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Newton High School principal named finalist for Georgia Principal of the Year
Shannon Buff
Shannon Buff - photo by Courtesy of Newton County School System
Staff Report
Published: Jan 23, 2023, 1:05 PM

COVINGTON, Ga. — Newton High School Principal Dr. Shannon Buff is one of five finalists for the Georgia High School Principal of the Year award.

The Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP) hosts the Principal of the Year program to recognize middle level and high school principals "who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession," a news release stated.

Buff joins Matthew May of Cherokee County Schools; Dr. Chad Stone of Tift County Schools; Dr. Suzan Harris of Butts County Schools; and Dr. Daphne Winkler of Murray County Schools as this year’s finalists. 

The winner of the Georgia Principal of the Year award will represent the state in the national competition.

Buff has served as principal of Newton High School since 2017. She previously served as a teacher and assistant principal at the school before moving to the district office as the director of Secondary Education. When the opportunity arose to return to Newton High School as principal she didn’t hesitate, she said.

“Newton High is like home to me,” Buff said. “The students and staff there are family, and I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

She added, “I am humbled to be able to represent Newton High School as a finalist for State Principal of the Year. I am incredibly proud of the work of the students, faculty, and administration. To have an opportunity to showcase our wonderful school and community is a huge honor that I do not take for granted. I am thankful to my family and the greater Newton family for their support and to GASSP for the opportunity.”

Newton County Schools Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey said, “We are beyond excited to hear the news that Dr. Shannon Buff is a finalist for Principal of the Year.

“Dr. Buff is a seasoned principal who fervently supports her students and staff. She is an outstanding leader at her school and mentor and friend to countless educators in our district and beyond. She truly represents the Newton County School System’s motto of "Spirit, Pride, and Excellence." We are all proud of her and wish her the very best in the GASSP Principal of the Year program.”
Ryan Allred honored with award for Excellence in Technology and Engineering Education at NCCA
Ryan Allred
Ryan Allred, Engineering and Technology Teacher at Newton College and Career Academy, has been recognized with the Teacher Excellence Award by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). - photo by Newton County Schools
Staff Report
Published: May 7, 2025, 2:37 PM

Newton County Schools (NCS) announced last week that Ryan Allred, Engineering and Technology Teacher at Newton College and Career Academy (NCCA), has been recognized with the Teacher Excellence Award by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). 

Allred was honored during ITEEA’s 87th Annual Conference, held April 2-5, 2025, in St. Louis, Mo. 

Sponsored by ITEEA and Goodheart-Willcox, the Teacher Excellence Award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon classroom teachers of technology and engineering education. 

It recognizes outstanding educators at the elementary, middle and high school levels for their contributions to the profession and their lasting impact on students. Each year, recipients are celebrated at the local, state and international levels for their leadership and exemplary instruction.

“Mr. Allred is an outstanding Engineering and Technology Teacher and is well-deserving of this recognition,” said Tim Schmitt, NCS director of CTAE and Workforce Innovation. “His contributions to the field within Georgia not only benefit students from Newton County but also extend across the entire state. I am honored to support Mr. Allred’s work and feel as though our CTAE programs are stronger because he is a part of the team.”

Chad Walker, principal of NCCA, also praised Allred’s dedication and leadership. 

“Mr. Allred is the epitome of excellence in teaching,” Walker said. “He consistently challenges and inspires our students to reach new heights in technology and engineering. His passion, innovation, and commitment to student success are evident every single day. We are incredibly proud to have him as part of the NCCA family and thrilled that he is being recognized on a national level.”

Byron McKay, ITEEA Awards chair, emphasized the significance of the recipients’ accomplishments.

“Reviewing this impressive list of award recipients highlights the excellence in technology and engineering education across our nation,” McKay said. “These distinguished educators provide valuable models for enhancing our own teaching methods. Additionally, professional connection with such accomplished colleagues brings meaningful recognition within our academic community.”

NCS Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III, commended Allred for his outstanding achievement. 

“Mr. Allred exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that we strive to cultivate throughout Newton County Schools,” Bradley said. “His work not only prepares students for future success but also elevates the quality and reputation of our district’s career and technical education programs. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and the powerful impact he makes every day.”

For more information about the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), its Annual Conference, or its Awards Program, visit www.iteea.org.