Spring Education Guide by Gwinnett Daily Post Special Section

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SECTION C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2017

spotlight on

COLLEGE PREP

G N I H PUS

S C I M E D A AC Strong AP program a way of life at Archer

BY KEITH FARNER keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

The culture at Archer High School is a culture that promotes the Advanced Placement program to such a degree that in 2016 the school had just under 1,700 exams taken by more than 900 students in 22 different courses.

The standard for students at the tops of classes coming out of Archer High School has set the bar for schools in Gwinnett. But the goal of the program is to show it’s available for all students, not just a reward for the top performers. Multiple students in this year’s senior class at Archer are in the midst of finishing credit in 19 and 20 Advanced Placement classes. During a time when the incoming freshman profile for many top state colleges and universities is earning AP credit from at least six or seven

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classes, Archer students and teachers have made it a way of life to double and triple those numbers. The goal is for students to look better on paper than the average freshman profile of their dream school. That means SAT score, grade-point average and AP credits. Most Archer students take an AP class as a freshman, one or two as a sophomore, two or three as a junior and three or four as a senior. The typical student would exceed the average of top state colleges and universities,

while students ticketed for Ivy League schools are in the 12-15 class range, Archer teachers said. The reality is the AP class credit is only one piece of a growing college resume that includes essays, a high school transcript, extracurricular activity involvement, leadership examples and volunteer service. The key, some students said, is teachers working with them to balance study time on subjects that are more time-consuming than others that may come easier. It may be individualizing the syllabus, or giving an added layer of support, See ARCHER, Page 4C

Clockwise, from top left, Senior Gabryelle Joseph works on an assignment in an Advanced Placement class at Archer High School. Archer High School’s Victoria Aaron reads from a textbook to prepare for a quiz during a recent Advanced Placement class. Brooklyn Crabtree, left, a senior, and Rosie Ho, a sophomore, discuss revisions to a paper during a recent Advanced Placement class at Archer High School. Senior Olivia Amyette works on an assignment in an Advanced Placement class at Archer High School. (Staff Photos: Keith Farner)

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2C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

spotlight on college prep

Peach State FCU offering $161K in scholarships, grants Peach State also supports educational institutions Applications are being with a combined total of accepted by Peach State $62,200 in scholarships and Federal Credit Union for its educational grants: Athens 2017 scholarship program, Technical College, Georgia which will award more than Gwinnett College, Gwin$161,000 in scholarships and nett County Public Schools, educational grants. Gwinnett Technical College The program was estaband the University of North lished to honor the credit Georgia. union’s founders, past and “Awarding scholarships present board members and is one of the most imporemployees, as well as the tant contributions we make lifetime achievements of to the community,” said several notable school sysPeach State President/CEO tem and community leaders. Marshall Boutwell. “Since Peach State has added six we were founded in 1961, new scholarships for 2017. education has been at the Many deadlines are March core of our organization. 17, but visit peachstatefcu. Through this annual tradinet for application requiretion, we hope to strengthen ments and instructions. the lives of the recipients and

FROM STAFF REPORTS

in turn, our communities.” Three of these are student scholarships honoring Gary Hobbs, retired Walton County superintendent, Marion Barnes and the Board of Directors at Richmond County Teachers FCU, which recently merged with Peach State. In keeping with tradition, when a student scholarship is added, a career advancement scholarship is added as well. One of these three new career advancement scholarships has been named to honor Wilma Widmer, a long-time member of Peach State’s Supervisory Committee. Scholarship winners will Rick Cost, middle, a retired chief financial officer with Gwinnett County Public Schools, has one of the scholarships offered by Peach State Federal Credit Union named after

