Cherokee County School District Announcements Two Elementary Schools Earn Gold Awards From Safety OrganizationBascomb ES and Clayton ES earned the Gold Partner Award from Safe Routes to School in recognition of their efforts to encourage students to walk and bike more while staying safe. The statewide nonprofit organization leads projects and activities to improve community safety, reduce traffic and air pollution around schools, and encourage children to pursue healthy and active lifestyles. It designs programs to improve the health and well-being of children by enabling and encouraging them to walk or bicycle to school. Special Education Staff of the Year Award Winners Announced Four members of CCSD’s Special Education department recently received top honors during the annual Special Education Staff of the Year Awards ceremony: CCSD Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist of the Year Karen Reeves; CCSD School Psychologist of the Year Dr. Megan Foster; CCSD Special Education Facilitator of the Year Susie Okerblad; and CCSD Speech Language Pathologist of the Year Ashanta Posey. Each winner received an engraved plaque and a $175 Visa gift card.CCSD Wins Seven National Awards for CommunicationsThe National School Public Relations Association annually honors the best publications and electronic media produced by school districts nationwide as part of their communications efforts. The school district earned Merit Awards for Class Act, the annual magazine published at the start of the school year; the annual report, “CCSD Evidence of Success − 10 Amazing Things We've Done in 2021”; the monthly CCSD Connections parent newsletter; and “District Delegate,” the monthly newsletter for CCSD employees. CCSD won Honorable Mention awards for “Financial Facts,” the annual report of budget highlights; “First Day Facts,” the annual report of back-to-school highlights; and for its annual Teacher of the Year school winner profiles.The Office of Communications is made up of Chief Communications Officer Barbara P. Jacoby, Supervisor Carrie McGowan, Coordinator Penny Dempsey, and Administrative Assistant Anne Reed.Woodstock HS Grad Named Gatorade Player of the Year Will Sumner, who will be attending the University of Georgia, was named the 2021-22 Gatorade Georgia Boys Track & Field Player of the Year. He now advances to Gatorade’s national competition. The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also “high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field.” Among Sumner’s honors have been winning the 400-meter dash at Georgia’s Class 7A state meet with a personal best time of 45.78, setting a new state record in the event, and leading Woodstock’s team to win the 4x800 meter relay and fourth place overall. Winner of the 400 at the Brooks PR Invitational, Sumner’s personal best time in the 800-meter event this spring was No. 2 in the nation, No. 3 in U.S. prep history, and only 0.08 seconds behind the national record. Beyond his amazing athletic successes, he also graduated with a 3.78 GPA.Woodstock HS Earns National Award for Charitable SpiritWoodstock HS has earned the Spirit of St. Jude Award from Varsity Brands in recognition of its support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is a major recipient of the company’s philanthropy. The Spirit of St. Jude award, named for the research hospital focused on children’s cancer and other life-threatening pediatric diseases, honors schools and school districts that engage the majority of their students in fundraising for the charity. Woodstock HS raises funds for the hospital through many activities, including the annual cross-town rivalry football game versus Etowah HS that both schools use as a St. Jude fundraiser. Last school year’s game raised $12,200 for St. Jude. CCSD schools have raised funds for St. Jude for the last six years, with $67,000 donated last school year for a total of more than $400,000 given since 2016.As part of its prize from Varsity Brands, Woodstock HS will receive a $3,000 award, which the school announced it would donate back to St. Jude.Etowah HS JROTC Instructor Wins National HonorAir Force Junior ROTC Lt. Col. (Ret.) Stephen Bergey has been named the 2022 Overall AFJROTC Instructor of the Year. He was selected as the best out of more than 1,900 AFJROTC instructors worldwide. This honor follows several prestigious recognitions recently earned by Etowah HS’s AFJROTC program. Lt. Col. Bergey is lead instructor for the program, which is supported by fellow instructor Technical Sgt. (Ret.) Ciarra Malto.Etowah HS Grad Earns Local ScholarshipClass of 2022’s Ella Daugherty, who will be attending the University of Georgia, is the winner of the 2022 East West Bank $2,500 Scholarship. A committee of retired educators selected Daugherty as the winner from a pool of outstanding applicants. During her time at Etowah, Daugherty served in many leadership roles including as president of National Honors Society, president of Key Club, and as a member of the Beta Club leadership team, Student Government, National English Honors Society, and Mu Alpha Theta math honors society. Cherokee HS Senior Wins Maritza Mott ScholarshipAdriana Chavez-Mejia earned the $1,000 memorial scholarship, which is open to one graduating senior and awarded based on an application, essay questions, and references. The first in her family to attend