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SSEMC linemen win first place in country-wide rodeo
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Snapping Shoals EMC's linemen took home the top co-op prize at the 2009 International Lineman's Rodeo in Kansas City, Mo., recently. Each year, the rodeo brings together linemen from around the world to compete in timed events that mirror the kinds of challenges they face daily. Contestants must climb poles, change insulators, reconfigure fiberglass arms and complete a simulated rescue of an injured co-worker, all while racing against the clock.

"These are situations that (our linemen) get into every day," says Victor Hurst, vice president of line services at Snapping Shoals. "(The events) require so much thinking on your feet that it helps us keep our standards high in every area."

As top-placing contestants at the statewide event held in May, the SSEMC linemen earned the opportunity to attend the annual competition in Kansas City. Making the 850-mile drive, linemen Chris Harper, Byron Burke, Melvin Brake, Keith Garner and Don Ritchey funded their trip to Kansas City by raising money with a golf tournament and through donations from co-workers. The team of Harper, Burke and Brake won first place out of 23 teams from across the country in the Co-op Division. The team won second place overall among 153 teams and took fourth place in a Mystery Event, which was replacing a bad lightning arrestor.

Ritchey was the team's coach while Garner served as a judge.

"These competitions contribute to how well they're able to do their jobs," says Hurst. "They promote safety, efficiency, teamwork and quality standards."

Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation is a consumer-owned electric cooperative providing electric service to approximately 95,000 homes and businesses in an eight-county area. Most of the utility's service area is in Newton, Rockdale and Henry counties. Portions of DeKalb, Butts, Walton, Morgan and Jasper counties are also included. The company's headquarters is on Brown Bridge Road in Newton County.


Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
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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.

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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