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Good news: More jobs, less unemployment in Georgia
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The Georgia Department of Labor today reported that the number of jobs available in the state increased in March for a second consecutive month while the jobless rate for the month fell .2 percent to 10 percent.

There were 3,812,700 payroll jobs in March, up 15,600, or .4 percent, from 3,797,100 in February. Leisure and hospitality industries accounted for 60 percent of the new jobs, including 7,000 at eating and drinking establishments. Jobs were also added in manufacturing, the wholesale of electronic equipment, the design of computer systems, transportation and warehousing, educational services, and administrative and support services.

"The drop in the unemployment rate is encouraging, but I'm more pleased that we've now had two consecutive months of job growth, coupled with fewer layoffs," according to a statement in a release from Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. "It appears that employers are growing more confident that our economy is improving."

Initial unemployment claims were filed by 50,331 laid-off workers in March, a decrease of 5,245, or 9.4 percent, from 55,576 in February. Most of the first-time claims were filed in manufacturing, trade, administrative and support services, and construction.

The Labor Department reported that 261,500 Georgians in March had been out of work for 27 weeks or longer. That's  an increase of 56,800, or 27.7 percent, from 204,700 in March 2010, but a decrease of 1,700, or six-tenths of a percentage point, from 263,200 in February. The last time long-term unemployment declined over the month was in August 2010. The long-term unemployed account for a record-high 55.7 percent of the 469,103 jobless workers in Georgia.

March marked the 42nd consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 8.8 percent.

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