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Sunday, February 12, 2017 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

spotlight on college prep

Pay gap widens for college grads By Keith Farner

the Social Security Administration recently published a paper on 401(k) plans and found that less-educated The gap between high workers are less likely to school graduates and participate in 401(k) plans their peers with a college than more-educated workdiploma is as wide as ever, ers. College grads contribaccording to a Washington uted 26 percent more even think tank. when members of both The earnings gap is the groups had similar incomes largest since the Economic and access to such plans, Policy Institute began coltheir research found. lecting data in 1973. ColThe issue isn’t expected lege graduates, on average, to be resolved soon as high school students often aren’t earned 56 percent more prepared to spend more than high school grads years in college or pay for in 2015, according to the it. Four in every 10 college EPI. That was up from 51 students drop out before percent in 1999 and is the graduating, and the debt largest such gap in EPI’s stays with them. figures. Since the Great RecesProblems facing high sion ended in 2009, people school graduates include: who didn’t graduate from • Two-thirds of high college have absorbed school-only grads ages 25 a three percent drop in through 64 were employed income overall, and job in 2015, down from 73 prospects are bleak. Mean- Judy Gamble celebrates after she received her bachelor’s degree in business administration at the 2015 Georgia percent in 2007. For colGwinnett College summer graduation ceremony. (File Photo) while, college-educated lege graduates in the same “College level skills workers have landed many age group, employment or community college. ary 2010, 5.6 million were Until the early ’80s, more determines access to decent of the new jobs and pay dipped only slightly from Some 45 percent of for workers with no more than 70 percent of Amerijobs now,” said Anthony raises. Americans age 25 to 64 than high school diplomas. cans entered the workforce 84 percent to 83 percent. CNN reported that of the Carnevale, the center’s • In 2008, marriage have an associate degree They’ve only recovered one right out of high school. 11.6 million jobs created director and lead author of or higher, while 23 percent percent of those losses over College grads have long rates for college-educated after the Great Recession, the report. “The modern 30-year-olds surpassed have at least a bachelor’s the past six years. enjoyed economic advan8.4 million went to those economy continues to leave degree. Some 42 percent Americans with only tages over Americans with those of high school-only with at least a bachelor’s Americans without a colgrads for the first time. of young adults age 18 to high school diplomas less education. But as the degree, according to a relege education behind.” • Sixty-four percent are 24 are enrolled in higher represent a shrinking share disparity widens, it is doing port from the Center on EdEmployers increasingly homeowners, down from education. of the workforce. Last year, so in ways that go beyond ucation and the Workforce want workers with at least The Great Recession hit for the first time, college income, from home owner- 70 percent in 2000. By at Georgetown University. some college education, contrast, three-quarters of hard those who never went grads made up a larger ship to marriage to retireAnother three million be it a degree or even a bachelor’s degree holders to college, and they have slice of the labor market ment. went to those with associcertificate in a trade, such not recovered. Of the 7.2 than those without higher ChangHwan Kim of the are homeowners, down ate’s degrees or some colas nursing assistant or slightly from 77 percent in million jobs lost between education, by 36 percent University of Kansas and lege education. welding, from a technical 2000, according to Zillow. December 2007 and Janu- to 34 percent, respectively. Christopher Tamborini of keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

How to pay for college without using debt From Staff Reports A survey by LendEDU found that there is about $1.2 trillion in outstanding student loan debt in the United States and seven in 10 graduates have some form of student loan debt. The average student has about $30,000. That’s according to the independent marketplace for student loans and student loan refinancing, which surveyed 477 undergraduate and graduate students who are males and females and were federal and private student loan borrowers. Arguably more alarming was that the survey found that many of the respondents knew little or nothing about the re-payment process, the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized and current interest rates. “Our results are startling and frankly disturbing,” a post by Nate Matherson said on the LendEDU website. The issue has become a widespread crisis across the country that personal finance authors Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze addressed in the book “Smart Money, Smart Kids,” that was published in 2014. Cruze wrote that student loans recently surpassed credit cards in total debt owed, and graduates will carry the loans around for years or even decades. Because they’re federally backed, they are not eliminated in a bankruptcy. “The short-term gain of student loans doesn’t even compare to the long-term pain your student could end up with,” Cruze wrote. “There’s no doubt: This is a generational crisis, and, as a parent, you need to be ready.” The path to avoid student loans begins with saving years before a student enters college, they wrote, choosing a school that’s affordable and likely close to home or in-state, working while in college and seeking grants and scholarships. While gacollege411. org has plenty of resources for scholarship options,

