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Newton County School System seeks expansion of Military JROTC Programs to Alcovy, Eastside
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In a move to enhance student opportunities and broaden access to specialized programs, the Newton County School System (NCSS) is excited to announce the submission of applications for military JROTC programs at Alcovy High School and Eastside High School. Currently, Newton High School proudly hosts a Marine Corps Junior ROTC program, and the school system aims to extend the valuable experience of the armed forces to even more high school students.

The Board of Education, in alignment with its goal of providing diverse educational pathways, recognizes the positive impact that military JROTC programs can have on students' personal development, leadership skills, and civic responsibility. By applying for these programs at Alcovy and Eastside High Schools, NCSS is taking a significant step towards fostering a well-rounded educational experience for all students.

“Our board has expressed a desire to expand access to specialized programming for our students, and while we are on our way to doing just that, introducing JROCT programs at Alcovy and Eastside is the first step in our journey,” said Dr. Duke Bradley, III, Superintendent of Newton County School System. “We are working towards expanding access to specialized programs for students throughout our county, and this is the first step in that effort."

Abigail Coggin, chair of the Newton County School System Board of Education, added her thoughts.

"We are dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment that prepares our students for success in various facets of life.," Coggin said. "The inclusion of military JROTC programs at Alcovy and Eastside High Schools aligns with our vision of expanding opportunities and ensuring that each student has access to high-quality, specialized programs."

The applications have been submitted to the Federal Government for review, and the decision to approve or deny the expansion of the military ROTC programs rests with them.

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