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VOLUME 23 NUMBER 35
NOVEMBER 25, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
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GOOD SAMARITANS
DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson prepares for a radio interview as volunteers pass out frozen turkeys in purple bags and Mission Agape gives out coats. Photos provided.
A senior shows her gratitude with a smile to Rockdale BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt, who helped distribute turkeys at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Hundreds of free Thanksgiving turkeys help families in need
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By Valerie J. Morgan
cross DeKalb and Rockdale counties, Good Samaritans opened their hearts and wallets to pitch in to make the Thanksgiving holiday joyous for hundreds who often struggle to make ends meet. Nearly 500 turkeys were distributed to needy families
who came to the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Nov. 18 for the Women in DeKalb NAACP’s fifth annual turkey giveaway. Another 350 turkeys, along with boxes of food, were given away at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center in Decatur. DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson co-sponsored both of the events, with dozSEE THANKSGIVING, page 5
Kristy Gaiters, founder of Just About Blessing You, presents turkeys to seniors at Voices of Faith Ministries’ Rockdale campus. JABY also gave turkeys to seniors at the church’s Stone Mountain location. Photo by Glenn Morgan/OCG News
DeKalb wins innovation award for Procurement project DeKalb County’s Department of Innovation and Technology has been recognized as a Georgia leader in innovation. The department received one of nine technology innovation awards presented at the Georgia 2017 Technology Innovation Showcase for the county’s Journey to Procurement Excellence project. “It is an honor to have been recognized again this year for how DeKalb County is transforming the delivery of services to our citizens and constituents through business and technology innovation,” said John Matelski, DeKalb’s chief innovation and information officer. DeKalb’s awarded-winning project allows for online collaboration with suppliers through the procure-to-pay lifecycle. The project replaced paper processes with electronic processes, increasing procurement productivity while streamlining accounts payable processing. The system allows new suppliers to register online and electronically submit all necessary forms, including, invoices and proof of work completion. The system supports electronic signa-
tures for all county contracts and gives suppliers real-time access to purchasing, receiving and payment transactions and other important information. County workers can collaborate online with procurement and contracts staff on writing solicitations and contracts, bid evaluations and awarding and executing contracts. Since the implementation of the project the county is experiencing fewer calls to the procurement and accounts payable offices. The Department of Innovation and Technology collaborated with the Purchasing and Contracting Department on the project. “DeKalb County is setting an example for others to follow with its innovative use of technology,” said Michael Clark with the Georgia Technology Authority. The top projects were evaluated based on: • Level of innovation in addressing a specific business problem; • Significance to improving business processes and operating efficiency; • Significance to financial savings or cost avoidance; and • Significance to enhancing service delivery to external or internal customers.
City of Atlanta closes on Civic Center sale to AHA
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he City of Atlanta has completed its sale of the Civic Center to the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) for $31 million. AHA will partner with Weingarten Realty Investors to develop affordable housing on the site, retail and commercial space. Weingarten is the Texas firm that began talks with the city for the purchase in 2015 but reached an impasse in 2016. Mayor Reed said with the close of the sale, he is excited about the future for the site. “Good things take time. Through its focus on affordable housing, the
redevelopment of the Civic Center property will give families and working people the opportunity to live in an area with access to transit, employment and good schools. Moreover, this new development will be an asset to the neighborhood, further adding to the vibrancy and vitality of Midtown and downtown Atlanta,” Reed said. “I am thankful to our partners in this effort, and am excited to see what the future holds.” Officials project the investment at $300 million and expect the initial development phase to be two to three years. SEE CIVIC CENTER, page 5
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DeKalb sets flood hazard map open house The DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Department will host a flood hazard map open house on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 5 – 7 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. DeKalb County’s flood risk information has been revised and new flood hazard maps will be available for review. Revisions to these mapping products may affect residents and business owners in unincorporated DeKalb County, Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, and Tucker. Residents can view the new preliminary maps online at www.GeorgiaDFIRM.com. DeKalb County staff, local officials, representatives from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Federal Emergency Management Agency will be on hand to answer questions. For more information, contact the DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Department at 404-294-2878 or visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ roads-drainage/floodplain-management-0.