students are encouraged to think creatively for scholarships. Start looking community organizations and major companies that offer scholarships. Look in local communities where, in Gwinnett, for example, several electric membership corporations that offer scholarships. YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are among companies that offer scholarships. Savings plans • ESA: You can contribute up to $2,000 per year per child if your annual income is less than $200,000, and your money grows tax free when used for education expenses. It’s been called an education version of the Roth IRA. • 529 Plan: Similar to an ESA, but with a higher limit, a 529 plan is operated by a state or educational institution, with tax advantages and potentially other incentives to make it easier to save for college and other postsecondary training for a designated beneficiary, such as a child or grandchild. Contributions can not exceed the amount necessary to provide for the qualified education expenses of the beneficiary. Contributors should be aware of potential gift tax issues if the amount contributed by any one contributor during a year to a given beneficiary, together with other gifts to that beneficiary exceed $14,000. Coverdell Education Savings Account: This is a savings account that is set up to pay the qualified education expenses of a designated beneficiary. Contributions to a Coverdell ESA are not deductible, but amounts deposited in the account grow tax free until distributed. Generally, the maximum contribution per year, per child is $2,000.

point average and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative postsecondary grade point average to remain eligible. The scholarship provides tuition assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a HOPE Scholarship eligible college or university in Georgia. A seven-year limit exists for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during the 2011-12 academic year or later. The Hope awards a portion of standard tuition at a public institution and $1,910 per full-time semester at a private institution, or $1,274 per quarter at a private institution. Zell Miller Scholarship Students are eligible if they meet rigor requirements and are a designated valedictorian or salutatorian, or they must have a 3.7 high school GPA in core curriculum courses and a 1,200 combined score on the SAT or 26 composite score on the ACT. The Zell Miller Scholarship awards full standard tuition at a public institution, or $2,110 per semester or $1,407 per quarter full time at a private institution.

attending GMC and two years after graduation). Georgia Public Safety Memorial Grant Public Safety Memorial Grant provides assistance to the dependent children of Georgia public safety officers who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. Funds may be used toward the cost of attendance at eligible colleges or universities in Georgia. John R. Justice The John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of 2008 was passed by Congress to encourage qualified individuals to enter or continue employment as prosecutors and public defenders. The Georgia Student Finance Authority is the designated state agency responsible for administering this program. Applicants applied to GSFA based on the programmatic criteria set forth by the United States Department of Justice.

Scholarship for Engineering Education Service Cancellable Loan Scholarship for Engineering Education Program provides financial assistance to Georgia residents Helping Educate attending an eligible priReservists and their vate postsecondary instituOffspring Scholarship tion and enrolled in an enHelping Educate Reserv- gineering program of study ists and their Offspring, approved by the Engineeror HERO, Scholarship ing Accreditation Comprovides assistance to mission of the Accrediting members of the Georgia Board of Engineering and National Guard and U.S. Technology. The purpose Military Reservists, their of the program is to attract children and spouses, who and grow the number of were deployed overseas qualified engineers in on active duty service, on Georgia. In return, students or after Feb. 1, 2003, to a agree to work for a period location designated as a of time after graduation in combat zone. an engineering-related field in Georgia. Georgia Military College State Service Scholarship Scholarship for Georgia Military ColEngineering Education lege State Service Scholarfor Minorities Service ship Loan Program is a Cancellable Loan service cancellable loan In an attempt to attract Scholarships and Grants program created to provide diverse engineering scholHope Scholarship outstanding students with ars in the future, the ScholA merit-based award a full two-year scholararship for Engineering available to Georgia ship loan. The student Education for Minorities residents who have demon- must agree to serve in the offers financial assistance strated academic achieveGeorgia National Guard to create qualified workers ment. A recipient must for a period of four years in Georgia. graduate from high school to complete service repayCreated last year, MSEE with a minimum 3.0 grade ment (two years while is a service cancellable

loan available to upperclassmen at eligible state colleges that can be used for tuition, room and board, or other educational expenses. In return, students agree to work in Georgia after graduation in an engineering-related field for a reduction in the loan’s balance. Available for programs approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology, participating universities include: • Georgia Institute of Technology; • Georgia Southern University; • University of Georgia; • Kennesaw State University; and • Mercer University. For more information, contact Brian Moore, Executive Director, Scholarship for Engineering Education for Minorities Service Cancellable Loan, at 770-724-9247.

