March 22, was a special day for Piedmont Academy's football program including the players, coaching staff, managers, ball boys, and cheerleaders and for the school's One-Act Play cast and crew. Both teams were invited to the Georgia's state capitol by House of Representative Susan Holmes (125th District) of Jasper County and Senator Johnny Grant (25th District) of Baldwin County to be recognized for their accomplishment of winning the GISA AA state title "back-to-back" in football and drama. The football team completed an undefeated thirteen-game 2011 season with a streak of twenty-six games for 2010 and 2011. The drama team's two championship plays performed were "Cards of Fate" in 2010 and "Thank You for Flushing My Head Down the Toilet" in 2011.
When the students arrived at the capitol wearing their championship rings and pendants, they were greeted by Representative Holmes and her husband Paul. After photographing the teams, they were escorted to the house gallery on the third floor of the capitol. House Speaker David Ralston (7th District) of Fannin County called the session to order. As part of the morning order, several invite resolutions for groups were recognized including representatives from Africa and the countries of Malawi, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, and Swaziland. A young child representing the Children's Miracle Network was recognized.
Atlanta television news anchor, Monica Kauffman-Pearson, was introduced to the chamber members in recognition of her service upon her upcoming retirement after 37 years in broadcasting. Upon retirement, Mrs. Pearson plans to attend the University of Georgia Graduate School and earn her master's degree in journalism.
The group left the capitol and as everyone gathered just outside the building, Paul Holmes thanked them for their attendance and expressed how proud he and Rep. Holmes were of each individual student and their many accomplishments.