Survey helps DeKalb library system prepare for the future The DeKalb County Public Library is developing plans to meet the future library needs of county residents. The library is seeking input from residents and asking them to participate in a survey by Dec. 9. To take the survey, go to the Library’s website at dekalblibrary.org and click on the survey link.
DeKalb County, GA Police Seek Hit-And-Run Driver The DeKalb County (GA) Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating the hit-and-run driver responsible for the death of 4-year-old Lun Thang. The pre-K student was struck on Oct. 18 as she walked with family members to Indian Creek Elementary School in Clarkston. Police have identified the vehicle as a gray, fourdoor Toyota Camry. The vehicle has damage to the right front-end and the headlight may still illuminate, but at a decreased level, investigators said in an Oct. 26 news release. The public at large, and mechanics especially, should be on alert for the vehicle or any person who may drive a Toyota Camry that has front-end damage.
Lun Thang
Anyone with information about the hit-and-run vehicle or its driver is asked to call the DeKalb County Police Traffic Specialist Unit at 770-724-7610.
Peachtree Road lane closure scheduled Nov. 27 A single lane of Peachtree Road near the intersection of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard will be closed Monday, Nov. 27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., as crews complete emergency sewer line repairs near 4945 Peachtree Road, Chamblee. As part of DeKalb County’s $1.345 billion Capital Improvement Program, crews working on behalf of the Department Watershed Management are assessing and repairing lines to improve sewer service to the community by increasing capacity and reducing sanitary sewer overflows in the area. Motorists and MARTA passengers who use Peachtree Road at the Peachtree Industrial Boulevard intersection should expect delays and plan for extra commuting time. Lane closure signs will be in the area alerting drivers to the construction zone and local traffic restrictions. For more information, visit the DWM website at www. dekalbwatershed.com, call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.
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Rockdale County BOC sets meetings for remainder of 2017 Zoning Public Hearing, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main St., Conyers Work Session/Voting Session – First Reading of Budget Ordinance, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Work Session, Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Assembly Hall, 901Main St., Conyers. Voting Session – Second Reading and Adoption of Budget Ordinance Tuesday, Dec.12, 10 a.m., at the Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Rockdale County Offices will be closed for the following holidays: Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24 Christmas: Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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NOVEMBER 25, 2017 • PAGE 3
Lithonia resident named Emory University Rhodes Scholar
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ithonia resident Chelsea Jackson, a political science and African American Studies double major at Emory University, has been named a Rhodes Scholar, Emory University officials announced in a news release. Jackson is Emory's 20th student selected for the prestigious scholarship, which provides for allexpenses-paid-study at the University of Oxford in England for two or three years. Jackson is one of 32 American college students selected for 2018 and she also is the fourth woman and first African American student from Emory College to receive the scholarship. “I am immediately blessed to be selected,” said Jackson. “Just the resources available and the opportunity to live outside the U.S. and interact and learn from scholars throughout the world is immense.” Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson congratulated Jackson in her District 5 online newsletter. “This summer, I had the opportunity to meet Chelsea as we honored her with the Shining Star Award at the 2017 Old School/New School Community Concert. I was able to learn more about her great accomplishments and continued contributions in society,” Johnson said. Jackson has focused her undergraduate research and her community leadership on efforts to create a more equitable campus and Atlanta community. "Chelsea Jackson is a passionate and committed student who uses her intellectual talents and commitment to social justice to better our world,” said Emory University President Claire E. Sterk. “She will be a wonderful ambassador
Chelsea Jackson
for the United States and Emory as she continues her work at Oxford University.” Jackson, who co-founded the Atlanta Black Students United (ATLBSU), which includes representatives from every school in metro Atlanta, has been active with the Emory branch of the NAACP. . Last year, she shifted from working as the group’s media representative to putting additional energy into her academic commitments, according to Emory officials. She presented a conference paper last year with her adviser, Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science and director of Emory’s James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference that looked at how different stories impacted public opinion on police shootings. She was also named Emory’s first Truman Scholar since 2011. “Chelsea truly embodies the ideals of liberal arts and sciences education. Her pursuit of knowledge and inquiry informs her activism and her dedication to making our society a more just one
for all,” says Michael A. Elliott, dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences and Charles Howard Candler Professor of English. “We are extremely proud of her, and I am looking forward to watching her career unfold as she leaves our campus to have an impact on the world beyond it.” This year, Jackson is focused on her master’s thesis as Emory’s sole BA/ MA candidate in political science. Her topic: examining whether the race of the prosecutor can affect racial discrepancies in the criminal justice system when looking at matters of discretion, such as whether to charge the accused with a felony or misdemeanor. “Chelsea is just brilliant,” Gillespie says. “She came to Emory with an abundance of brain power and the willingness to do the work to develop her skills. Her keen intellect and commitment to public service and social justice make her the student you dream of having the honor to teach.” Jackson plans to earn a master’s degree in criminology at Oxford. “I want to learn how race and politics play out in other countries’ criminal justice systems to see how that shapes their world view, and to consider new ideas and ways to solve problems that I have not thought of yet,” Jackson said. After completing her Oxford degree, she plans to return to the U.S. to attend law school to become a civil rights attorney. “The more empirical ideas I can learn, the more I can see how things are done elsewhere, it means I can be a better activist and propose better solutions,” Jackson said.
