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The News hires new editor, ad head
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The Covington News has made several changes over the past month as it continues to strive toward being Newton County's definitive source for local news. Those changes include the appointment of a new editor and the addition of several key members to both the advertising and editorial teams.

Josh Briggs has been promoted to editor and will lead the editorial staff as it continues its mission to keep Newton County residents continually informed. Briggs, who began his career with The News as an education reporter in 2008, has served as sports editor from late 2008 until recently when he took over the top editorial position in February.

Briggs served in the U.S. Army for four years before attending Georgia State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
"We're excited to have Josh in this role as editor and are confident we will continue to grow the product under his leadership," publisher Charles Hill Morris Jr. said. "He's done an excellent job as our sports editor the past few years, and we are looking forward to him and the editorial staff further improving the paper."

The News also hired Diane Barber to lead the advertising department as director of revenue. Barber brings with her more than two decades of sales and marketing experience as a former AT&T executive and will be instrumental in building business relationships throughout the community.

The newsroom also welcomes Rachel Goff as news editor and Bryan Fazio as sports editor. Goff is a graduate of Kennesaw State University and has spent the past year at the Calhoun Times in Calhoun, Ga. where she was both a reporter and news editor. Fazio has spent the past two years at the Rockdale News in the same capacity after spending four years as a sports writer at the Valdosta Daily Times.

"I am very excited at the changes and, of course, the opportunity to lead this newspaper from the editorial side," Briggs said. "We have made some great changes. I am pleased with the additions to the editorial department and am already seeing what Diane can bring. I am grateful to Charles and (general manager) T. Pat (Cavanaugh) for this opportunity and will surely make the most of it."

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