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Piedmont Academy celebrates Homecoming 2017
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Representatives from left to right are as follows: Ava Anglin (9), Gracie Black (10), Mattie Johnston (11), Madison Morton (11), Alexis Dodson (12), Miss Cougar, Caitlyn Young (12), Homecoming Queen, Grayson Bradley (12), Emma Kate Edmonds (12), Madison McCart (11), Madison Johnson (10), Sydney Stroud (9). - photo by Staff Report

MONTICELLO, Ga. - Piedmont Academy celebrated Homecoming 2017 Friday, Sept. 22 as it took on the Eagles of Brentwood Academy.

The theme for the week, “Let Us Prey,” courtesy of senior Taylor Patterson, sparked pride and spirit among the student body as excitement built in anticipation of Friday night’s game.

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Piedmont kicked off Homecoming by recognizing members of this year’s homecoming court. Representatives and Miss Cougar received sashes at a special ceremony designed to ignite enthusiasm for the week’s activities.

Spirit days included “Tacky Tourist,” “Decade Day,” “Pajama Day,” “Twinsies,” and “Extreme Blackout.”

High school students also showcased their talents in a Homecoming Banner competition. Freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes created banners centered around the week’s theme, “Let Us Prey.” Banners were judged by Piedmont’s football coaches, Mr. Tanner, and Ms. Tyler. The sophomore class came out on top in this competition followed by the senior class.

Of course, homecoming week would not be complete without a mock homecoming court. Several football players traded in their helmets and cleats for wigs and skirts as they vied for the title of Mock Homecoming Queen 2017. This highly coveted and prestigious honor was conferred to senior, Brett Bush. He was crowned by Piedmont’s mascot, Big Blue.  

In concert with Homecoming Week 2017, Piedmont Academy Student Council also managed a community service project to benefit Jasper County Animal Shelter and Butts Mutts. The response among faculty, staff and students was amazing as donations of food, treats, toys, flea and tick medications and cleaning supplies overflowed.

Additionally, the Piedmont Academy Y-Club sponsored a spirit chain competition to raise money for hurricane relief efforts.  The competition ran among grade levels, and each link sold for $0.25. At the close of the competition, the senior class, with a little help from their Kindergarten buddies, claimed the victory with a total of 320 links. Altogether, the Y-Club raised $200 for relief efforts.

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Miss Cougar Caitlyn Young and Homecoming Queen Grayson Bradley. - photo by Staff Report

Homecoming festivities began with a bonfire Thursday evening. The bonfire was sponsored by Piedmont’s FFA and the varsity football cheerleaders. Fun and fellowship were shared by all as students socialized and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and made s’mores.

Friday night’s activities commenced with the parade of representatives. Each homecoming court representative made an entrance arriving on the field atop a classic convertible. These young ladies were met by their escorts at the 50 yard line and ushered to their seats amidst rounds of applause.

Halftime festivities included the crowning of Piedmont Academy’s 2017 Homecoming Queen, Miss Grayson Bradley, and Piedmont Academy’s 2017 Miss Cougar, Miss Caitlyn Young. On hand to present the crowns were last year’s Homecoming Queen, Miss Bailyn Whitaker, and Miss Cougar, Miss Ashley Johnston. Ashley and Bailyn were both escorted by Piedmont Academy Headmaster, Mr. Tony Tanner, and assisted by the 2017 Senior Mascots, Miss Bella Brimberry and Mr. Matthew Cumbie. 

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.”