‘A great honor’

Principal Jute Wilson said it's always an honor to recognize Dawson County High School's academic elite. "Naming the valedictorian and salutatorian is one of the most rewarding times of the year," he said. "To be recognized as the top academic performer over the course of four years speaks for itself."

Teen driver awarded

Makayla Crowder was shocked and surprised when she was called out of class March 27 by a local deputy. "I wasn't sure what was going on," the Dawson County High School junior said.

System to make cuts

Due to rising fees and a tightening budget, the local school system, one of the largest employers in Dawson County, faces staff cuts. "We value our employees very much, and it is very regrettable that our current budget situation has led to such major reductions in staffing," said Keith Porter, system superintendent.

Schools avoid negative labels

No Dawson County schools were among the 156 recently identified by the state Department of Education as needing extra attention to address floundering graduation rates and breaks in achievement. Labeled as "focus" schools, they are one of the three new designations being used by Georgia and other states that received a federal No Child Left Behind waiver in February.

‘Community presence’

Dawson Against Substance Abuse, a partner agency with Dawson County Family Connection, recently introduced its first director. Veronica Johnston, who has significant experience with nonprofits, has embraced DASA's expanded vision.

Girl Scouts celebrate historic milestone

Girl Scouts across the country celebrated the organization's 100 years of service, fellowship and leadership training earlier this month. Joan Bishop, Dawson County Troop 10610 leader, believes Girl Scouts is beneficial in building young girl's self-confidence and encouraging leadership skills.

‘Good start’ important

Kilough Elementary was one of five area schools Georgia first lady Sandra Deal visited Thursday as part of her new state reading initiative. The effort supports Gov. Nathan Deal's goal of increasing the percentage of children reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

Library celebrates Read Across America Day

Dozens of children from Robinson Elementary and area day cares poured into Dawson County Library last Thursday for Read Across America Day. The event is aimed at encouraging reading amongst younger children and hosts numerous activities set around Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, and his March 2 birthday.

Student spotlighted as anti-bullying advocate

A Dawson County High School freshman has decided to speak out against bullying, an issue she has witnessed and experienced. Spearheading her own nonprofit, "Rise and Shine Bullying Organization," Kirsten Hoge's cause has gone regional.

Speaker: War on drugs problematic

Schools seek to raise heart health awareness

Riverview Elementary students bounced, jumped and skipped for donations earlier this month to benefit the American Heart Association. Through Jump Rope for Heart, an annual fundraising event that aims to teach youth the importance of heart health, students participated in various exercises.

Talk covers emerging status of Indonesia

Between the Western and Eastern worlds, Indonesia plays a key role in the relationship of America and China. The fourth-most populous country, Indonesia's economy is developing rapidly, as is its political power, said J.T. Kwon, assistant professor of political science at North Georgia College & State University.

Sailing into the never, never land

For the past week volunteers have been painting, cutting, gluing and stapling decorations all over the interior of the Bowen Center for the Arts in preparation of Saturday morning's "Sail Away to Neverland" children's event. Each of the facilities three main rooms will be decked out with paintings and trimmings inspired by Walt Disney's "Peter Pan" storybook.

Speaker retraces Iraq, Afghanistan wars

Teacher recognized for work with special needs students

Long-term substitute teacher Phil Branson was honored last week for his work with special needs students at Riverview Middle School. Branson was selected by peers to be a district-wide ambassador during the March 2, Philip Wright Award ceremony in Cleveland. Seven other Dawson County teachers and school employees were nominated.

Grads ready to walk

Three days stand between more than 200 students and the next chapter of their lives.

Longtime educator retires

Friends and family gathered Sunday to honor a longtime Dawson County teacher and member of the Georgia Agriculture Education Hall of Fame on his upcoming retirement.

Jr. fire academy seeks cadets

Upcoming sixth- through ninth- graders interested in learning what it takes to be a firefighter are encouraged to sign up for Dawson County Emergency Services' Junior Fire Academy.

Tentative ’14 budget approved

The Dawson County Board of Education on Monday approved a tentative $32.3 million budget for fiscal year 2014, which represents a drop of about $3 million from 2013.

Junior police academy accepting applications

Spaces are quickly filling for Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle's annual junior law enforcement academy.

Fifth-graders graduate as C.H.A.M.P.S.

Fifth graders from across the county graduated as C.H.A.M.P.S. during a ceremony and celebration May 6 at Dawson County Middle School.

Dance raises money for childrens books

The weather may have been chilly on April 27, but the dancing and barbeque helped keep everyone warm.

Local high school seniors honored

It was a night of checks, medals and chords for Dawson County High School seniors as students attended an event in their honor.

Stars head of class

Two Dawson County stars - one on the basketball court and the other on standardized testing - finished a close race for head of the class after three years of competing.

Media center dedicated to late historian

Members of the local education and historic communities gathered last week as Robinson Elementary dedicated its media center to the memory and life's work of a late friend.

Honor given to teacher

Dawson County High School chemistry teacher Laura Hendrix was recently named 2012-2013 Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the Northeast Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society.

School board one step closer to new home

A deal to relocate the Dawson County Board of Education's central office to downtown Dawsonville could close next month. During its meeting Monday night, the school board voted 3-0 to approve a contract with Community & Southern bank for the two vacant buildings at 28 Main St.

Monthly luncheon recognizes educators

Each year, staff from Dawson County public schools nominate a teacher they feel exemplifies that special "teaching spirit." At the monthly Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 11 at the Lakeview Center, seven local teachers were presented to attendees and their peers.

Focus is the kids

The track at Riverview Middle School was awash in a sea of bright blue shirts Thursday as the 2013 Dawson County Special Olympics got under way. "We are part of a group called Connectability that's a partnership between Lumpkin and Dawson counties," said Tricia Owenby, a special education teacher at Riverview and the school's Special Olympics coordinator.

Elementary schools begin kindergarten registration

Friday is kindergarten registration for Dawson County schools. Kindergarten registration will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., April 12 at the Rock Creek Park Gym. Registration will be for Black's Mill, Kilough, Riverview and Robinson elementary schools.