‘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.

‘Gold star’ squad

The Dawson County High School JROTC has a new badge to proudly display on cadets' uniforms. The program was named an "honor unit with distinction," the highest award given, during a March 28 regional formal inspection.

JROTC cadets attend ball

The Lakeview Center was a sea of army green as Dawson County High School JROTC cadets gathered in formal dress for the third annual JROTC Military Ball. The March 23 event saw a turnout of more than 150 people, including cadets, students, parents and faculty.

Special Olympic Games comes to Dawson County

Athletes from both Dawson and Lumpkin counties will gather next week at Riverview Middle School to compete in this year's Special Olympics. The games will be held for the first time at the school from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 10 at the middle school.

High school chorus named ‘superior’

Not many people are fond of being judged by professionals, but the Dawson County High School Chorus had nothing to worry about last week in Habersham County. According to director Spencer Wright, the results at the state evaluation "couldn't have gone any better," with all three judges giving the chorus "superior" ratings in every area they were judged.

Vandiver exits Lanier Tech after 37 years

OAKWOOD - Telling stories and giving gifts, friends, colleagues and former bosses of Lanier Technical College President Russell Vandiver paid homage March 22 to the longtime campus leader and economic development guru. Kenneth Breeden, who led the school from 1975 to 1984, said that when he heard that Vandiver had been named president in September 2010, he thought "lucky Lanier Tech."