Noteworthy

Etowah Grad Recognized for Prison System Reform Project

Jacob Rybak, a member of the Etowah High Class of 2012, is wrapping up his senior year at Kennesaw State University by presenting to prestigious research conferences around the United States and was a featured speaker for one of them.

Rybak and his professor, Susan Hardy, have worked several months on research on reforming the prison system in the United States, and reducing the number of former inmates who relapse and return to jail. He has given presentations online for seven conferences, including Harvard, Virginia Tech and Stanford, where he was a plenary speaker.

His research project involved analyzing statistics from the Iowa Department of Corrections that showed the number of former inmates who returned to prison and why. Rybak’s proposal includes emphasizing rehabilitation within the prison system by offering more educational opportunities and addressing hostile environments and psychological needs of inmates.

Rybak is earning a double major in economics and finance with a minor in applied statistics and analytics. After graduation, he wants to work in a field that engages economics, finance and data analytics. He also hopes to continue the community activism and awareness that began with his research, and possibly start a nonprofit to offer education, scholarships and workforce training as inmates transition back into society.

Jacob Rybak, his wife, Andi, and their son, Kelso.

Woodstock Author Pens First Novel

Delia Halverson, a Woodstock resident and former contributing writer for Aroundabout Local Media, recently published her first novel, “A Token of Love.” The story follows Amanda, an educator who leaves a job as an elementary school principal in Atlanta to teach in a 92-resident North Dakota town.

Halverson was inspired by her experiences of living in a small town, and wanted to share information about the Dakotas, as well as “give people permission to do their own thinking about their beliefs,” through Miss Emma, a character in the book.

Carter Graduates, Earns Marine Rank

Jaidyn Carter, a member of the Woodstock High School Class of 2020, recently graduated from Parris Island and is a U.S. Marine. She was promoted to the rank of Private First Class and earned expert riflery honors.

High School Filmmakers Take Top Honors

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), in partnership with the Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) Audio/Video Technology and Film (AVTF) educators, announced the winners of the third annual Cherokee Student Film Festival during a recent live event at Creekview High.

Creekview seniors Jadon Deaton and Brighton St. Vrain, who have entered and won in at least one category in the last three years, swept this year’s competition. This creative duo tied or won across every category, including Best of Show and the coveted Audience Choice Award.

“Being a part of the film festival over these past three years has not only pushed my love for film but made me realize this is my passion. Writing, directing and watching your film come to life is such a satisfying feeling,” St. Vrain said. Deaton added: “The film festival has had such a big impact on my life and has pushed us both to pursue film.”

Both seniors plan to attend Middle Tennessee State University in the fall, and major in film and video production.

Student films were screened on the school’s jumbotron, bringing new meaning to being under the Friday Night Lights as audience members cheered on student filmmakers from across the county. To adhere to social distancing measures, guests were invited to spread out on the football field and stands to view the qualifying student entries and awards ceremony.

The Cherokee Student Film Festival represents COED’s second collaboration with CCSD AVTF students this year. While COVID-19 measures prohibited students from participating in-person for the annual Cherokee Student Film Summit, COED hosted an online Student Film Webinar Series featuring expert guidance from local and regional industry professionals. Through this virtual experience, students were able to ask questions and connect with producers, directors, screenwriters, and explore careers in film.

“Connecting local students with Georgia’s film industry remains a key goal of our collaboration with the CCSD,” COED President Misti Martin said. “Challenging students through opportunities like the film festival prepares them for successful careers.”

Jadon Deaton, left, and Brighton St. Vrain.

2021 WINNERS

Best of Show

“Alternate Deception” (Creekview High) Created by Jadon Deaton and Brighton St. Vrain, who also won: Audience Choice, Best Use of Prop; Best Sound Quality; tied for Best Cinematography with “A Caged Rat” (Etowah High School), tied for Best Use of Line with “A Caged Rat.”

Runner-up Best of Show

“A Caged Rat” (Etowah High) Created by Connor Fisher and Jack Scott

Third Place *Tie* for Best of Show

“The Delivery” (Woodstock High) Created by Matthew Court, Bryce Jones, Rory Strickland

“The Hegira Virtual Warp” (Etowah High) Created by Charlie Mohar, Ben Gilbert, Colby Pelfrey, Autumn Greenman

A screening was held on Creekview High School’s jumbotron.