City of Stonecrest’s Deputy City Attorney hires senior counsel Serena L. Nowell has joined the law firm of Fincher Denmark, which serves as Deputy City Attorney for the City of Stonecrest. As senior counsel, Nowell’s areas Attorney Serena L. Nowell of responsibility include public finance, complex real estate transactions, negotiating, reviewing and executing contracts, and serving as outside general counsel for governmental and institutional clients. “We are excited to add Serena to our already very talented collection of lawyers, as she brings more than 25 years of high level experience laser focused to the needs of our clients,” said Steven Fincher, senior partner. “She is a great addition to our team of highly qualified local government attorneys,” he said. Prior to joining Fincher Denmark, Nowell operated a local government and public finance law firm for almost a decade. Previously, she held the position of Deputy City Attorney for the City of Atlanta. In those capacities, Nowell served as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, underwriter’s counsel and issuer’s counsel in a wide variety of municipal finance transactions valued at more than $5.5 billion. Nowell received her Juris Doctorate degree from Howard University School of Law. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the State Bar of Georgia, American Bar Association and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.
Work crews began paving Lester Road on the morning of Thanksgiving Eve. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
RDOT announces expedited road resurfacing project Flat Bridge Road has undergone resurfacing, thanks to an expedited project that includes repaving five additional roads, the Rockdale Department of Transportation (RDOT) has announced. The project will cost approximately $1.5 million to complete, with approximately $800,000 of the funding coming from the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) program from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The project covers approximately eight miles of roads. Crews
began patching the streets on Nov. 16, with the first street being Flat Bridge Road from Union Church Road (Bridge) to Alexander Lake Road. The other roads include: • Lester Road from Sigman Road to Lake Rockaway Road • Philadelphia Road from High Roc Road to West Hightower Trail • Zingara Road from West Hightower Trail to Bethel Road • Black Shoals Road from Zingara Road to Bethel Road • Humphries Road from DeKalb
County Line to Irwin Bridge Road RDOT is working out the logistics of completing the project around an ongoing Stormwater project on Humphries Road. RDOT is leading the effort, in conjunction with paving contractor, C.W. Matthews, with BM&K Engineering assisting in the construction engineering and inspection. Weather permitting, all of the roads should be completed by the end of 2017, officials said.
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Georgia Power invites customers to “Light Up the Holidays,” win tickets to top attractions
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s the holiday season kicks off this month, Georgia Power is inviting Georgians to “show the glow” by entering the 2017 Georgia Power Light Up the Holidays contest, which runs Nov. 24 through Dec. 21. The “Light Up the Holidays” contest offers participants a chance to win tickets to top Georgia attractions each week during the promotion, as well as a VIP experience at the Chickfil-A Peach Bowl on Jan. 1. To enter the contest: Step 1: Take a photo of how you are lighting up the holidays at your home or business with friends and family. Step 2: Upload the photo to the contest tab on Georgia Power’s Facebook Page (Facebook.com/ GeorgiaPower). Step 3: Share your entry on social media and encourage friends to vote for your photo on the contest tab. Each week during the promotion period, Georgia Power will randomly select one entry
submitted since Nov. 24 to receive four tickets to one of Georgia’s marquee public holiday attractions. Winners of this weekly drawing will be able to choose from the following attractions (subject to availability): Magical Nights of Lights 2017 at Lanier Islands (single car pass with 10 people included); Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden; 2017 December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens; Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens; or Snow Mountain & Christmas Adventure at Stone Mountain Park. The week of Dec. 25, Georgia Power will announce one Grand Prize Winner selected solely on the total number of votes received for the photo during the promotion period. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a VIP experience for four at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, which includes tickets to the game, FanFest passes, pre-game field passes and four “swag” bags filled with Falcons gear. The Grand Prize Winner will also accept their trophy at the game. Two Runners-Up will also
be selected based on the total number of votes received, and will each receive a $250 gift card to Georgia Power Marketplace, Georgia Power’s single convenient online portal featuring the most popular energy-saving and smart-
home products with a streamlined rebate process for Georgia Power residential customers. For the full 2017 Georgia Power Holiday Lighting Contest Rules, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/ HolidayRules.