college, Chavez-Mejia plans to study digital marketing at the University of North Georgia to pursue a career as a marketing manager. Adriana served as manager for Cherokee HS boys’ lacrosse team, worked at a local daycare, and has volunteered at her church’s food pantry. Hasty ES Teacher Earns International Art Education HonorLisa Spence, the art teacher for Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy, has been named a Crayola Creativity Ambassador by the National Art Education Association and Crayola Education. Only 75 teachers worldwide were selected for the recognition, which provides honorees with professional learning, resources, and support to cultivate creativity in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Selection was based on educators’ resumes and responses to questions about building creative capacity through teaching and leadership.Sequoyah HS Grad Earns National Scholarship Class of 2022’s Xander Riddle, who will be attending the University of Georgia, won a $10,000 Exceptional Youth Scholarship from the Foundation for Global Sports Development, which is awarded to only 10 students nationally each year. In addition to demonstrating their dedication to community service, volunteering, and mentoring, honorees also must achieve an outstanding academic record and submit a personal essay. Riddle graduated in the top 5% of his class, completing more than nine AP college-credit courses and earning the AP Scholar with Honor designation, three National Latin Exam awards including a summa cum laude honor, an academic letter, and the UGA Merit Scholarship. Middle School Writing Contest Winners AnnouncedShelby Gibbs of Freedom MS won the seventh-grade division for her historical fiction children’s book, The Unseen Heroes of 9/11, and Hadley Duncan of Creekland MS won the eighth-grade division for her short story, “Cold Cost,” in the 2022 Middle School Writing Contest organized by CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction. The entries were written by students as part of the seventh-grade children’s book and eighth-grade sci-fi/dystopian rigorous curriculum design units taught in all middle school English language arts classes. The contest was designed to showcase the excellent instruction by writing teachers and the outstanding student writing taking place in CCSD schools.
Board of Commissioners Approves Advertising Lower Millage Rate The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved advertising a proposed millage rate for the 2023 fiscal year, which reflects a reduction in the current millage rate to fund the county’s 2023 budget.The advertised rate for maintenance and operations is 4.995, down 4.2% from the current millage rate of 5.212 mills. One mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. A property’s assessed value is 40% of its fair market value. The BOC cannot approve a rate more than the one that is advertised. “Homeowners who have a homestead exemption will see at least a 4.2% decrease in the county maintenance and operation tax,” said Chairman Harry Johnston. “For that portion of the tax bill, those properties are protected from any increase in property value assessments. Their exemption amount automatically increases to keep their net taxable value the same.” As far as non-homestead properties are concerned, the county maintenance and operation tax will increase by the same percentage as its increase in property value assessment, minus the 4.2% rollback of the millage rate. For the average of all properties combined, the advertised rate represents an 8.4% increase from the state-calculated rollback rate of 4.609 mills. This will be the 11th consecutive year the BOC has not increased the millage rate. In the last eight of 10 years, the Board has reduced the millage rate.The BOC also is considering lowering the fire district millage rate to 2.984 mills, down from the current rate of 3.292 mills. The fire district budget, which is funded by the fire district millage rate, is estimated to total about $46 million and would fund 11 new positions and a 7% cost-of-living increase for fire personnel and staff.The Finance Department is recommending the parks bond millage rate be rolled back to 0.354 mills, down from 0.434 mills. The BOC does not control the school district tax rate, or any millage rates set by local city jurisdictions.
Cherokee County School District Announcements River Ridge HS Senior Wins National Merit Corporate ScholarshipAlexis “Lexie” Montfort earned the National Merit James E. Casey Scholarship. She will use the $10,000 award toward her studies at the University of Georgia, where she plans to major in biological sciences to pursue a career in pharmacology and developing medicines. She is one of only about 1,000 distinguished high school seniors nationwide to win a corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship. CCSD Celebrates YES I Can! Award WinnersThe Yes I Can Awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities. The awards encourage students to seek their highest potential and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities. Each CCSD elementary school is invited to select one student to receive the Yes I Can Award based on achievement during the year in one or more of the following categories: academics, the arts, school and community, self-advocacy, and technology. This year’s honorees