COVINGTON, Ga. – Students at Rise Academy had the opportunity to get art instruction from local artist and Newton County native Carol Veliotis at the school’s campus on the Covington Bypass Friday morning. The school focuses on academics and has no extracurricular activities.

Programs Director Phalandra Perriman said the school tries to focus on the whole child, teaching life skills and social skills while focusing on academics.

Veliotis said the middle schoolers practiced their painting skills using art supplies donated by local residents.