Conyers sets Christmas party, parade The Conyers’ holiday season will kick off with the Olde Town Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m., and the 18th Annual Conyers Christmas Parade and Community Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. On Friday, The Olde Town Merchants Association hosts a Secret Santa Shop for children in the Depot Warehouse on Railroad Street. Gifts range in price from $1 to $5 with giftwrapping included. There also will be photos with Santa for purchase, hay rides, train rides and marshmallow roasting as “The Polar Express” plays on the big screen. A free crafts workshop for kids, presented by The Home Depot, will be offered and storytelling will take place in the Conyers-Rockdale Council for the Arts Black Box Theater at 6 p.m. Carolers from the Covington-Conyers Choral Guild will entertain those strolling the streets and shops, which will offer special holiday sales. On Saturday, Dec. 2, approximately 70 entries in the Conyers Christmas Parade will wind their way through Olde Town Conyers beginning at Rockdale County High School on Pine Log Road to Main Street and will conclude on Milstead Avenue at Pine Street. The theme of this year’s parade is “My Favorite Christmas Movie” “All of the events in Olde Town the weekend of December 1 are the perfect way to usher in the holiday season in Conyers and Rockdale County,” said Olde Town Event Coordinator Sandy Fowler. “There’s really something for everyone to enjoy.” The parade will be followed by the annual tree lighting celebration at the Rockdale County Auditorium at 903 Main Street. The city of Conyers and Rockdale County government are co-sponsoring the events. For more information on these and other holiday events, including the Rockdale Emergency Relief’s 20th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes on Dec. 8 and 9 and the 38th Annual Atlanta Boy Choir Concert at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit on Dec. 9, contact the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606 or visit www.conyersga.com.
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NOVEMBER 25, 2017 • PAGE 5
Get help navigating health insurance marketplace
THANKSGIVING, conditioned from page 1
Affordable Care Act navigation experts will be on hand to provide free health insurance marketplace enrollment assistance for people shopping for health coverage for 2018. Georgia Refugee Health and Mental Health will have licensed navigators available to answer questions and provide registration assistance on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Thursday, Dec. 7 and 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston. For more information, call 404-508-7175. The DeKalb County Chapter of the NAACP will help attendees choose plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 3- 8 p.m. at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. For more information, contact 770-482-3828. Helpful items to bring might include valid identification, proof of income, Medicare card, a list of current prescriptions and the name of your preferred pharmacy. Open enrollment ends Dec. 15.
Rockdale to host community workshop for Comprehensive Transportation Plan Rockdale County and the City of Conyers are preparing an update to the 2009 Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). The CTP is an analysis of all types of transportation to determine existing and future needs, identify solutions, and prepare an implementation plan. Public involvement is an important element of the study process and many opportunities to provide input are available. A daylong community workshop will be held to receive public comments on the future of transportation in Rockdale. Everyone is encouraged to attend and learn more about the county’s needs assessment and provide feedback on transportation improvements. The public’s input is important to the success of this plan. The community workshop will
be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., J.P. Carr Community Center, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The community may attend anytime during the day. The workshop will include: • Needs assessment summary • Feedback from county residents and businesses • Interactive boards • Interaction with county staff and consultant team Constituents may take the online survey by navigating to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ RockdaleinMotion Join the email list and provide feedback by writing us at: comments@rockdaleinmotion.com Stay in up to date by visiting the Rockdale County web site at: www. rockdalecountyga.gov.
