation. Call for entries for Nature Undisturbed 2010 will be announced in October 2009.

Southern Conservation Trust is a non-profit conservation organization based in Fayette County. The Trust protects more than 1300 acres of farmland, forest and environmentally sensitive land in the Southern Crescent.

Prints of the photographs exhibited in Nature Undisturbed may be purchased on the Trust’s website www.sctlandtrust.org. For more information, contact the Trust at info@sctlandtrust.org.

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Peachtree City Library Users Choose Seasonal Hours

Peachtree City Library has released the results of its Library Hours Survey. A total of 776 people answered the survey that ran from June 3 – June 17: 257 (or 33.1%) voted to keep the current reduced hours; 167 (or 21.5%) voted to close on Wednesdays; 352 (45.4%) voted for “seasonal hours.”

Peachtree City’s Library Administrator, Jill Prouty, reported the results to City Council at their June 18 meeting. The new fall hours will begin the first day of school for Fayette County students, August 10. The new schedule will be as follows: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

“The later weekday hours should please our local students who need extra time in the evening to complete their assignments.” said Prouty. “I think our Wednesday users will also appreciate the consistency of the new schedule.” Presently, the library limits Wednesday hours to 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., which many library users have found confusing.

According to Prouty, the idea behind “seasonal hours” was to accommodate the needs of local students by opening later and closing later during the school year. Summer hours, which will begin next year, feature earlier hours for Vacation Reading Program participants as well as an earlier closing time.

Summer hours, which will begin next year on June 1, 2010, will be as follows: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

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Peachtree City Cart Path Update for Rockspray Pond

The Peachtree City path at the Rockspray Pond spillway will be closed intermittently the week of June 29 and July 6 for repairs to the outflow and installation of a new temporary spillway.

The Path on Crosstown Road accessing Wendys is now open. Please remember that carts CANNOT cross Crosstown or Highway 74.

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Safety Map for Peachtree City July 4 Fireworks

There will again be a 700-800 feet safety zone established for the annual July 4th fireworks show over Lake Peachtree.

All safe areas will be marked by red or yellow security tape, placed in the area by July 2nd. Even though much of Picnic Park will be affected, the All Children’s Playground will remain open for play until 8 pm. At that time, everyone must leave the safety zone.

The required safety zone also includes specific areas on the water. The Peachtree City Fire Department, Fayette County Marshals office, and DNR will have boats and personnel on the water to monitor the area. Boaters must be able to control their craft to keep from drifting into the danger zone, which will be marked by flotation buoys.

Any violation of the rules will result in a delay of the fireworks show. Also any violators to the safety rules and safety zones on land and water will be subject to police arrest.

The Fire Department also reminds residents that no consumer fireworks are allowed to be used, sold or possessed on any city-owned or controlled property.

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Canongate to Manage PTC Tennis Center

The City of Peachtree City officially awarded the management contract for the Peachtree City Tennis Center to Sequoia Golf, DBA Canongate Golf Clubs (www.canongategolf.com) on Thursday, June 18. The City chose Canongate on the merits of its proposal that met the City's goals of improving the Tennis Center's operations and attracting more tournaments, while reducing the operational costs for Peachtree City's taxpayers. Canongate will assume operation of the Center on or around July 1. Canongate is well known as a provider of excellent services and facilities in the golf and membership arena. Primarily known for golf, Canongate has a wide array of experience managing tennis operations both in Georgia and in The Woodlands, Texas.
Notable tennis facilities operated by Canongate include The Woodlands Country Club with 21 courts and Healy Point Country Club in Macon with 10 courts. Both are among the most successful tennis operations in the nation; thus, Canongate sees the Peachtree City Tennis Center as being most closely aligned with what these two clubs offer.

Canongate plans to operate the Peachtree City Tennis Center as a high quality facility with public access, while also providing membership options and services, including a continuation of current memberships. Canongate is also committed to facility improvements and maintaining an array of relevant programming for tennis enthusiasts throughout the area. Just as Canongate has invested in facility improvements at its golf clubs, the company plans to upgrade several areas of the tennis center in addition to exploring additional services such as fitness and child care.