cancellation options available to those who work in select public service sectors or STEM fields. Students who attend an eligible TCSG postsecondary institution have a maximum annual limit of $3,000 and have a loan discharge option available to those who graduate from their program of study, for which the loan was received, with a minimum 3.50 cumulative postsecondary grade point average. Tuition Equalization Grant Tuition Equalization Grant provides grant assistance toward educational costs to Georgia residents enrolled at an eligible private college or university. Students must be enrolled fulltime in an undergraduate program of study leading to an undergraduate degree.

University of North Georgia Military Scholarship Loan Move On When Ready Program The Move On When University of North Ready program is a dual credit enrollment program Georgia Military Scholarfor eligible high school and ship Loan Program is a service cancellable loan home study students who program that provides full wish to earn postsecondscholarships to enable outary level coursework for standing Georgia students, credit toward both high interested in pursuing a school and college credit requirements. The program military career, to attend the University of North is offered during the fall, winter, spring and summer Georgia. Loan recipients agree to serve in the Army terms of the school year, National Guard for eight and may cover the cost of years (four while enrolled standard undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees and at UNG and four after graduation). a book allowance. Students need to comUniversity of North plete the MOWR online Georgia ROTC Grant application. Students in and ROTC Grant for a home study program Future Officers must complete the MOWR University of North paper application. Georgia ROTC Grant and ROTC Grant for Future Student Access Loan Officers provides grant asProgram sistance toward the cost of Student Access Loan education by encouraging Program is a one percent Georgia residents to attend interest loan program designed to assist undergrad- the University of North uate students enrolled at a Georgia and participate public, private or technical in the Reserve Officers Training Corps program college or university who have a gap in meeting their and promotes students to educational costs. Students military leadership positions upon graduation. who attend an eligible USG or private postsecSources: IRS, Georgia ondary institution have a Student Finance Commismaximum annual limit of sion $8,000 and have service

4C • Sunday, February 12, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

spotlight on college prep

Getting a head start Preparations for college planning start early

From Staff Reports

news@gwinnettdailypost.com

While a traditional four-year college degree is not for everyone, and the path to a doctorate is not required, or even desired in some cases, high school counselors often encourage students to achieve some type of certification or degree after high school. Education, they have said often, offers a path to higher earning potential, and makes it less likely for students to be unemployed. A large majority of jobs continue to need at least some type of skilled training. For every job where a doctoral or advanced degree was required, there would be two jobs where just a four-year degree was required, and seven jobs where technical or specific training is all that’s needed. Whatever path a student chooses, or sets a goal to achieve, the process begins from the first day as a freshman in high school. Earning a high gradepoint average starts when high school does, and counselors stress that’s one reason for students to choose an appropriate curriculum. A selective university, for example, requires more honors or Advanced Placement classes on a transcript. By senior year, improving a GPA by a full percentage point is virtually impossible. As sophomores, students take the PSAT and begin to pursue volunteering and extra-curricular activities to bolster a college application resume. As juniors, college visits begin and the first official SAT and ACT exams are taken, along with any test preparation classes and program research for a specific post-secondary path. As seniors, counselors encourage students to make a list in early fall of potential college choices

Local high schools routinely hold college and career information nights to better educate students and parents about college planning and preparation. In 2015, Duluth High gifted program coordinator Geri Flanary speaks to students and parents about the school’s Advanced Placement program. (File Photo)

to apply to, while early decision applications come in November and December. Simultaneously, writing essays and securing letters of recommendations are also underway. Scholarship deadlines don’t come until spring of the senior year, but it’s never too early to apply. The following are guidelines for plans for each year of high school:

mean that you have to set your entire trajectory immediately — during the next four years, you will discover new interests and new priorities that will partially shape your path. Rather, your college admissions goals can include general timelines for the next several years. The next three resolutions are great goals to start with. For example, you might decide to complete your admis• Freshmen: “I will set sions testing early in your college admissions goals junior year. Another goal now, rather than waiting might be to begin builduntil I’m a junior.” ing a list of interesting College and its complex colleges and universities admissions process can now so that you will have seem impossibly far away a short list ready by junior when you have just begun year. high school. Your future, Other goals could however, will be built on include developing a wellthe foundation you lay out stocked admissions porttoday. Begin determining folio on a platform like your college goals now. the Coalition for Access, Starting now doesn’t Affordability, and Success

