Teasley Middle Student Wins Optimist International Communication Contest

Shakobia "Kobi" Sims, an eighth-grader at Teasley Middle School, won the annual Georgia State Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, sponsored by Optimist International. Representing the Cherokee County School District and the Woodstock Midday Optimist Club at the statewide competition, Kobi earned a $2,500 college scholarship.

According to Optimist International, the contest offers an opportunity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to "present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills that can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience." Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the contest offers hearing-impaired youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language. This year's theme was "How My Passions Impact the World." Kobi was recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools at a recent school board meeting.