Piedmont Academy recently announced Julie Black as its teacher of the year.
Each year the Cougars’ faculty and staff vote to honor one exceptional teacher and, for the 2023-24 school year, Black was bestowed that honor.
Black shared her gratitude for receiving this recognition.
“I am so grateful to have received Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year,” Black said. “This is my 11th year teaching at Piedmont Academy, and I’m thankful to be able to teach at the school I attended, as well as my children.”
Piedmont Academy’s Head of School, Clint Welch, made the announcement at the post planning luncheon hosted by the school’s Grandparents’ Club.
Black was presented an award and plaque to commemorate her achievement.
For the 2023-24 school year, Black served as the lead teacher over the academy school, which includes grades 5-6. She is married to Alan and resides in Hillsboro. Black is the mother of Gracie and Emma who both graduated from Piedmont Academy in 2020 and 2023, respectively. She currently has three children attending her alma mater, too
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.
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