or in another centralized location for gathering documents relevant to college applications. • Sophomores: “I will develop an ACT and SAT testing plan now — not as a junior.” It is no secret that the ACT and SAT are critical to admissions success. But many students wait until they receive a disappointing result to dive into test prep. You do not necessarily need an intensive study plan as a sophomore, but you should know where you stand. Discover which test best suits your goals and strengths. Commit to taking the PreACT or the PSAT, if possible. At the very least, complete a practice exam to get an estimate of your future score and to identify areas of improvement.

Don’t stress unduly over the result — you still have a great deal of learning to do. However, do map out a schedule of practice tests to measure your progress. These are especially valuable since testing can be an effective way to build your knowledge in addition to studying. • Juniors: “I will begin my college applications two months earlier than I believe I should.” You might be tempted to set aside a single month or even two for college applications. Entrance exams have specific dates, you have to wait for your recommenders to send you their letters of recommendation and your high school releases transcripts on a set schedule. That just leaves you to write your college essay — how long could it pos-

sibly take to write a few paragraphs? The reality is that great applications take time. Your personal statement will require reflection and revision, and it will likely benefit from the input of trusted mentors and guardians or parents. Letters of recommendation can take time to acquire, since the authors are often busy with multiple letters to write — so it’s best not to wait until the last minute. In short, you’ll need to start earlier than you expect to. This will allow you to gather your materials with time to spare for revisions or unexpected complications. • Seniors: “I will remember that admissions decisions do not solely determine my intelligence or future.” Although the first resolution encouraged you to begin preparing for college as a freshman, it’s important to also understand that this focus should not define you. Remember that college admissions is an intensely competitive process. Your GPA, test scores and a small slice of your life are weighed for admission — you may feel like there are more things you wanted to accomplish. Ultimately, this is early in your life and you have many more opportunities ahead of you, wherever you end up attending school. Remember, too, that no one best school is out there — there are hundreds of excellent colleges and universities, and many of them will provide you with excellent opportunities to learn and grow. Above all, remember that college is one part of a journey. Yes, you can begin preparing as a high school freshman, but the story continues well past your graduation date. Spread out the work and keep moving forward toward your goals and dreams.

Archer •From Page 1C but the result in recent years is that Archer’s AP program has broken down the stigma that some students are only good at college prep classes, or once you’re in a college prep class you can’t move your way up. It’s part of a culture at Archer that promotes the AP program that in 2016 had just under 1,700 exams taken by more than 900 students in 22 different courses. Archer has lifted its number of exams given each year from 269 in 2010 to 1,966 in 2016. Similarly, test-takers have jumped from 204 to 900 in the same period, while tests passed grew from 56 to 1,299. The program last year earned regional recognition as three siblings earned awards as the top AP educators in the South. It was the second time the brother in the crew received the award. Joni Jameson, John Jameson and Kimberly Heglund were recognized by the College Board as the 2016 AP Professionals of the Year for the Southern Region. The three teachers have presented at the Georgia Department of Education’s AP Regional Workshops each fall for

