Sixteen students graduated Wednesday, March 25, from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony held at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.
The Georgia Department of Education is modernizing its Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) structure, reducing the number of career clusters from 17 to 14 to better align with today’s workforce needs.
State leaders say the updated framework keeps all 152 state-approved pathways in place while improving connections between high school coursework, college programs, and in-demand careers across Georgia.
Among the key changes is a stronger focus on high-demand industries to help build a more prepared workforce. The state is also introducing the “Construction for Geometry” option starting in the 2025–2026 school year, allowing students to earn math credit through the Carpentry Pathway.
Officials say the updates are part of Georgia’s “Top State for Talent” initiative, aimed at ensuring students graduate ready for enrollment, employment, enlistment, or entrepreneurship.
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.
State Rep. Eddie Lumsden of Armuchee says education remains the largest area of state spending in the Georgia House’s proposed FY 2027 budget, with major investments focused on early literacy, student screenings, pre-K expansion, and additional support for economically disadvantaged students.
Young entrepreneurs in Chattooga County are being recognized for their innovation and hard work through the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce’s FLEX program.
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.
Chattooga County Schools are joining districts across the state in observing School Board Appreciation Week, held March 9–13, 2026, a time set aside to recognize the leadership, service, and commitment of local school board members.
Trion City Schools has been recognized with the 2025–2026 GAEL Vision Award, an honor that highlights school districts across Georgia that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and encouraging professional development for educators.
Leroy Massey Elementary School is celebrating one of its own after Mrs. Carrie Rowe was named Chattooga County School District Teacher of the Year.
School officials shared the announcement on social media, congratulating Rowe and thanking her for her dedication to students and the school community. Leroy Massey Elementary said they are grateful for her continued commitment to supporting students, fellow educators, and the community.
District Teacher of the Year honors are awarded to educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership within their schools, and a strong commitment to student success.
Local high school student Grace Winder has been awarded a community service grant through the Bullard Community Champions program, a youth leadership initiative connected to the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. The grant helped support Winder’s project to assemble “Confidence Kits” for students across Chattooga County.
Each kit includes basic toiletries meant to help students with personal hygiene while also promoting dignity, confidence, and overall well-being. Every school in Chattooga County received 30 kits total — 15 for boys and 15 for girls — helping make sure students in need have access to everyday essentials.
The grant program is part of Youth LEAD Georgia, which helps high school students build leadership skills and take on service projects that make a difference in their local communities. Through the Bullard Community Champions program, students are given support to turn ideas into action and address real needs close to home.
Grace’s project is a meaningful example of student leadership in action, and school leaders expressed appreciation for her hard work and compassion in helping fellow students throughout Chattooga County.