Newton County School System plans to highlight exceptional students with a new weekly spotlight. Two high school seniors will be recognized each week as NCSS Scholars of the Week starting in October and will be chosen to recognize and promote “exemplary academic performance and outstanding contributions to their school and community.”

After the first report cards come out Oct. 9, students will be chosen based on the following guidelines, according to Sherri Davis-Viniard, NCSS director of public relations:

Must be a high school senior

Must be in good standing with their school

Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher

Must be nominated by school counselor with approval of principal

Must have permission to be photographed and featured online

Must have accompanying copy of student data sheet from Infinite Campus

Must have a complete student profile filled out, stating: student’s name and other NCSS schools attended;

Cumulative GPA; academics (AP or honors courses student has taken, academic honors, NCSS programs); extracurricular activities (clubs, volunteer work, outstanding number of service learning hours earned, sports, band or orchestra, etc.); future plans (colleges student will apply or has been accepted to, immediate and long-range career goals); and interesting notes (special skills and talents, leadership role in the community, significant accomplishments or awards, etc.)

Submissions by school counselors must be sent to Sherri Davis-Viniard, NCSS director of public relations, by fax at 678-625-6316 or by email at davis-viniard.sherri@newton.k12.ga.us.