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Local cyclists ride to provide
Ride benefits families of fallen officers
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Amber Pittman
Updated: May 14, 2010, 4:30 AM
Published: May 13, 2010, 9:16 PM

The Ride to Provide to benefit the Porterdale Police Department and to honor fallen officers has set their second annual bike ride for Saturday, Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.

Organized by Holly Cripps, wife to PPD Sgt. Jason Cripps, the day will begin with a brief ceremony and moment of silence for fallen officers all over the United States between 10:30 and 11 a.m. at the Historic Train Depot. A flag will be flown at half staff and "Taps" will be played. Afterward, the flag will be presented to PPD Chief Wayne Digby.

Riders will then leave and enjoy a 60-90 minute ride around the county and through the square, escorted by two motorcycle units from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and PPD. Riders will return to Porterdale where they are encouraged to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Throughout the day, door prizes will be given out including police flashlights, restaurant vouchers and a painting of a motorcycle by a local artist.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and is $25 per rider and $5 for passengers. Shirts are available for $10 and coffee and biscuits will be provided to those who register.

According to Cripps, the ride last year raised approximately $2,300 which went toward the purchase of bulletproof vests for PPD officers. This year funds raised will go to purchase safety equipment for the PPD

The PPD also has their annual Public Safety Day coming up in August and festivities for the Fourth of July.
Alcovy High School announces the Class of 2025 Top Ten Students
alcovy top 10
Staff Report
Published: Apr 2, 2025, 7:17 PM

Alcovy High School has announced the names of the top ten graduates of the Class of 2025. Leading the way are valedictorian, Francisco Alvarado, and salutatorian, Nevaeh Craven. Each of the top ten graduates have exciting prospects ahead of them as they prepare for life after high school.

Alcovy High School’s 2025 Top 10 Graduates are:

Francisco Alvarado—Francisco, the valedictorian, plans to attend Georgia Tech to major in computer science. He chose Mr. Ryan Allred as his favorite teacher.

Nevaeh Craven—Nevaeh, the salutatorian, plans to attend Spelman College, Oxford College of Emory, or Johns Hopkins in the fall to major in either health science or public health. She chose Ms. Roberta Axson as her top teacher.

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Francisco Alvarado (left) and Nevaeh Craven (right) are Alcovy High School’s 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. - photo by Courtesy of Newton County School System

Kianna Felix—Kianna plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall to major in industrial design. She chose Ms. Jasmine El-Jourbagy as her favorite educator.

Omar Garcia—Omar plans to attend either Georgia Tech, Georgia Piedmont Technical College or Georgia College and State University to major in mechanics. He chose Mr. Zachary Pitts as his favorite teacher.

Ivan Jackson—Ivan plans to attend Kennesaw State University for one year before transferring to Georgia Tech where he will major in mechanical engineering. Ivan chose Mr. Andrew Pollard as his top teacher.

Kayli Keophy—Kayli plans to attend Georgia Tech in the fall to major in chemical and biomolecular engineering. She chose Ms. Jasmen Moore as her favorite teacher.

Alani Munoz—Alani will attend Berry College in the fall to major in biology. She chose Ms. Cynthia Cannon as her favorite teacher.

Valeria Tapia-Padilla—Valeria plans to attend the University of Georgia where she will major in biology. She chose Ms. Taylor Moody as her top teacher.

Kayla White—Kayla will attend the honors college at Georgia Southern University where she will major in psychology and sociology. She selected Ms. Amy Fraser as her favorite teacher.

Kaitlyn Williams—Kaitlyn is attending Savannah State University in the fall to major in biology on the pre-med track. She chose Ms. Brittany Beland as her top teacher.