"The Peachtree City Tennis Center can be much more than a wonderful recreational facility, drawing tournaments that fuel the economy and help to support our tax base," said Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon. "We are confident in Canongate's ability to continue serving the existing members while taking the center to the next level. Through the operation of the area golf courses, Canongate knows Peachtree City and the expectations of the community."

According to Sequoia founder Joe Guerra, “Peachtree City is truly a special place and we are proud to be such a big part of the lifestyle that draws families to it. We are committed to earning the support of the residents by delivering quality programs and services that exceed their expectations.” Canongate plans to continue working with area high schools and increase tournament play at the Tennis Center. There are no significant pricing changes planned and current employees will be eligible for hire by Canongate.

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Herman Cain Take Back Our Government Tour Tonight in Fayette County

The public is invited to join Herman Cain at the Gazebo at the corner of GA Hwy 54 and 85 in Fayetteville, June 19, from 7 -9 pm for a live broadcast of his WSB Radio show.

Cain, a Georgia native, believes "In the People" should provide intelligent feedback to Congress on a regular basis and that now is the time to Take Our Government Back.

Cain recently energized the Republican Party at the Georgia State GOP Convention in Savannah.

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Let Freedom Ring on July 4th in Fayetteville

The public is invited to celebrate America's birthday with A Let Freedom Ring ceremony at 2PM on July 4th on the grounds of the Old Fayette County Courthouse in Fayetteville, GA.

The short, yet meaningful ceremony, will honor the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Each state's name and the names of the men from that state who signed the document will be read and a bell will be rung in recognition of their brave act.

The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will provide a color guard that will post the colors and provide a musket salute. The ceremony lasts about twenty minutes. Bring lawn chairs for seating.

The ceremony is sponsored by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Fayetteville. For more information, contact Susan Sloan at 770-461-2458 or jandssloan@mindspring.com .

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McIntosh STAR Student Selected as Region Finalist

Fayette County’s STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) student was shinning brightly this spring as she was named a Region STAR finalist.

Recent McIntosh High graduate Minna Choi was one of 21 students in the state selected as a finalist. All finalists are either in the top 10 percent or top 10 of their graduating class.

Every high school in Georgia has a STAR student; he or she is the one with the highest SAT score. Choi was Fayette’s STAR student since she posted the highest SAT score of all of the STAR students in the county.

Each STAR student selects an educator who has had the most influence on his or her academic success. Choi selected Advanced Placement Spanish Teacher Lector Zamore as her STAR teacher.

Choi and Zamore were honored for their achievements during the State PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) STAR Banquet in April at the Buckhead Hotel Atlanta. As a Region STAR finalist, Choi received a $500 cash award from the Cecil B. Day Foundation and Zamore received a $200 award from the PAGE Foundation.

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Two Fayette County Grads Earn Prestigious Scholarship

The high academic achievements of two recent Fayette County high school graduates have garnered them a federally funded scholarship that has been awarded to approximately 27,000 students nationwide.

Taylor Lee of Whitewater High School and Ryan O’Shaughnessey of Starr’s Mill High School are recipients of the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. Each student will receive a $1,500 award for four years to help cover tuition costs at the college or university of their choice.

The program, which is federally funded and state-administered, is designed to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued excellence in postsecondary education. High school graduates who have been accepted for enrollment at institutions of higher learning, have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic excellence are eligible to apply for the scholarship in states in which they are residents. The U.S. Department of Education provides grant funds to states on a formula basis. The award is not based on the applicant’s financial need.

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Nature Photography Exhibition Moves to Fayette Library

Twelve prize-winning photographs from Southern Conservation Trust's nature photography exhibition will be featured at the Fayette County Library in Fayetteville through the month of June. Nature, Undisturbed took place in early May 2009 at the Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone. Fifty stunning images, selected from more than 180 entries, showcased the area's natural beauty and highlighted the importance of conservation.

Southern Conservation Trust is a non-profit conservation organization based in Fayette County, GA. The trust protects more than 1300 acres of farmland, forest and environmentally senstive land in South Metro Atlanta.

