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5 Newton County students take home top prizes in state science fair
State science fair
Half of the 10 Newton County Schools students who participated in the K-5 State Science Fair took home top prizes.
Staff Reports
Published: Mar 17, 2023, 2:54 PM

COVINGTON, Ga. — Newton County School System elementary school students brought home several top awards from the recent 2023 K-5 State Science and Engineering Fair held at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.


According to Christina Phyall, NCSS Elementary Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, the students had a busy day at the state event.


“The students participated in a range of activities throughout the day, which included interviews, STEM stations, Engineering Design challenges and even a tour of the Natural History Museum,” she said. “I’m very proud of our students as their hard work and dedication paid off as they were awarded several top prizes at the event.”


Five NCSS students won individual awards in the state fair, and in addition to the individual awards, Rufus Bryant of Oak Hill Elementary and Cooper Maxey of Live Oak Elementary teamed up to win the first place award at the Paper Table Challenge.


“We are grateful our students are afforded the opportunity to participate in the K-5 State Science and Engineering Fair,” Phyall said. “This is an incredible opportunity for them to learn and grow as scientists and participating in the science fair is fantastic preparation for their future studies. There are many benefits to participating in the science fair, including strengthening academic writing, along with verbal, written and public communication. Students also learn problem- solving skills through their scientific research.


“We look forward to our continued partnership with Georgia College & State University and the state of Georgia K-5 Science and Engineering Fair.”


Here are the individual award winners at the K-5 State Science Fair from NCSS: 


Audrey McGovern (1st place), Newton County Theme School; Anthony Wilson (1st place), Rocky Plains Elementary; Emma Beam (2nd place), East Newton Elementary; Rufus Bryant (2nd place) and Journey Johnson (3rd place), Oak Hill Elementary.
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
Staff Report
Published: Mar 11, 2025, 2:22 PM

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.”