May 2026 Community Life Canton Cherokee County School District AnnouncementsSeven Students Selected for Prestigious Art ShowThe Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, part of the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park, is a competitive juried art show that receives hundreds of submissions from high school artists statewide. Congratulations to Cherokee HS’s (a) Hailey Becker for Hotel Ritter and (b) Grace Dai for Jai, Creekview HS’s (c) Julia Eltarawy for Ruffles in Bloom and (d) Nick Purcell for Glass Garden, Etowah HS’s (e) Liv Powell for Kaleidoscope, and Sequoyah HS’s (f) Alexandra Proano Bravomalo for Anatomy Study and (g) Law Soe for Sea Horse Scrimshaw. Two Students Win at State Literary ChampionshipsThe Georgia High Schools Association event includes writing, public speaking, acting, and singing competitions, with region winners advancing to the state competition. Students advanced to state competition after top performances at the regional event. In the 5A State competition, Sequoyah HS junior Adrian Perez Arciniegas won the state championship for Boys Solo. In the 6A State competition, Etowah HS senior Avery Cheatham won the state championship for Argumentative Essay. Students Earn Top Honors at State Science and Engineering FairCCSD middle and high school students compete regionally for the opportunity to vie for top honors at the statewide fair, which was held at the University of Georgia. Congratulations to the honorees and their teacher sponsors:Sequoyah HS junior Natalie Pereira earned the Best in Category Senior Division Grand Award for the Biomedical and Health Science category for her project, “Observing Drug Resistance in a Multiple Myeloma (t4:14) Cell Line.” She also earned the Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award and was named as one of the Top 10% of Science Projects in the competition. Pereira’s teacher sponsor is Amberly Buchanan.E.T. Booth MS seventh-grader Hudson Gillentine earned First Honors in the Junior Division for his project, “Watts in Your Walk: Using Nano-Enhanced Triboelectric Wearables” in the Energy: Sustainable Materials & Design category. He also earned the Georgia Aquarium Conservation Award and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Nomination and Invitation. Gillentine’s teacher sponsor is Adrianna Flieger.Students Selected for Governor's Honors Fourteen students will continue their learning this summer at the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. The statewide program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Georgia Southern University. Students are selected based on overall excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and leadership, as well as exceptional skills and talents in a specific area of study. Governor’s Honors Program Scholars1 Isabella D’Agostino, Grade 10, Creekview HS, Music: Voice - Soprano2 Max Grogan, Grade 11, Sequoyah HS, Computer Science 3 Stephen Kim, Grade 10, Etowah HS, Agricultural Research - Biotechnology and Science 4 James Markham, Grade 11, Sequoyah HS, Music: Voice - Bass5 Emanuel Marktanner, Grade 10, Etowah HS, World Languages: German6 Mical Mershon, Grade 10, Cherokee HS, Music: Voice - Bass7 Amanda Michno, Grade 11, Cherokee HS, Science: Chemistry8 Carter Nickles, Grade 10, Creekview HS, Social Studies 9 Levi Norris, Grade 11, Creekview HS, Music: Woodwind - Bassoon10 Grace Ocana, Grade 10, River Ridge HS, Science: Chemistry11 Isla Price, Grade 11, Woodstock HS, World Languages: Latin12 Juliette Salling, Grade 11, Sequoyah HS, World Languages: Spanish13 Lila Sewell, Grade 11, Etowah HS, Engineering: Mechanical and Aerospace14 Samuel Volz, Grade 10, Cherokee HS, Theatre Three Creekview HS Seniors Named 2026 Georgia Scholars Three seniors have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Scholar recognition, which is awarded to only 162 seniors statewide! The Georgia Department of Education program honors seniors who exhibit excellence in their school and community by demonstrating dedication to academic success, participation in interscholastic events, and leadership through extracurricular activities. Congratulations to Creekview HS seniors(a) Aiden Johnson, (b) Mignon Retief, (c) Virginia “Gracie” Sater, and their teachers. Each honoree will receive a diploma seal and graduation cord to recognize this achievement. ___________________________________New School Bus Stop-Arm Cameras Increase Safety Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) team of 450 dedicated bus drivers drives 27,500 miles a day to transport students to and from school throughout the