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Fayette County School System Cuts Costs With Summer Hours

Over $40,000 in utility costs was saved last year by using a four-day summer workweek at Fayette County schools. Because of its success, the school system is implementing the four-day schedule again to help save money for what is shaping up to be another tight budget year.

Twelve-month employees at the school system’s central offices and all 30 schools will work 10-hour days from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday with Fridays off. Business hours for all offices and buildings, including the Welcome Center where new student registrations are handled, will be Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed on Fridays. This schedule takes effect on June 8 and goes through July 23.

Anyone who needs to register a child for school or conduct other business with the school system should make a note of the summer hours.

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Peachtree City Seeking Volunteers

The Development Authority of Peachtree City (DAPC) is a board of volunteers dedicating to fostering the development of new and existing business and industry in Peachtree City by building strong relationships with various development partners, state, and local agencies in a way that stimulates economic growth, broadens the tax base, and enhances the well being of Peachtree City citizens.

The Mayor and Council appoint Development Authority members to 4-year terms. To serve on the Development Authority, applicants must have lived in Peachtree City for at least 6 months. The seven-member board meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:00 p.m., at the Floy Farr Room (lower level of the Library), 210 Willowbend Road.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2009.

The Peachtree City Tourism Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism in Peachtree City. The Tourism Association operates the Peachtree City Visitors Center and manages the Peachtree City Tennis Center.

Applicants must have lived in the City limits for at least six months. Experience in the restaurant or hotel/motel industry and/or financial experience preferred. The Mayor and Council appoint Tourism Association members to 3-year terms. The seven-member Tourism Association board meets on the third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the lower level of the Tennis Center, Classroom # 1, 10 Planterra Way.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2009.

Applications are available via Employment/Volunteer link on the City’s homepage or at City Hall. Call (770) 487-7657 for more information.

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Registration Now Open for PTC July 4 Parade

Registration is now open for residents, businesses and organizations in Peachtree City for the annual July 4th parade. Fayette County residents, businesses and organizations registration opens June 8.

Residents and organizations of Fayette County will pay $25 while businesses will be pay $50 for the entry fee. Only those who are in Fayette County are eligible to enter the parade.

There is no online registration. Registration is done in person at The Recreation Administration Office at 191 McIntosh Trail or call 770-631-2542.

The fireworks will begin at dusk at the City Hall Plaza.

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Fayetteville Man Joins SmartComp LLC Leadership Team

SmartComp LLC, the nation's leading Workers' Compensation Physical Medicine Clinical Network Solution, is pleased to announce the recent addition of Neal Sanders to their leadership team. Sanders of Fayette County, GA, joins SmartComp as Vice President of Provider Relations.

Sanders earned his Executive Masters of Business Administration from Troy University and is a former military officer serving in the US Army. He and his wife, Ruby, reside in Fayetteville, GA.

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Kedron Retiring Principal Receives Appreciation Quilt

Retiring Kedron Elementary School Principal Karen Bullock will have many precious keepsakes to remind her of her days at the Peachtree City school but one in particular will warm her heart like no other.

Students in Kedron’s after school program assisted in designing a quilt that captures the essence of the school and its students. The quilt features 88 squares decorated by the students with artwork reflecting themselves, the school or the after school program.

Matty Porter and Sara Rowlinson of the Tyrone Recreation Department’s Shamrock Quilters visited the school to teach the students about the art of quilting and assisted them in the final construction of the project. Not only did the students learn a new art form, but they also received lessons on teamwork and history.

“The children were amazed to learn that the early quilters had no craft stores from which to purchase fabric and that they had to wait weeks for mail order supplies. They also learned that quilters in that era often crafted secret spots in the quilt in which to hide money and valuables,” says Christine Clark, coordinator of Kedron’s after school program.

Bullock was presented the quilt during a surprise celebration in the cafeteria. Although Bullock said she had sensed that the students had been working on something, she never dreamed about a quilt.

“I’m thrilled of course. It’s beautiful. It is hanging in the hallway for all parents to see. It will be a keepsake of my memories at Kedron,” says Bullock.

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Mentors Needed for New Fayette County Program

If you want to help children and the future of our economy at the same time, the Friends Mentoring Program with the Fayette County School System needs you.