ens of volunteers pitching in to make the events successful. “We had a long day of service,” said Johnson. ”It’s about doing what we can to help others. We appreciate all of the community support, the donations, the volunteers who are willing to serve.” Johnson said the Women in DeKalb NAACP’s event, in its fifth year, drew a crowd, and the turkeys went quickly. Mission Agape was also at the event distributing coats to the needy. At Exchange Park, there also was a crowd who came out for the 4th Annual Turkey Classic, which Johnson co-sponsored with the Georgia Spartans semi pro basketball team. In Rockdale County, Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt hosted his 7th Annual Turkey Drive, providing 300 birds that were donated by the community to help needy seniors. Nesbitt and Rockdale’s newly-appointed team of ambassadors passed out the turkeys on Sunday, Nov. 19, at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center, 1240 Dogwood Drive. Nesbitt had encouraged families in Rockdale to get involved by taking their children to shop for a turkey to donate and then allowing the children to make the donation. “We have to teach them at a
young age to give,” Nesbitt said. Nesbitt said corporate sponsor, Courtesy Ford, 1636 Dogwood Drive, Conyers, served as the drop-off point for the donations. The two events in DeKalb and turkey drive in Rockdale were among the dozens of efforts by individuals and groups giving back this Thanksgiving season. DeKalb business owners Ceasar Gaiters and his wife, Kristy, for example, provided turkeys to senior citizens at Voices of Faith Ministries. The Gaiters provided the turkeys through their non-profit, Just About Blessing You, Inc. (JABY). The Resource Center for Community Action (RCCA) hosted its Thanksgiving mobile food pantry distribution on Nov. 16 at 1400 Parker Road in Conyers. Volunteers helped pass out food boxes during the halfday give away. The Unique Corvettes Club pitched in to assist 50 needy families at Pine Street Elementary School in Rockdale. The club provided 50 turkeys to students from needy homes, said Tommy Plummer, a member of the club. Plummer also made sure juveniles at the Rockdale Detention Center received a pre-Thanksgiving Day meal with all of the trimmings. The Rockdale NAACP partnered on the effort.
Civic Center, conditioned from page 1 Through its HomeFlex program, AHA will build 250 low-income housing units. Through its bond inducement requirements, Invest Atlanta will support development of at least 10 percent workforce housing units. Overall, at least 30 percent of new residential units will be affordable to low-income and working families. “We’re happy that we can help execute this game-changing acquisition,” said Catherine Buell, president and CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority. “As the site land owner, we can collaborate with all parties in a way that allows AHA to structure and guarantee a level of permanent affordability.” The mixed-use development will also include a performing arts venue, officials “The redevelopment of the Civic Center will be a transformative project for north Downtown, bringing new jobs, investment, and amenities to the area,” said Rosalind Rubens Newell, general counsel for Invest Atlanta. “It will also create much-needed affordable workforce housing in the heart of our city, mak-
ing it easier for more city residents to live near employment centers like Midtown and Downtown.” AHA will also partner with Southface Energy Institute to emphasize green building and sustainability efforts, and will develop a program to ensure residents are able to be part of the development effort and the sustainability movement. The City of Atlanta issued requests for proposals to purchase and redevelop the Civic Center in 2015. After initial conversations for a sale stalled, Reed sought out new opportunities to jumpstart the process and to redevelop the site. In 2016, Reed approved an ordinance requiring developers receiving public subsidies and incentives to set aside 15 percent of units for affordable housing. Reed announced plans to sell the Civic Center to AHA for redevelopment in August of this year. The facility was built in 1968 in the historically African-American community known as Buttermilk Bottom. The Civic Center was previously a performing arts center and the site also included the SciTrek museum.
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The Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation will take up the mantle of fundraising for future cohorts of REACH Scholars. Left to right: Back row - RCPS Foundation Board member Susan Paul Smith, RCPS Interim Superintendent Shirley Chesser, RCPS Foundation Exec. Director Kysa Daniels, REACH GA Exec. Director Keisha Hull, RCPS Foundation Board member J. Middlebrooks, RCPS Director of Student and Community Support Services April Fallon, Rockdale County Board of Education Chairman Jim McBrayer. Front row - Angela Ruvalcaba of Conyers Middle, Dyson Lewis of Conyers Middle, Alayna Crutchfield of Edwards Middle, Shariden Beazer of Conyers Middle, Tae’Jon Bailey of Gen. Ray Davis Middle.
