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Piedmont Academy Cougars celebrate Kindergarten graduations
pac grad

This year, Piedmont Academy marked a milestone by celebrating two kindergarten commencement ceremonies where 36 classmates received their diplomas in the Cougar Gymnasium.

 The “Kinder Cougars” graduation ceremony commenced with an invocation by the Head of School, Clint Welch, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the graduating students. 

The event was a display of the students' talents and hard work, featuring performances of songs, recitations of poems and personal speeches where the graduates shared their future aspirations. The ceremony also included a year-in-review video presentation, a special reading, the presentation of diplomas and a tassel ceremony.

The first ceremony, led by Julie Tucker and Brianne Satterfield, was held on Tuesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. The 2023-24 “Kinder Cougars” from their class included:  Hutch Allen, Lilla Anglin, Hollis Bennett, Emma Carter, Juliet Cleary, Matt Colburn, Blayne Conway, Maggie Foster, Caroline Fuller, Layla Greer, Brooke Leatherwood, Abigail Lee, Riley Lunsford, Dorthy Middleton, Sadie Needham, Elizabeth Patterson, Daniel Studle and Oliver Wallace.

The second ceremony, led by Brittany Bryant and Amanda Conway, took place on Wednesday, May 22 at 9 a.m. Their 2023-24 “Kinder Cougars” included:  Camila Acero, Katie Grace Bryant, Skylar Cain, Jake Carter, Easton Coe, Ellie Mae Davis, Brock Durand, Betty Evans, Jackson Flores, Claire Goolsby, Sadie Hudgins, Cannon King, Sammy Lashbrook, Charlotte Maddox, Colt Marszalek, Easton McLemore, Cheyenne Parden and Raelynn Upchurch.

“A special thank you goes out to all the parents, grandparents, families and friends for their continuous support,” a press release stated. “Additionally, heartfelt gratitude is extended to the students, faculty, and staff for their assistance with the graduation.

"Congratulations to the PAC 'Kinder Cougars!' We are incredibly proud of you and your achievements!”

Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
eastside top 10

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.

ehs val and sal
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