county. The drivers exceed state training requirements, and the transportation maintenance team holds the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal of Excellence – a combination that illustrates CCSD’s commitment to student safety aboard buses.CCSD has taken a new step to advance student rider and bus driver safety. All school buses are now equipped with stop-sign arm cameras to identify drivers who illegally pass stopped buses that are actively loading or unloading students. Beginning May 4, 2026, drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus in Cherokee County will be issued a $1,000 citation by mail. ___________________________________Woodstock Arts 2026-2027 Season Reveal Woodstock Arts recently revealed its art exhibitions and theatrical productions for its 2026-2027 season, which is themed “A Season to Grow.” Check out the following list and mark your calendars for these fantastic events.7/11-9/24 EXHIBITION | Plastic Reimagined: Material Agency & Circular Design8/14-30 Spring Awakening9/18-11/8 EXHIBITION | Between the Knots: Exploration of Textiles10/9-25 Come From Away11/12-15 Youth Spotlight: Finding Nemo Jr.11/13-1/2 EXHIBITION | Small Town: Small Works 202612/4-24 A Christmas Carol the Musical1/15-3/6 EXHIBITION | Unbound: Zine/Book Art1/15-24 We’re Gonna Win This Year2/11-14 Teen Spotlight: Beetlejuice Jr.3/5-21 Boeing Boeing3/12-5/1 EXHIBITION | Ann Litrel: Natural Wonders of Georgia4/16-5/2 Violet5/7-7/3 EXHIBITION | Southern Voices: To Grow – A Biennial Exhibition5/14-30 A Murder Is Announced6/9-27 Pete the Cat the Musical7/9-25 Shrek the Musical ___________________________________Portion of South Jett Road Closed to Thru Traffic From 5135 to 5133 South Jett Road is closed to thru traffic through November 2026 for road improvements, including reconstruction and realignment of the horizontal curve in the vicinity of 5133 South Jett Road to improve safety and sight distance. Additionally, a new storm drainage system will be installed, and a curb, gutter, and sidewalk will be constructed along the east side of the road.A detour is posted, and electronic message board signage is present. For local traffic only, access to addresses 5159 to 5135 South Jett Road will be available from the north at the roundabout with Hames Road and the Willow Creek Overlook subdivision. Access to addresses 5133 to 5100 South Jett Road will be available from the south at Jameson Road. Please use caution when traveling near the work zone and be mindful of construction equipment, materials, and personnel. ___________________________________City of Woodstock Johnston Park Master Plan Update The City of Woodstock hosted a community meeting to gather public input for the development of the Johnston Park Master Plan last month. The 17.76-acre undeveloped property is accessed from Main Street. The City plans a passive park for low-impact, unstructured recreation, emphasizing natural surroundings and minimal development, preserving the land rather than adding amenities such as sports fields, pools, or gyms. Following a brief presentation, community members were encouraged to ask questions and offer suggestions on desired amenities and proposed improvements.For more information about Woodstock’s parks and trails, visit WoodstockGa.gov/parksandrec. ___________________________________CCFES Members Honored at Regional EMS Awards Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) members were recently recognized at the 2026 Northwest Georgia Region 1 EMS Awards Banquet for their outstanding service and commitment to emergency medical care.Five members of CCFES received the Richard Gray, MD, Excellence in Trauma Care Award. Shaun Allen, Matt Belesi, Heath Weekly, Evan Wolf, and Ross Young were honored for their actions during a critical incident on July 9, 2025, when crews responded to a traumatic cardiac arrest after an individual became trapped beneath a vehicle when a jack failed in a bank drive-thru. Their efforts directly contributed to a remarkable outcome and exemplify the highest standards of emergency medical care.During the ceremony, retired CCFES Division Chief of EMS Danny West was also recognized with the Dr. Paul “Nasty” Nassour Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award is named after a pioneering regional medical director who died in 2015 and honors professionals who have made significant long-term contributions to emergency medical services. West served CCFES for decades and played a vital role in advancing emergency medical care, strengthening training programs, and mentoring countless paramedics and EMTs throughout