are Arnold Mill ES, Pius Ilukhor; Avery ES, Brody Smith; Ball Ground ES STEM Academy, Dallas Conner; Bascomb ES, Max Morris; Boston ES, Chase Evans; Carmel ES, Roland Heslep; Clark Creek ES STEM Academy, Kaylee Morrison; Clayton ES, Chloe Campbell-Frost; Free Home ES, Nathaly Flores; Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy, Miguel Ramirez Garcia; Hickory Flat ES, Irvin Zuniga-Garcia; Holly Springs ES STEM Academy, Alyssa Lowe; Indian Knoll ES, Danna Hernandez-Membreno; Johnston ES, Harrison Conley; Knox ES STEM Academy, Samantha Smerker; Liberty ES, Brianna Monson; Little River ES, Jacob Myers; Macedonia ES, Jack Smith; Mountain Road ES, Taylor Sleeman; Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy, Annalyse Ghorley; R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy, Mason Coker; Sixes ES, Lilliana Cobb; Woodstock ES, Paulo Mendoza Morales.Class of 2022 Valedictorians, Salutatorians Honored at Scholar Recognition BanquetThe special event was attended by the scholars and their parents; the teacher each scholar chose as the most influential in his/her education; CCSD’s high school principals; Superintendent Brian V. Hightower and members of his senior staff; and the school board.The students and teachers gave brief speeches, and Dr. Hightower presented each student with an iPad, $50 gift card, and a plaque. The teachers received plaques and $100 gift cards. The dinner and gifts were made possible by donations from presenting sponsors LGE Community Credit Union and the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and silver sponsor Center Cut Catering. Valedictorians and Salutatorians: Woodstock HS Valedictorian Steven Li, Creekview HS Salutatorian Justin Bolsen, Sequoyah HS Valedictorian Alaina Cothran, Cherokee HS Salutatorian Karoline Karl, Cherokee HS Valedictorian Kate Letsinger, and Etowah HS Salutatorian Natalie Calbert, Creekview HS Valedictorian Callahan Pace, Woodstock HS Salutatorian Dillon Lewis Watson, River Ridge HS Valedictorian Carson Portis, Sequoyah HS Salutatorian Wesley Lanter, River Ridge HS Salutatorian Lexie Montfort, and Etowah HS Valedictorian Lillian Derenthal. Honored Teachers Kristin Witty, John Murnan, Donell Osborne, Brian Carnes, and Jeffrey Anderson. Henry Oglesby, Jr., Josh Sailers, Eric Jones, Casey Belli, Janet Baggett, and Jay Huller.Two 2022 Graduates Win National Merit College-Awarded ScholarshipsSequoyah HS graduate Riley Hartman earned a National Merit University of Georgia Scholarship, and Creekview HS graduate Ben Webster earned a National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship.Only 15,000 of the nation’s top graduating seniors are eligible for the 3,300 National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. universities and colleges. The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Sequoyah HS Students Place in Statewide Architecture CompetitionThree Sequoyah HS students in the Career Pathway for pre-architecture won honors in Georgia’s American Institute of Architects High School Design Competition.Class of 2022 graduate Kaia Whiteside placed second in the Advanced Level Contest and earned a $750 scholarship. Sophomore Riley Thomsen placed second in the Beginner Level Contest, and sophomore Stephen Eubanks placed third. The Sequoyah HS Career Pathways program for architecture and engineering is led by teacher Brandon Grummer.Through the competition, students are tasked with creating a solution to a specific problem using their creativity and architectural knowledge. All contest entries, which top 200 a year, are evaluated by professional architects and engineers.
2022 Outstanding First Responder Named During this year’s 47th annual celebration of EMS Week, which recognizes how paramedics and EMTs have risen to the challenge in response to the needs of patients and their communities, Cherokee County firefighter Ryan Barker was presented with the Outstanding First Responder Award. “Ryan is an outstanding individual, and I'm thrilled to see him acknowledged by his peers,” said Cherokee County EMS Chief Nate Sullivan.Regine Thigpen, Northside Hospital Cherokee Emergency Dept. manager, presents the award to Ryan Barker.
CASA Volunteer Appreciation The Children’s Haven recently held its Annual CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer Appreciation event, which is sponsored by the Cobb EMC Foundation and honors Cherokee County CASAs who advocate for the best interests of children who are experiencing abuse and neglect. In 2021, 130 CASAs served 305 children to ensure that each child has a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to succeed. During the event, CASAs were recognized for their dedication and years of service, ranging from new volunteers to those with 15 years of service. Dana Zajac, Foster Parent Association president, recognized the CASAs for their collaboration with foster parents. Attorney Barbara Nye shared her appreciation of the partnership between the CASAs and attorneys. Jennifer Davis and Rick Jones, Cherokee County Juvenile Court judges, recognized the difference that CASA volunteers make in the lives of the children as well as in the cases they serve. Michelle Meek, director of Community Engagement, was also recognized for her eight years of impact on the CASA organization before transitioning to her new role with The Children’s Haven earlier this year.
