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Newton County Schools Shows Improvement on 2024 SAT Exam
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The Georgia Department of Education has released the 2024 SAT scores, and Newton County Schools (NCS) has reported increases in both student participation and overall performance compared to last year. NCS achieved an overall mean score of 972, compared to a 966 in 2023. In addition, the district saw a 15 percent increase in student participation. 

The SAT, a standardized test widely used for college admissions, assesses a student’s readiness for higher education by evaluating skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. This year’s results show promising gains in key areas, with Alcovy High School (AHS) and Eastside High School (EHS) both experiencing increases in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math scores, which contributed to higher overall SAT scores. Eastside High School continues to generate outstanding performance on the SAT, outperforming both state and national averages.

Subgroup data indicated a slight increase in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing for African American students and significant increases in Hispanic students in both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math.

Key highlights from the data include:

  • Eastside High School showed strong performance with improved scores in both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. Eastside maintains the highest mean scores in the district, outperforming both Georgia and national public-school averages.
  • Alcovy High School students also improved scores from 2023, with a significant gain in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.

“We are encouraged by the increases in both student participation and overall performance on this year’s SAT,” said Newton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III. “These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and school leaders. The growth we’ve seen underscores the district’s commitment to academic excellence and our continued progress in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Congratulations to all involved for their efforts in achieving these positive outcomes.”

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