A new mentoring program for the school system’s Alternative School will begin this school year (2009-2010). Those who need mentors are facing tough personal situations and need advocates who refuse to give up on them. The majority of students enrolled at the school are males at the middle school level.

Sometimes students become so overwhelmed with their personal circumstances that they feel they have to make a choice between school and their issues. Often it is school that suffers, leading to poor academic performance and sometimes dropping out. Mentoring has shown to have the ability to assist youth in lifting themselves out of dire situations and placing them on a path to success.

Mentoring gives children the ability to change their circumstances, helps to build self-esteem, teaches children how to maintain successful relationships with adults and builds successful decision-making skills. Mentoring can also have a dramatic impact on the economy.

The Center for Labor Market Studies estimates that more than $250,000 is lost per youth in payment of payroll, federal and state income taxes and local property taxes per high school dropout. Also, research has shown that Americans without a high school diploma earn $400,000 less over a working lifetime than those who graduated. The average pay for a high school dropout is $11,031 per year compared to $23,059 for a graduate.

Adults have worldly experience that they can share with youth, guiding them toward a successful future. A commitment of one day, one hour per week mentoring a student throughout the school year could change that person’s entire life. If you would like to become a mentor for the new alternative school mentor program, contact Jane Gough, the Friends Mentoring Program manager, at 770-460-3990, ext. 255 or email gough.jane@fcboe.org.

Volunteers must successfully complete a criminal background check as well as an application that can be downloaded from the school system’s website, www.fcboe.org. Those accepted into the program will also be required to attend orientation training before working as a mentor.

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Fayette County Spanish Student Wins Scholarship

Fluency in Spanish pays off for one high school student.

Heather Tucker, a ninth grade Spanish II student at Starr’s Mill High School in Fayette County, has been awarded the Lazera Herrera Spanish Immersion Camp Award for 2009 by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).

Heather attended the weekend-long Immersion Camp in March where she was required to speak only in Spanish for the entire duration of the camp. While there, she participated in various language workshops and speaking competitions, as well as social events including sports, arts and crafts and dancing. Only 100 high school students statewide who are enrolled in Level II Spanish or higher are admitted. The camp was held March 27-29, 2009.

As the winner of the Immersion Camp Award, Heather received an $85 scholarship to reimburse her for the full cost of the camp.

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Young Fayette County Artists Inspired by Tut Exhibit

Students take a break to pose outside of the ancient Egyptian tomb they built shortly after visiting the Tut exhibit in Atlanta.

After visiting Tutankhamen, the Golden King and the Great Pharaohs exhibit at the Civic Center, seventh graders at Bennett’s Mill Middle School in Fayette County decided to share their experience with the rest of the school.

They built their own ancient Egyptian tomb out of papermache, clay and paint under the direction of art teacher Melissa Raymer. The tomb features a life-size sarcophagus (funeral receptacle), ceramic canopic jars (used by ancient Egyptians during the rituals of mummification), coffinettes (containers for organs of a mummy), cartouches (name plates) featuring the student’s names in hieroglyphics, and giant paintings of Ancient Egyptian gods covering the walls.

Thanks to the seventh graders’ hard work and creativity, other students at the school who were not able to attend the Tut exhibit still got to experience the fascinating culture and customs of the ancient Egyptians.

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DAR Lays Wreath in Memory of American Patriots on Memorial Day

Fayette County residents Sybil Hill, Susan Sloan and Phyllis King were among those who laid wreaths at the National Memorial Day Service in Marietta on Memorial Day. Mrs. Hill, who served America as a Rosie during World War II, was provided with honored seating at the ceremony. The ladies are members of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Fayetteville.



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Father in Baghdad to Watch Fayette County Triplets Graduate Via Live Broadcast

An Air Force captain serving in Baghdad will get to watch his triplet sons graduate from Whitewater High School in Fayetteville in real time on Friday thanks to NBC and local network affiliate 11Alive.

Capt. William Cooke probably thought he would only get to see this milestone occasion documented through photos or videotape after the fact, but thanks to his commanding officer and some diligent work from the school’s staff, he will witness the monumental event over the Internet as it unfolds.

