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2014 Governors Honors Program finalists
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Six Newton County School System high school students plan to spend part of their summer jump-starting their college learning after being selected to participate in the 2014 Governor’s Honors Program.

Finalists will attend the four-week instructional program, targeted to Georgia’s gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors, at Valdosta State University.

“The competition to be selected as a Governor’s Honors Program finalist is rigorous,” said NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “We are elated to have six exceptional district representatives.”

Nominees were required to provide endorsements and grade transcripts. They also completed a statewide screening interview or audition, depending on their intended college major.

Teachers submitted nominations for a specific instructional area according to each student’s abilities, strengths and interests. The program provides instruction in agriscience and biotechnology, agriscience and environmental science, English (communications arts), foreign languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish), mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, physics), social studies, visual arts, theater, music, dance, design, technology and executive management.

Four support areas — computers, counseling, library and media and physical fitness — are also provided.

“They will be able to study their disciplines more closely with other finalists from around the state,” Fuhrey said.

The finalists and their intended majors are: Anna Davis, Eastside High, Latin; Matthew Dean, Eastside High, music voice; Kaylah Kennedy, Eastside High, Latin; Ian Cole, Newton High, visual arts; Hezekiah Rogers, Newton High, music; Brittany Webb, Newton High, math.

Newton High School students Ann Marie Nyokoro and Craig Thomas were selected as alternates.

Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
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Eastside High School has announced the names of the top ten graduates of the Class of 2025. Leading the way are valedictorian, Ian White, and salutatorian, Malachi Scharf. Each of the top ten graduates have exciting prospects ahead of them as they prepare for life after high school.

Eastside High School’s 2025 Top 10 Graduates are:

• Ian White—The valedictorian, Ian plans to attend college and obtain a doctorate in chemical engineering. He selected Mr. Elijah Clark as his top teacher.

• Malachi Scharf—The salutatorian, Malachi plans to major in chemical engineering at Georgia Tech. He chose Mr. Michael Poor as his favorite teacher.

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Malachi Scharf (left) and Ian White (right) are Eastside High School’s 2025 Salutatorian and Valedictorian. - photo by Courtesy of Newton County School System

• Kaiden Blazina—Kaiden plans to attend Georgia College and State University to study biology with plans to become an anesthesiologist or a missionary. Kaiden selected Mrs. Haley Dawkins as his honored teacher.

• Abby Malcom—Abby will be attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall to major in agribusiness. Her goal is to run a floral business. She selected Ms. Sara Beth Hammond as her top teacher.

• Shelby Moore—Shelby plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to pursue a degree in agricultural education. She selected Ms. Alisa Echols as her top teacher.

• Annalie Parker—Annalie will attend Georgia College & State University with plans to obtain a doctorate and pursue a career in the scientific field. She selected Dr. Catrina Pollard as her favorite teacher.

• Chandler Shurtz—Chandler plans to attend Georgia Tech to study industrial engineering. He selected Mrs. Kelly Elder as his honored teacher.

• Robby Thomas, Jr.—Robby will attend Georgia Tech to study aerospace engineering and astrophysics. His goal is to work for NASA. Robby chose Ms. Kayla Stoddard as his honored teacher.

• Anna Underwood—Anna is attending Georgia State Perimeter to study her core classes with plans to transfer to the University of Georgia. Her career goal is to become an elementary school teacher. She selected Mr. Eric Adams as her top teacher.

• Benjamin Weaver—Benjamin is attending Newberry College to play soccer and study in their pre-vet program before moving on to veterinary school. He selected Mr. Caleb Watson as his honored teacher