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Collins named chair of congressional panel overseeing science research, technology
Mike Collins
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Jackson, recently was named chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee's Research and Technology Subcommittee. 

The freshman congressman will also serve on the Subcommittee on Environment.  

“As a freshman member of Congress, it’s an honor to be named chairman of the Research and Technology Subcommittee. Thank you to full committee Chairman Frank Lucas for entrusting me to lead the subcommittee in its mission to maintain American leadership in scientific research and discovery," Collins said. 

"My top goals as chairman will be to ensure taxpayers can rest assured that the research they invest in is money well-spent, and that that our nation continues to be the tip of the spear in technological innovation to counter emerging threats from foreign adversaries like Communist China,” he said.

Lucas, R-Okla., said, "There has never been a more important time to have a strong and secure American research enterprise."

"Our economic strength is directly tied to our ability to remain the world leader in innovation and technology. Foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party have been trying to outpace us in scientific development by outspending us and stealing our intellectual property. 

"The Science Committee will be focusing on securing our research and technology while strengthening the public-private research enterprise that has long kept us at the cutting edge of science and technology. Chairman Collins will be a great partner in this work, and I’m looking forward to his leadership on this subcommittee.”

The Research and Technology Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all matters relating to science policy and science education, and agencies including the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Technical Information Service.

The Environment Subcommittee has broad jurisdiction over all matters relating to environmental research at several federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, and scientific issues related to environmental policy. 

Collins represents Georgia's 10th Congressional District that includes northern, eastern and southern Newton County and part or all of 17 other counties.

NCS Announces Finalists for 2025 HERO Award
2025 NCS HERO finalists
Administrative Assistant in the Special Education Department at the Central Office Chandra Mitchell (left), Clerk at Alcovy High School Kymberli Durden (middle) and Media Paraprofessional at Fairview Elementary School Cheryl Clark (right) are the three finalists for the 2025 Newton County Schools HERO Award. All three are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III. - photo by Newton County Schools

Newton County Schools (NCS) announced Tuesday the three finalists for the district’s inaugural HERO Award, an annual recognition honoring classified employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment, performance and impact in supporting students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

The 2025 HERO Award finalists are:

  • Cheryl Clark, Media Paraprofessional, Fairview Elementary School
  • Kymberli Durden, Clerk, Alcovy High School
  • Chandra Mitchell, Administrative Assistant, Special Education Department, Central Office

These outstanding employees have been selected from a group of school and division-level HERO Award winners and will advance to the final stage of the selection process, participating in interviews with the award panel later this week.

Superintendent Duke Bradley and several district leaders surprised each finalist at their workplace Tuesday, delivering the news in front of their colleagues. 

“Our classified employees are the backbone of our schools, providing the essential services that enable teaching and learning to flourish,” Bradley said. “Recognizing their hard work is not just a celebration of individuals but a testament to the values that drive our district forward. These three finalists represent the very best of our classified staff, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions.”

The NCS HERO Awards were established to recognize classified employees who embody service, dedication, professionalism and community impact. Modeled after the state and national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Awards, the program highlights the invaluable work of employees in clerical and administrative services, custodial and maintenance services, food and nutrition services, health and student services, paraprofessionals, security services, skilled trades, technical services, and transportation services.

To be eligible for the HERO Award, employees must have worked at least three years in NCS and at least one year in their current school or division. They must also demonstrate excellence in job performance, leadership, teamwork and commitment to both their school community and the district as a whole.

The winner of the 2025 NCS HERO Award will be announced at the HERO Awards Celebration on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Porter Performing Arts Center. All school and division HERO Award winners will be recognized at the event, and the district winner will go on to represent NCS in the Georgia RISE Awards program for potential state-level recognition.

School Board Chair Abigail Coggin praised the finalists and the impact of the HERO Awards.

“Recognizing the contributions of our classified staff through the HERO Awards is a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude,” Coggin said. “These individuals are vital to the success of our students, and we are thrilled to celebrate their dedication and impact.”