his career. His leadership and dedication helped shape the delivery of emergency medical services both within Cherokee County and across the Northwest Georgia region. ___________________________________Cherokee Board of Commissioners Project Updates Collections for the voter-approved Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) began April 1, and Cherokee County continues to move ahead with tasks including design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition. It is estimated that the state will remit its first T-SPLOST check to Cherokee County in mid-May.In March, the Board of Commissioners approved design services on four projects, and in April, the Board approved a task order to perform right-of-way acquisition and appraisal services for the Holly Springs Parkway at Palm Street intersection improvement project. The project will realign the intersection of Palm Street at Holly Springs Parkway with the existing River Park subdivision for safer travel and to ease traffic congestion.The existing intersection of Palm Street and Holly Springs Parkway will be converted into a right-in, right-out configuration. A new alignment for Palm Street to intersect River Park Boulevard and Holly Springs Parkway will be configured at the existing signalized intersection. The new alignment is planned to be placed where a residential structure on commercially zoned property currently exists.The Board also approved a project framework agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Towne Lake Parkway Trail Phase II, another T-SPLOST project. Phases II through IV are identified in the T-SPLOST, with the completed multi-use path project allowing safe pedestrian connectivity on Towne Lake Parkway from Eagle Drive to Bells Ferry Road.Phase I is complete, and Phase II will pick up at Towne Lake Parkway at Towne Lake Hills East/West and continue northbound to the intersection of Eagle Watch Drive. The length of Phase II is approximately one mile.Additionally, fire stations 12 (Waleska), 21 (Ball Ground), 22 (Bells Ferry), and 23 (Vaughn Road) will receive renovations. The stations, known as the “green tops,” were originally constructed in 2000, and need rehabilitation. A fifth green-top station was constructed at the same time, but Fire & Emergency Services’ long-term planning shows a new Station 4, serving Free Home, to be relocated for better service and response to the area, if SPLOST is renewed in 2030.The remodeling will include demolition and renovation of existing bathroom and shower facilities, installation of new and refinished millwork in the kitchens and bathrooms, new roofing and refinishing of existing roofing and metal panels, installation of new cameras and card access systems, and installation of low-speed/high-volume fans in the apparatus bays. The exterior of the buildings will also get a refresh. ___________________________________River Rock Concert Series Lineup AnnouncementThe River Rock Concert Series is making its 2026 return by going back to the roots of rock and country.This year’s lineup includes:• 5/16 Departure - a Journey Tribute Band• 6/20 Pandora’s Box an Aerosmith Tribute Band• 7/18 Mark Wills• 8/15 Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky ThunderHosted at the beautiful Etowah River Park, each event begins at 6:00pm and features local food trucks, beverage vendors, and a children’s area. The concerts are FREE to attend, so bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs, and get ready to rock and boot-scoot! Learn more at ExploreCantonGa.com. ___________________________________Family Movie at the Historic Canton TheatreThe 2026 Summer Family Movie Series at the historic Canton Theatre features $1 tickets and popular films. Shows are on Thursdays at 10:00am and 2:00pm, with tickets available the Friday prior. • 6/4 Lilo & Stitch (live action)• 6/11 The Aristocats (showing only at 2:00pm)• 6/18 Black Panther• 6/25 Sonic the Hedgehog• 7/2 Paddington 2• 7/9 A Minecraft Movie• 7/16 Tangled ___________________________________Ridge Pine Water Tank in South Canton UpdateCity leaders broke ground in late March on the Ridge Pine Water Tank and Booster Pump Station at 2939 Marietta Highway in South Canton, which is also the future site of the new park. The project includes a 1.5-million-gallon elevated tank, a pump station within its column, 750 feet of pipe, backup generator relocation, and removal of outdated facilities. Improvements will be made along Pine Crest Drive, including new pavement, storm water features, a retaining wall, and landscaping.
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