#Education | 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 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Back-to-School Bash Seeks Donations as School Supply Drive Continues

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With the annual Back-to-School Bash less than a month away, organizers with Chattooga Family Connection are continuing to collect school supplies and financial donations to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Beekeepers Association To Visit Chattooga Library

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The Chattooga County Library will host a special program featuring the Chattooga Beekeepers Association on Thursday, June 18, at 11 a.m.

The event will be held at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville, and is open to the public.

According to event organizers, the program is being presented in recognition of National Pollinator Week, which is observed June 22–28. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the important role pollinators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agriculture.

Members of the Chattooga Beekeepers Association are expected to provide hands-on information about honey bees and their impact on the environment. The program is designed to increase awareness of pollinators and offer educational opportunities for community members of all ages.

The event is hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System and the Chattooga County Library.

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Back To School Bash Organizers Seeking Donations, Volunteers Ahead Of July Event

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With just over one month remaining before the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are continuing efforts to collect school supplies and recruit volunteers to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.

The event is scheduled for July 16, 2026, and organizers hope to serve 400 students by providing backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and community resources.

According to organizers, donations received so far include 288 book bags, 350 erasers, 59 spiral notebooks, 96 pencil sharpeners, 50 pairs of scissors, 44 glue sticks, 24 highlighters, 40 pencils, and a variety of other school supplies. Despite the progress, additional donations are still needed to meet the goal of serving 400 students.

Several community organizations, agencies, businesses, and volunteers have already committed their support. Participants include Early Head Start, the Chattooga County Library, Atrium Health Chattooga, the Chattooga County Health Department, the Community Resource Center, the Cancer Coalition, the Summerville Recreation Department, and others.

Organizers have also secured four hairstylists who will provide free haircuts during the event, but they are seeking at least two additional stylists or barbers to assist.

Donations of school supplies, financial sponsorships, and volunteers are still being accepted. Anyone interested in helping may contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or by email at maishaludy@gmail.com.

Organizers say community support will help ensure local students begin the new school year equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

May 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sen. Lanny Thomas Appointed To Key Georgia Senate Committees

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State Senator Lanny Thomas of Trion has been appointed to serve on several key Georgia Senate committees, giving Northwest Georgia a voice in major policy areas.

April 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Back To School Bash Seeking Donations And Community Partners

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Chattooga Family Connection is preparing for this year’s Back to School Bash, scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4 until 6 PM at Chattooga High School.

Organizer Maisha Ludy says last year’s event was a major success, serving a total of 396 students as they prepared to return to the classroom. That included 254 elementary students, 97 middle school students and 45 high school students.

This year, organizers are hoping to make the event even bigger and better for local families. They are currently accepting school supply donations, monetary donations, and community partners or vendors who would like to set up at the event and share helpful resources with families.

The Back to School Bash will serve students from both Chattooga and Trion. Families will be able to connect with local resources while students receive support and supplies for the upcoming school year.

Anyone interested in donating, partnering, or setting up as a vendor can contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or email maishaludy@gmail.com.

April 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

State Senator Highlights Major Literacy Investment Following 2026 Session

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As the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up its 2026 regular session last week, State Senator Chuck Hufstetler of Rome is pointing to early childhood literacy as one of the most important issues addressed by lawmakers.

January 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Senate Bill 148 Expands Outdoor Learning and Hunter Education in Georgia Schools

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Senator Bo Hatchett of Georgia’s District 50 says Senate Bill 148 is designed to help students become more well-rounded by exposing them to lessons they may not learn elsewhere, emphasizing the value of hands-on outdoor education. Supporters note that similar curriculum has been taught in Georgia schools for decades, and they say this bill reinforces the importance of outdoor learning while formalizing hunter education and outdoor classroom opportunities.

January 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Schools Opening 2026–2027 Pre-K Enrollment Feb. 5 for Lyerly, Menlo, and Summerville

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Families in Lyerly, Menlo, and Summerville can begin enrolling for Chattooga County Schools Pre-K for the 2026–2027 school year starting Thursday, February 5, 2026. Parents and guardians can register online by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by visiting the Chattooga County Schools website and selecting the Enrollment Center, with officials reminding families to use the Pre-K link and not the K–12 registration option.

January 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Kemp Opts Georgia Into New Federal Tax Credit for Private School Scholarships

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Georgians will soon have another way to support private school students—and receive the money back through tax credits—after Gov. Brian Kemp opted Georgia into a new federal scholarship tax credit program tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”