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Sixteeen Student Creations Selected for Superintendent’s 2024 Holiday Cards
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Staff Report
Published: Dec 10, 2024, 6:51 PM

Newton County School System (NCS) Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III faced an inspiring challenge this year— choosing artwork to feature on his official 2024 holiday card. With so many outstanding submissions from talented Newton County Schools students, it was impossible to pick just one. As a result, 16 unique student creations will grace the superintendent’s holiday cards this season, showcasing the incredible artistic talent found across the district. 

“Each year, I am blown away by the creativity and vision our students bring to this project,” said Dr. Bradley. “The artistry displayed in this year’s submissions reflects not only the students’ remarkable abilities but also the dedication of our art teachers who inspire and guide them. These holiday cards are a celebration of our students’ imagination and a testament to the vibrant fine arts program in our schools. I am excited to share their work with our community, spreading joy and showcasing the incredible talent we have here in Newton County Schools. Congratulations to all the student artists whose creativity will brighten this holiday season.” 

The featured artwork represents students from elementary, middle, and high schools across the district, further highlighting the breadth of talent nurtured within NCS. The superintendent’s holiday cards will be sent to various community partners and stakeholders, proudly sharing the artistic achievements of Newton County Schools’ students. 

Winners of this year’s Holiday Card Art Contest include: 

Tiraji Jelks, 2nd Grade, Flint Hill Elementary Mariah Davis, 3rd, East Newton Elementary Willa Daniel, 4th, Heard-Mixon Elementary Fiona Hulgan, 5th, Newton County STEAM Academy Naomi Suarez, 5th, Fairview Elementary Mikeala Durieux, 5th, Fairview Elementary Logan Dickson, 6th, Newton County STEAM Academy Peyton Edwards, 7th. Newton County STEAM Academy Ava Whitaker, 7th, Newton County STEAM Academy Audrey Langwick-Temples, 8th, Newton County STEAM Academy Victoria Peavey, 8th, Liberty Middle Emma France, 11th, Alcovy High Alexa Aguilar, 11th, Alcovy High Carley Polston, 11th, Eastside High Jenny Andrade, 11th, Alcovy High Jordyn Reid, 12th, Newton High

A full photo gallery of card winners can be found here.
Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
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Staff Report
Published: Apr 2, 2025, 7:30 PM

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