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Holbrook to replace McCollum as state wildlife president
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The Georgia Wildlife Federation announced that Todd Holbrook, former Deputy Commissioner of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as its new President and CEO, effective January 1, 2013.

Holbrook, of Conyers, comes to GWF after a 27-year career with Georgia's DNR, including stints as Assistant Director of the Wildlife Resources Division and Chief of Game Management. A biologist with degrees in wildlife management from the University of Georgia and Virginia Tech, Holbrook was responsible for several groundbreaking studies into the decline, recruitment and retention of hunting and angling participation.

"I am proud to be joining a sportsmen's organization with three-quarters of a century of conservation history," Holbrook said. "GWF will continue to be active in the defense of the public's rights to enjoy the public's fish and wildlife and to maintain these resources in abundance."

Through the end of the year, Holbrook and McCollum will be working with staff on a transition plan.

Holbrook is known for his practical knowledge and policy expertise, utilizing social sciences in the application of wildlife management techniques. After studying the influences of hunter satisfaction levels and deer management objectives, the state focused on offering diverse hunting opportunities and encouraging antlerless harvest, increasing hunter participation throughout the state.

"I am delighted with the choice our board made for my replacement," said current GWF President and CEO Jerry McCollum. "Todd and I have worked together for a long time and I look forward to continuing to work with him in my retirement."

Holbrook also played a lead role in the development of a comprehensive statewide deer management plan. Instead of a patchwork of reactive local and county ordinances, under Holbrook's leadership a scientifically-driven statewide management plan was enacted which maintained the quality of Georgia's world-class deer population and the quality of hunting opportunities while keeping the population in balance with the habitat.

Holbrook was also a leader in the development of the youth education programs within the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR. These programs represent a significant overlap with the nationally-recognized education programs of GWF and were clear recruiting objectives of the GWF board.

"Todd Holbrook is going to do an absolutely great job as the Georgia Wildlife Federation's next CEO," said Board Chairman Matt Nichols. "His education, experience and leadership ability alone qualify him for the position, but his great reputation, his passion for wildlife and habitat conservation and his energy and enthusiasm are what carried the day for our Board of Directors. Todd is a great person, and we look forward to working with him to ensure a bright future for the Georgia Wildlife Federation and for Georgia wildlife."

 

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