Capt. Cooke is not the only one receiving a special gift on graduation day. His sons, Cory, William and Michael, will see a broadcast message from their dad aired during the ceremony. NBC in Baghdad is handling the details.

“It should be an amazing evening,” says Suzanne Spatz, secretary to Principal Greg Stillions.

Spatz says the idea of having a live broadcast of the graduation started last Thursday when Capt. Cooke’s commanding officer called making the request. The school’s broadcasting teacher, Carolyn Smith, knew a live feed was beyond the scope of her students’ abilities so she turned to Donna Lowry, education reporter for 11Alive, for assistance.

“I had done a story earlier this year on some of her students who had won a grant. I guess she contacted me because of the connection we made while I was doing the story,” says Lowry.

After hearing the request, Lowry immediately contacted NBC network officials to see if there was a way to fulfill the live broadcast request. After many phone calls and email messages, Lowry finally received word on Monday that the network had agreed to help.

NBC will broadcast the entire graduation ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m., through a live online feed that is being provided by 11Alive. There will be a link on the 11Alive website (www.11alive.com) for anyone who wants to watch. It is hoped that NBC in Baghdad will be able to be onsite with Capt. Cooke to film his reaction in real time as he watches his sons graduate.

11Alive spent Wednesday filming Baccalaureate practice and interviewing the triplets. The story on the Baccalaureate aired Wednesday evening. The station announced Tuesday evening about the live stream and featured an interview with the triplets. Both stories can be viewed on 11Alive.com.

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Fayette County Students Earn College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships

Emory, UGA and Georgia Tech have awarded National Merit Scholarships to three Fayette County students who will begin studying at their institutions in the fall.

David C. Fratto, McIntosh High, has received a scholarship from Emory University where he will major in business finance; Joseph D. Morrow, Starr’s Mill High, received a UGA scholarship, he plans to major in mathematics education; and Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Starr’s Mill High, is the recipient of a scholarship from Georgia Tech where he will major in biomedical engineering.

The college-sponsored scholarships provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. These three students are among 8,200 graduating seniors nationwide who will receive National Merit Scholarships.

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Fruitful DNA Extraction

Students Brandon Blanchette (left) and Joe Adamson watch as the DNA separates from the strawberry mixture they prepared while UGA graduate student Kameka Johnson looks on

What do strawberries and bananas have in common with Fayette County's Whitewater Middle School students? The answer is DNA. As it turns out, the genetic material of the fruits is very similar to that of humans.

This was just one fascinating fact that approximately 290 seventh graders learned as they participated in a DNA extraction lab conducted by graduate students from the Georgia Plant Scholars Program of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Plant Pathology Department.

Using regular household items such as coffee filters, salt, dishwashing liquid, water and rubbing alcohol, students learned how to extract DNA from bananas and strawberries. What once took months to complete in a laboratory, took the students less than an hour.

Here is how the process works. The fruit is mashed to breakdown its cell walls and then mixed with salt and dish soap. The soap dissolves the fatty part of the cell wall and the nuclear membrane while the salt breaks up the protein chains that bind around the nucleic acids. This chemical reaction allows liquid containing DNA to pass through the coffee filter and into a container. When rubbing alcohol is added to the container, fine white strands of DNA appear. The DNA forms whitish stringy material that can be spooled onto a toothpick.

UGA’s DNA extraction labs are in high demand around the state. It took science teacher Daniece Post two years to get one at Whitewater using some connections she made at a conference.

“I participated in a UGA workshop in Athens and met Kisha Shelton, the program coordinator of Georgia Plant Science Scholars. We realized we had worked with some of the same professors during our internships and I asked if she would be willing to come to Fayetteville to do a lab. We have worked for two years arranging our schedules for the visit,” says Post.

The lab experiment was used to reinforce the Life Science Georgia Performance Standards that includes levels of cellular organization, cell structure and function, and the role of genes and chromosomes, as well as introduce students to careers in areas not commonly associated with science.
Michaela Phillips (left) and Rocio Obregon prepare to extract DNA from a banana
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