Planning Comm. member denied Tension brews between commissions ►►PAGE 4
Running past the years Girls on the Run celebrates milestone ►►PAGE 10
She’s beauty and she’s grace Local girl competes for Miss Ga. Teen USA ►►PAGE 13
Lady Justice greets Forsyth County New courthouse statue revealed ►►PAGE 9
November 18, 2015 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 46
Forsyth County honors veterans By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com
On the red carpet Michael and Colleen Miranda from Fry Me 2 the Moon, winner for best seafood and runner-up for best family dinning and busi-
ness lunch, pose with their awards during the Best of the Best Red Carpet Awards Gala Nov. 12. Read more, Pages 40 – 43. ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
CUMMING, Ga. — Children sang, flags flew and veterans old and young alike stood proudly to salute their nation. Old Glory and the colors red, white and blue were prominent Nov. 11 as Forsyth County and the city of Cumming celebrated its veterans at the Veterans War Memorial. Hundreds of people gathered to listen to war stories and to have the chance to say “thank you.” Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt said those in attendance gathered to honor and celebrate all the men and women who served our country through the armed forces, during war or peacetime “We know without the efforts of each and every service member throughout history, our great nation would not be
the land of the free,” Gravitt said. “The remark that the United States is the land of the free because of the brave is most definitely true.” This year, the United States is remembering the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, Gravitt said. “We know that many who served during this era did not volunteer, but were called into action through the draft,” Gravitt said. “We know whether they volunteered or were drafted, all the men and women served during this wartime with dignity, honor and pride. We’re humbled to be able to recognize your service and your sacrifice during this anniversary year.” There is not enough said about the importance of the U.S military and the crucial role it plays in our safety and freedom, Gravitt said.
See HONORS, Page 27
Forsyth County Schools has 94 percent graduation rate By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In 2015, the graduation rate for Forsyth County Schools increased 3.7 percent to an overall total of 94 percent. “We are thrilled again to have the highest district graduation rate in metro Atlanta,” said Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden.
“Our rates increased at all schools, which significantly impacted our district rate. This achievement is the result of 13 years of teachers and support staff working with parents and community members to support every child in our district. Over the past three years we have increased our overall graduation rate by 6.2 percent as a
See SCHOOLS, Page 4
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Veterans listen to the ceremony.
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