Cherokee Top 10 in 10 Announced The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Enjoy Cherokee magazine, recently announced its 2022 Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch, which is an initiative designed to showcase local residents under age 40 who are considered to be the county’s up and coming leaders over the next 10 years. Cherokee County’s Top 10 in 10 includes (front row, L-R): Sandi Harrison, principal, Liberty ES, Cherokee County School District; Sarah Bowen, pharmacy operations supervisor, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Bethany Watson, city engineer, City of Canton; Marcie Smith, executive director, The Children’s Haven. (back row, L-R): Brady Cornelison, captain and paramedic, Cherokee Fire & Emergency Services; Rajpal Sagoo, managing partner, MDD Holdings; Jacob Sluder, owner and dentist, Dentistry of Olde Towne; Alyssa Rumsey Sheehan, senior project manager, Center of Innovation for Manufacturing/Georgia Department of Economic Development; Andy Smith, attorney, Flint, Connolly & Walker, LLP. Not pictured: Kyle Bennett, tourism manager, City of Woodstock.
Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office Join Forces to Create SWAT Medic Team Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services has joined forces with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) to create a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Medic Team.The SWAT Medic Team is composed of five firefighter/paramedics who are also members of the Cherokee County Multi-Agency SWAT Team. The team goes through extensive training in tactical medicine as well as tactical operations. Every medic on the team is certified through the state of Georgia as paramedics and has certifications in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Technical Emergency Casualty Care, and Tactical Medical Provider just to name a few.These medics are the first line for care for any team member, citizen, or victim within a SWAT operation. They are often utilized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal and local agencies for high-risk warrant services to provide emergency medicine if needed. “The SWAT medic must be capable of reacting with speed and composure under high stress conditions while exercising judgment in determining what life saving actions to take. Tactical medicine is a specialized, highly dangerous endeavor, which requires intensive training, discipline, and a unique relationship with law enforcement," said CSO Lt. Billy Mitchell.Whenever the CSO SWAT Team is called to a scene, the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services SWAT Medic Team will be deployed to provide life-saving services.“Our partnerships with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office and other local jurisdictions are outstanding and help to ensure that Cherokee County will have all the needed resources to respond to a mass shooting/attack event. I have the highest level of confidence that our community will receive the most aggressive and appropriate response in the event of a terrorist attack, whether it be foreign or domestic,” said Cherokee County Fire Chief Eddie Robinson.
New Optimist Club Empowers Special Needs Adults Established in Woodstock on February 24, 2022, with 36 members, the Born to Shine Optimist Club is the first club in the GATEway District to be chartered for adults with special needs. Born to Shine empowers special needs adults by serving the community while living by the Optimist Creed, which is “To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.”Since its charter, the Club has made Easter baskets for Goshen Valley foster homes, judged the Hickory Flat Optimist Club’s visual arts contest, handed out water at the Agricultural Expo, and supported special needs friends at Limitless Disability with a 5K team. Most recently, members helped the Canton Rotary pack 2,500 bags of food for MUST Ministries, which serves the children of Cherokee County.For more information about how you can get involved with Born to Shine, please visit their Facebook page (Born to Shine Optimist Club, Cherokee County, GA), email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 765-277-0006.
Lemonade Day Student Entrepreneurship Program The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce announced that a national youth entrepreneurship program known as Lemonade Day is coming to Cherokee County. The program teaches leadership and business skills by encouraging students to launch a lemonade business in their community. Since 2007, more than 1 million students have learned about business ownership by participating in this event. Lemonade Day is planned for August 6, 11:00am-2:00pm at Cherokee Recreation and Parks (7545 Main Street, Woodstock). Rising third through fifth grade students are encouraged to participate, and advance registration is required. To learn more, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit LemonadeDay.org/Cherokee-County.
Rotary Club of Canton Celebrates 85 Years The Rotary Club of Canton commemorated its 85th anniversary with a grand celebration at the Cherokee Conference Center. Since being chartered on May 20, 1937, the club has been dedicated to doing good in the Canton community and the world. Past President Rebecca Johnston and President Nominee Francisco Lozano organized the celebration, where current and former Canton Rotarians participated. Rotary District 6910 Governor Mike Berg, District Governor Elect Gerry Taylor, and District Governor Nominee Brandy Swanson also joined the celebration. Historical documents, scrapbooks, and a video narrating the Club’s history and accomplishments were displayed. Cherokee County Commission Chairman Harry Johnston and City of Canton Mayor Bill Grant presented proclamations to Canton Rotary President Greg Elder, honoring the Club’s service and outstanding impact.Throughout its 85 years of service, the Club has fostered and implemented the ideals of Rotary International in ways that enhance quality of life and human dignity, create greater understanding among all people, and advance the search for peace. Canton Rotarians are community leaders, business owners, managers, executives, and nonprofit professionals. In all activities, Rotarians abide by the highest ethical standards and are guided by the principle of “Service Above Self.” They can be seen competing in charity runs, hosting fundraisers, planting trees, cleaning highways and rivers, building homes for Habitat for Humanity, supporting medical research, promoting literacy, providing scholarships for local and international students, helping charities, providing food for the hungry, and doing extraordinary work for children.For more information, visit TheRotaryClubOfCantonGa.org.
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