#AcademicExcellence | AM 1180 Radio

June 25, 2026

Berry College Earns National Career Readiness Award

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Berry College has received national recognition for its commitment to preparing students for successful careers, earning an honorable mention from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) for career readiness excellence.

College officials said the award recognizes Berry’s distinctive LifeWorks program, which provides students with meaningful paid work experiences and professional development opportunities throughout their college careers. More than 90 percent of Berry students participate in the program, which offers over 1,000 paid student jobs across more than 180 campus departments.

According to Berry College, 85 percent of graduating seniors credit their student work experiences and supervisors with helping them achieve their career goals. The college also reports that 99 percent of graduates have achieved a positive career outcome within six months of graduation for the past six consecutive years.

Dean of Personal and Professional Development Marc Hunsaker said the recognition reflects the college’s efforts to embed career readiness throughout the student experience, while President Sandeep Mazumder noted that the program helps students connect learning with leadership and future career success.

June 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Berry College Earns A+ Financial Health Rating From Forbes For Second Straight Year

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Berry College has once again received national recognition for its financial strength, earning an A+ rating in Forbes’ 2026 College Financial Grades.

April 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga High School Announces Honor Graduates for Class of 2026

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Chattooga High School has released the list of honor graduates for the Class of 2026, recognizing dozens of students for their academic achievement and dedication.

Those named as honor graduates include: Addie Veatch, Alexandria Dilbeck, Alexis Womack, Alliyah Farr, Benjamin Woods, Braxson Cook-Bevels, Brinley Thomas, Brock Cooper, Cadence Nuckolls, Cameryn Smith, Cooper Hampton, Demya Williams, Dixie Shelton, Donovan Collins, Elizabeth Laird, Ensley Carr, Grace Shirley, Hailey Morris, Haley Maddux, Hannah Hasty, Izabella Burdick, Kahlyn Helton, Kasen Elsberry, Kendal Zuniga, Leah Cochran, Leeanna Moseley, Lileah Braden, Madison Koonce, Mary Weedon, Mason Buchanan, Max Perez, Naomi Scruggs, Pedro Lopez, Riley Willis, Ruby Kilgore, Sky Burrage, and Zachary Hutcherson.

School officials say these students have demonstrated strong academic performance throughout their high school careers and are being recognized as they prepare to graduate later this spring.

The honor graduate designation highlights the commitment and hard work of students who have excelled in the classroom and maintained high academic standards.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Highlands College Hosts First President’s Scholars Day for High-Achieving Seniors

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Georgia Highlands College recently welcomed high-achieving high school seniors and their families to campus for its first President’s Scholars Day, an event designed to connect prospective students with the college’s programs, opportunities, and community.

April 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Poultry Team Places 4th In State Competition

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Members of the Chattooga County FFA program are being recognized for an impressive showing at the Georgia FFA Poultry Judging Competition, earning a 4th place finish in the state.

April 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Highlands College Hosts President’s Scholars Day To Inspire Future Students

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Georgia Highlands College recently hosted its annual President’s Scholars Day, an event designed to inspire high-achieving high school seniors and strengthen community engagement.

March 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga High Senior Earns Prestigious Spirit Award

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Chattooga High School is recognizing senior Kasen Elsberry after he was named a recipient of the Dolores Hardison-Hayes Spirit Award.

School officials said Elsberry, who participates in the school’s Work-Based Learning program, was nominated by Work-Based Learning Coordinator Lisa Hughes for his dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to success both inside and outside the classroom.

The Dolores Hardison-Hayes Spirit Award honors outstanding work-based learning students who reflect the mission of connecting students, schools, and businesses to help build a strong and skilled workforce. Kasen is one of only three students selected to receive the honor.

One of the three award recipients will ultimately be chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship. Chattooga High School said it is proud of Elsberry’s accomplishment and wished him the best as the final scholarship announcement approaches.

March 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga High Senior Accepted to U.S. Air Force Academy

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Chattooga High School senior Cooper Hampton has earned acceptance to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, marking a major milestone in both his academic and personal journey.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Ralph “Country” Brown Memorial Scholarship Applications Due March 27

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Applications are now being accepted for the Ralph “Country” Brown Memorial Scholarship, available to senior baseball and softball players at Chattooga High School.

March 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

UGA Reports Strong Applicant Pool for Incoming Class of 2030

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The University of Georgia is reporting another strong and highly competitive admissions cycle for the Class of 2030, reflecting continued growth in student interest from across Georgia and beyond.