By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Kate Verity named News Editor of The News
kate verity
Staff Report
Updated: Jan 2, 2025, 5:33 PM
Published: Jan 2, 2025, 5:20 PM

Kate Verity has been named the news editor for The Covington News effective immediately, Proprietor and Publisher Patrick Graham announced today.

“I’m very excited to have a young journalist of Kate’s caliber join The Covington News,” Graham said. “I have every confidence she will serve our readers and the community well in her important role as the paper’s news editor. This is a fantastic addition to our staff. I look forward to seeing Kate flourish moving forward.”

Verity joins The News following her recent graduation at Georgia College and State University (GCSU), where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in mass communication. She also minored in political science.

During her stint at GCSU, Verity served on a number of student media organizations, most notably with the student newspaper The Colonnade. She served as the paper’s news editor from Aug - Dec. 2023 before assuming the role of editor-in-chief, where she oversaw the entire editorial staff for 2024.

Verity has also completed internships with The Eatonton Messenger as a county commission beat reporter as well as an intern reporter with the Georgia Recorder. She has also been a correspondent with The News since Nov. 2024.

Verity expressed her excitement on joining The News in a full-time role.

"I'm so excited to begin serving Newton County at The Covington News. Working with a team that is dedicated to a vibrant community is the best position a young journalist like myself could hope for, and I count myself incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity."

Verity can be reached at kverity@covnews.com.
Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
eastside top 10
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.

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