of challenging kids and believing that they can all excel makes it easy. In the midst of a large bureaucratic system, AP offers a platform for purpose. “When you believe that so fiercely, it’s kind of contagious,” Joni said. “Then we have some very close colleagues that share that, so we feel like a family.” Added John, “When you get through all the chaos Archer High School students discuss an upcoming quiz and change, and when you during a recent Advanced Placement class. (Staff Photo: get through the gamesmanKeith Farner) ship and resume-building about a dozen years. a challenge and push them is in the background, it’s They appreciate the further. somewhat liberating that award, and especially en“We want them to be teachers and students joyed seeing their mother very successful with the actually have a target that treat it as if it were an most challenging courses may very well represent Oscar or an Emmy. But for and course load they something worth pursua program that is largely can handle,” Joni said. ing and pursue it in a way internal to most schools, “They’re still high school with why we feel like we having an outside group kids, but they need to push entered the profession: applaud their efforts took their academics here as Teach kids how to develop some getting used to. far as they can so that they their own powers towards The siblings came to Ar- can go where they want to something they’re interestcher starting in the 2013go next, which is the real ed in by being in our own 14 school year after they’d goal.” discipline.” worked together at BerkAdded Heglund, “We The program’s growth mar for nearly a decade. kind of train our kids to and depth is designed in a Key elements to buildknow that they’re not the way to promote students ing the program, the average kid. And the only excelling in several classes teachers said, was open way they can possibly at a time. AP enrollment for all show the college they’re “I organize my class students, and to support not the average kid is in a way that my kid can students transitioning from not do the average kid’s be successful in mine, high school-level courses schedule. So we give them and also have time for the to college-level work. a chance to show they’re a other ones, too, so we’re And also identifying the cut above.” not being selfish with students who don’t find the They said that havour time,” Heglund said. initial challenge enough of ing the same philosophy “If we operated indepen-

dently, ‘My class is all that matters,’ these kids would have horrible GPAs, they’d be stressed and they’d all be crying every day.” The Archer program’s success does not mean other Gwinnett schools are in its shadow, because several have also been recognized in recent years for work with AP coureses, including Collins Hill, Grayson and Norcross high schools. The teachers said the movement to make AP classes more mainstream began about 15 years ago, but only inside the last decade has a visible difference in the collegewide culture shown those promotion efforts. Early in John’s teaching career, AP was seen as a reward for students who didn’t need it. In part, the promotion of AP was seen as a way to offer common ground and avoid a sort of academic segregation, John said. “Really, what you do is develop talent, rather than find talent and reward it,” he said. “You have an opportunity to show people: Here is a thing you can do. You can develop talents toward that, and then it opens doors for you.” The siblings admit that AP was not exactly on their radar as high school students at Brookwood

High themselves from mid-1980s to early 1990s. John was enrolled in one AP class in high school, and Joni said her driving force to become a teacher was because she didn’t enjoy high school. In those days, and when Joni began her teaching career about 25 years ago at Winder-Barrow High School, many schools in the area offered four AP classes. The siblings agreed it was at least typical, and may have bordered on aggressive, for its offerings at the time. “It was not something kids did. It didn’t matter what their college aspirations were,” Joni said. “AP was like ‘Why would you do that, that’s extra work,’ as opposed to it’s part of something bigger.” She said John got her more involved in AP than she was initially and, along with Principal Ken Johnson, taught her how to measure it in a more meaningful way, and build the program. “Seeing something that was larger than life,” Joni said. “That was probably because I didn’t like high school.” Students have said AP offers a chance to learn about something they’re interested in, in an indepth way.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2017 • 5C

spotlight on college prep •From Page 2C

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be announced this spring. The following is a list of all available scholarships: — Nine $2,500 Legacy Student Scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors attending college to pursue a degree in education and plan to return to Georgia to teach. — Thirteen $2,500 school system and community honoree student scholarships will be awarded as a tribute to: • Marion Barnes, former Board Member for Richmond County Teachers FCU; • Anderson Byers, retired Superintendent of Jackson County School System; • Rick Cost, retired

Program

Chief Financial Officer for Gwinnett County Public Schools; • Dan Cromer, retired Barrow County School System superintendent; • Gary Hobbs, retired superintendent of Walton County Public Schools; • Gracewood Student Scholarship honoring the Board of Directors from Richmond Community FCU (which merged with Peach State in July 2015); • John Jackson, retired superintendent of the Oconee County School System; • Brian J. Mulherin, Sr., Director Emeritus; • Janet Pomeroy and Pearlie Woods for their dedication to the credit union and the Clarke County community;

• Louise Radloff, member of the Gwinnett County Board of Education; • Richmond County Teachers Student Scholarship honoring the Board of Directors from Richmond County Teachers FCU; and • J. Alvin Wilbanks, CEO and Superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools. — Twenty-two $2,000 career advancement Scholarships, including the new Wilma Widmer Career Advancement Scholarship. Peach State is a $325 million credit union that serves more than 44,000 members in Barrow, Clarke, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Jackson, Oconee, Richmond and Walton counties.

