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Weapons detection system to be added to Sharp Stadium
Sharp Stadium

NEWTON COUNTY — A new weapons detection system is set to debut at Sharp Stadium today.

The new weapons detection system, called OpenGate, is designed to expedite the screening process while detecting a wide range of metal threats as people enter the stadium. Systems will be present at both the home and away entrances of the stadium.

Opengate will make its first appearance at Sharp Stadium Tuesday, Nov. 5 for the football game between the Newton Rams and the Grovetown Warriors, according to a press release from Newton County Schools (NCS).

“Staff members of Newton County Schools have completed training on the OpenGate system, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage the system efficiently,” the press release stated. “This new technology will facilitate faster, high-capacity screening of guests, minimizing wait times without compromising safety.”

An incident involving a firearm occurred earlier this year during the Newton versus Alcovy game at Sharp Stadium. 

According to an incident report, an altercation occurred that caused an unidentified subject to flee the scene. When the person fled the scene they left a firearm behind, where it was collected by the officer. No injuries were reported as a result of that incident.

With the latest addition of the weapons detection system, the Newton County Board of Education has now allocated approximately $24 million to support enhanced safety measures throughout the district.

“As a district, the safety of our students, staff, and community is our highest priority, and this new detection system is an important step in creating a secure environment for all who attend events at Sharp Stadium,” said Dr. Duke Bradley, III, superintendent of NCS. "We commend our Board of Education for their commitment to safety and for investing in this essential resource for our schools and community.”


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