Five Rockdale students chosen for REACH $10K Scholarships Five Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) eighth grade students have been named the district’s first ever REACH scholars. Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon completion of the REACH program and high school graduation. The mission of REACH, which stands for "Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen," is to ensure that Georgia’s academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school and college ready for a successful career. The REACH scholars are: Angela Ruvalcaba, Dyson Lewis, and Shariden Beazer Conyers Middle School; Alayna Crutchfield of Edwards Middle School; Tae’Jon Bailey of Gen. Ray Davis Middle School. “I am just so thrilled that our students have this opportunity,” said April Fallon, RCPS Director of Community and Student Support and RCPS REACH Coordinator. “Just thinking about this journey is incredible. REACH is a strategic investment in our students and our state, opening doors for youth who may not have the opportunity to seek post-secondary education due to financial constraints.” Beginning in the eighth grade and continuing through high school, REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach. Scholars must maintain good grades, behavior and attendance. Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at any university or college in the University System of Georgia, Technical College System
of Georgia, or eligible private postsecondary institution. The scholarship is in addition to any other grant or scholarship the student receives. “REACH Georgia is a game-changer for so many bright and focused students, including those right here in Rockdale, who desire a post-secondary education, but may lack the funds to attend college,” said Kysa Daniels, RCPS Foundation Executive Director. “The RCPS Foundation is pleased to serve as the fundraising lead for our district's REACH Georgia academic development and scholarship program. We are hopeful that REACH will serve as a catalyst to engage even more of our community and business partners that want to ensure success for Rockdale students.” The students in this first RCPS cohort of REACH Scholars were selected based on grades, behavior, recommendations and rounds of interviews. Each scholar and their parent signed letters of commitment to the five-year program during a ceremony held at Rockdale Career Academy in October. Rockdale County Board of Education Chairman Jim McBrayer presented a commendation from Gov. Nathan Deal on the launch of the REACH program in RCPS. The middle and high school principals, counselors and academic coaches from each student’s current and future schools, along with family members, Rockdale County Board of Education leaders, REACH program leaders, attended the signing ceremony in a show of support. REACH is a key component of Governor Deal’s Complete College Georgia, which identifies strategies for the state's public and private college.
Lawrenceville Library relocating to city’s first African-American school Gwinnett County and the city of Lawrenceville are partnering to relocate the Lawrenceville branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library to the site of the city-owned Hooper-Renwick School, Gwinnett's original school for the African-American community. The move will ensure the preservation of the historic school, built in the 1940s. The 12-room structure will become a civic space and museum, and the new library branch will be built next door. Completion of the library project, to be funded by the 2017 SPLOST revenues, could take two to three years.
Bryant Seminary now offering online courses In celebration of its 80th anniversary, Bryant Theological Seminary, an auxiliary of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia (GMBC), has launched its first ever online courses. Degree programs include a certificate in Biblical Studies and an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies. Several concentrations will be offered. “We began in 1937 with the earnest and sincere desire to provide a quality, religious educational experience to all who desire to serve our Lord in the most enlightened and informed manner possible. Today, we seek to continue that mission, while yet holding to the words “to serve this present age, our calling to fulfill,” a familiar old song,” says the Rev. Mark A. Seals, M. Div., Program Coordinator for Bryant Theological Seminary. The seminary hopes to reach millennials and other diverse age groups through its online
courses, providing students who desire flexible schedules and cost savings. Further, exceptionally trained, internationally renowned seminarians can teach classes from any place in the world. “We are seeking the high school graduate who wants to begin their journey towards being a trained lay person or clergy, but needs the time, flexibility, schedule and a cost effective way of getting started. Another person would be a part-time or full-time pastor that has not had the time, resources or flexibility to continue their academic pursuits. Finally, church members, college students, and all individuals having a desire to be trained in ministry in order to serve the local congregation, their community and the world, are encouraged to attend,” said Rev. Seals. Prospective students can click here to view courses offered and pre-register at http://www.bryanttheologicalseminary.org/.
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