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Georgia Gwinnett College is affordable, accessible and gives you the attention you need to get a high-quality, four-year college degree. Attend our Open House to learn more about GGC!

Saturday, March 25 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

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Reserve your space at www.ggc.edu/OpenHouse Open House includes: Guided campus tours and lunch with faculty and current students. Breakout sessions include: Financial aid, GGC majors, campus life and student housing.

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spotlight on college prep University System merges four south Georgia schools Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton The Board of Regents rewill also cently approved a new round be consoliof consolidations affecting dated with four universities in south Bainbridge Georgia. State ColThe board that governs lege. Both Georgia’s public colleges campuses voted to expand Georgia will use the Southern University in Steve Wrigley Abraham Statesboro by merging it Baldwin with Armstrong State Uniname. They have nearly versity in Savannah. Both 6,000 students total. campuses would remain The changes are expected open under the Georgia to take effect in fall 2018 at Southern name, with a com- the earliest. bined enrollment of about It’s the fifth round of col27,000 students. lege consolidations approved FROM STAFF REPORTS

by the board since 2012. Since the Board of Regents in November 2011 adopted six principles for consolidation, seven mergers have reduced the number of separate colleges and universities in the system from 35 to 28. The latest moves reduced the total to 26. The new Georgia Southern will now top enrollment at Georgia Tech, which had 26,841 in the fall semester. The fall enrollments of Georgia Southern and Armstrong State together totaled 27,831. Separately, Georgia Southern had 20,674 students and

Armstrong had 7,157. The two new institutions, respectively, will be named Georgia Southern University, to be led by President Jaimie Hebert, and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, to be led by President David Bridges. “The consolidation of these institutions will enable our University System to better serve students, broaden or redesign academic programs offered in the coastal and southwest Georgia regions, and reinvest savings into academics to improve student success,”

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University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “While the ultimate purpose of consolidation is to serve students better, we also have the opportunity to tailor degree programs for the workforce needs of the area and strengthen our role in the region’s economic development.” Wrigley recently appointed the ABAC-Bainbridge State Consolidation Implementation Committee. The 32-member committee consists of 16 representatives each from ABAC and Bainbridge State. The com-

mittee held its first meeting at the USG System Office on Feb. 1. The consolidation implementation committee will be charged with the responsibility to work out the many details associated with the consolidation. The committee will provide regular updates to the campus communities. An initial action for the committee is to develop the mission statement for the new university. Information about the proposed consolidation will be available and updated at abac.edu and bainbridge.edu.

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Ellis Auto donates $65,000 to Boys and Girls clubs BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

money from any new or pre-owned vehicle sold between Nov. 25 and Jan. 2 was set aside for the cause. After Jimmy Ellis visEllis said the group has ited the A. Worely Brown conducted similar camBoys and Girls Club in paigns before. He said Norcross, he knew he most retailers do. But the wanted his company to do group has never before something special for the used the campaign to beneorganization. fit just one charity. Usually, “John Reid, (the execu- the money is split between tive director for that locaa few organizations. tion), really just amazed Ellis said the group felt me with what they did up focusing on one charity there at the club for the might make the donation kids,” said Ellis, president more effective. of the Jim Ellis Automo“Sometimes, when tive Group. “It’s really a you start diluting it like great organization.” that, then the money one Over the holidays, the specific charity might get group of 13 family-owned won’t be enough to move and operated car dealerthe needle,” he said. “Alships found a way to give lowing us to focus on a back to that great organiza- single charity gives us that tion. ability to really make a difOn Feb. 1, the Jim Ellis ference.” Automotive Group preChoosing the Boys sented the Boys & Girls and Girls Club as a focus Clubs of Metro Atlanta wasn’t a difficult decision with a check for $65,000 for the automotive group. to be used however leader- The company had worked ship sees fit. A portion of with the Club before, prithat money will benefit all marily by sponsoring them three Boys and Girls Clubs during different events. in Gwinnett. It’s a natural partner“We hope they will utiship for an automotive lize those funds in any area group that prides itself in they consider most impor- community work, espetant to the development of cially where families and those children,” Ellis said. children are concerned. The Jim Ellis AutomoThe Boys and Girls Clubs tive Group and its custom- of Metro Atlanta have proers raised the $65,000 vided programs designed through a holiday camto help kids succeed in paign. A portion of the sale school, in extracurricular

