The Newton County School System lost two members last week with the passing of Eastside High School teacher Leo Mallard and Veterans Memorial Middle School employee Prentiss Nolan.

Mallard, the 2016-17 Teacher of the Year for Eastside, passed away the morning of Saturday, Nov. 19.

Nolan, a front-office worker at Veterans Memorial, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Mallard was hired as a middle grades science teacher at Cousins Middle School in 1993 and transferred to Eastside in 2001.
“Leo, or Bubba, or Mr. Mallard, was an amazing teacher who was very detailed,” said Jeff Cher, Eastside principal. “He scrutinized his work as a professional and worked extensively to give the best learning experience to his kids in biology. He really cared about each student.

“As wonderful and amazing as a teacher he was a better person, who was truly caring and concerned for everyone he came across.”

Mallard is the husband of Dr. Renee Mallard, principal of Indian Creek Middle School. Their daughter, McKenzie, is a senior at Eastside.

Nolan joined the NCSS family in 2002 when she was hired as a paraprofessional at Veterans Memorial Middle School. She remained there throughout her 16-year career with NCSS, and served as school secretary, school bookkeeper and school clerk. She was a much-beloved member of the Generals’ family, who recently helped her celebrate her 50th birthday on Nov. 6. She will be sorely missed.

“She was really the face of the school,” said Veterans Memorial Principal Takila Curry. “When people came in, she and Kellie Mullins would be first people they were in contact with. [Nolan] was always positive and always upbeat.”

Veterans Memorial students and staff will hold a memorial program in her honor on Dec. 8 at 2:30 PM.