Jim Ellis Automotive Group Vice President Stacey Ellis Hodges, left, and Jim Ellis Automotive Group President Jimmy Ellis provide a $65,000 donation to A. Worley Brown Boys and Girls Club Executive Director John Reid and Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta CEO and President Missy Dugan on Feb. 1. (Courtesy: Jim Ellis Automotive Group)

activities, in their own health and in communities for more than 75 years, according to a Jim Ellis Automotive Group press release. Ellis had known for a while the Clubs were worthy of his company’s help. That belief was only strengthened after his visit with Reid at the Boys and

Girls Club in Norcross. “I went up there basically just to learn a little bit more about what the Boys and Girls Clubs do,” he said. Ellis was blown away by the specific programs offered at the location, including a music education program. He said he was impressed by how

all the programs fit into four pillars of success the Clubs try to instill in youth — leadership, character, education and health. “It’s all part of the program to give these kids something helpful and wholesome and with educational values to do during the day,” Ellis said. “It serves a need in the com-

munity for these families that are under-supported by their community.” Jim Ellis Automotive Group customers seem to have been just as impressed with the groups their car purchases would support. “Through this campaign, it became clear very quickly the impact Boys and Girls Clubs have made on many of our customers, staff and community members,” Ellis said. “We heard story after story about the personal impact various clubs had made on customers and staff alike during their youth.” The campaign even affected buying decisions. “Some felt so strongly about the mission and influence of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta that it became a deciding factor in the timeline of their vehicle purchase, wanting to make sure they purchased during the giving campaign period,” Ellis said. That spirit allowed the group to smash the $15,000 goal they’d set for the campaign by $50,000. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about the outcome of the campaign and the organization that we will be donating these funds to,” Ellis said. “It truly was a great season of giving at Jim Ellis Automotive.”

Gwinnett County taking applications for its government 101 education class

PET OF THE WEEK

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County residents interested in learning how their county’s government works have a chance to sign up and find out. The county is accepting applications for its spring Gwinnett 101 class. The free 12-week program gives participants an opportunity to learn what each government departEach week the Gwinnett Daily Post will feature an animal available for adoption at the Georgia SPCA, which is located at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, Suwanee, GA 30024. The hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays 1 until 4 p.m. You can see the rest of the adoptable cats and dogs at www.georgiaspca.org. Peach is a 2-year-old female American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Peach came into the shelter along with her puppies. Peach and her puppies came in scared, emaciated and with the parvo virus. They were treated for this disease, socialized and eventually they were well enough for adoption. All of Peach’s puppies have been adopted into loving homes, yet Peach is still here. Peach was in a foster home while she was being treated for heartworms. She is now heartworm free and healthy. She is very friendly and she gets along with people and other dogs very well. She is a big cuddle bug and is known to be very affectionate in the form of licking. Her adoption fee is $250. She has been spayed and given age appropriate vaccinations, dewormed, given flea/tick prevention, given a 24Petwatch microchip, and the adopter will receive 30 days of 24Petwatch Pet Emergency Insurance.

ment, from finance to the fire department, does through presentations and interactive demonstrations. “Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy is intended to deepen participants’ understanding of their local government and community issues and concerns,” Gwinnett County community outreach program director Nicole Hendrickson said in a statement. “As part of the program, participants visit various

departments for in-depth briefings and demonstrations. “Graduates also learn how they can become more involved, and are often tapped to serve on influential committees and boards.” The deadline to apply online at www.gwinnett101.com is March 3, according to county officials. The orientation for the spring class will be held on April 11, and it will meet from 6 to 9 p.m.

on Thursdays after that. Up to 30 people will be accepted for the class. Anyone who participates in the class must be at least 18 and only Gwinnett residents, business owners or students attending a college or university in the county can participate in the program. When the 12-week session is over, graduates in the class will be recognized at the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners’ June 27 meeting.

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