VOLUME 23 NUMBER 39
DECEMBER 23, 2017
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Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
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Vandals desecrate veterans’ memorial in bronze heist Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett: “We will find you.” By Valerie J. Morgan
Photo provided
Spreading Holiday Cheer Jimmy and Sharon Nelson, along with their sons, Jaylon (left) and Jimmaron (right) snap a pose with Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary (center). The family stopped by City Hall to pick up toys left under the Christmas tree for them and other families. Staff and volunteers passed out the toys on Dec. 21. The mayor and his wife, Debbie, organized the “Stonecrest Claus” giveaway to assist families. The newly-formed city’s efforts were among several held across metro Atlanta. More holiday stories are on Pages 4 and 5.
Rep. Johnson presents bill to empower LGBTQ students at HBCUs Congressman Hank Johnson is re-introducing the “Inclusive Campuses Act of 2017” (H.R.4699) after gaining support to authorize the use of Title III funds to establish to establish on-campus resource centers for Congressman LGBTQ Hank Johnson students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority institutions. “We should be doing all we can to help everyone feel welcomed and included,” said Johnson, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston. “As a proud graduate of two HBCUs, I feel this legislation is crucial in continuing the legacy of community and inclusion I felt as a student. We cannot allow any educational environment to become one where students suffer in fearful silence and passive intolerance.” Title III provides federal SEE LGBTQ, page 5
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ockdale County Sheriff Eric J. Levett has three words for the thieves who vandalized the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial and stole two heavy, bronze statues and military emblems: “We will find you.” The memorial was vandalized over the weekend of Dec. 15 after the Rockdale park, located at 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E., closed. Thieves stole two statues that were part of a group of five soldiers, an 800-pound bronze globe and several military emblems. An attendant at the park discovered the break-in on Sunday, Dec. 17, and called police. Investigators said thieves broke through a gate to pull off the heist. Surveillance cameras captured images of a vehicle believed to be a 19952000 Toyota Tacoma, towing a trailer with wood floors and railings. The truck has an extended cab with a lift and all-terrain tires. Investigators said multiple suspects were likely involved due to the weight of the items stolen. The memorial park, located at 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E. in Rockdale, is considered one of Rockdale’s jewels, visited not only by local residents but by people from around the world. “This is a dishonorable and disheartening act for what we stand for in America,” Sheriff Levett said. “Someone trying to tarnish and destroy the place where we recognize our country’s heroes will not be tolerated. We will find you.” Congressman Hank Johnson, who has attended several events at the memorial, said he would assist authorities in any way possible. “This is an affront not just to Conyers and Rockdale County, but to all veterans and their families in Georgia
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
Thieves stole two statues that were part of a group of five soldiers, an 800-pound bronze globe and several military emblems.
The suspected vehicle is believed to be a 19952000 Toyota Tacoma, towing a trailer with woodlined floors and railings.
and the nation who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Johnson. “I stand ready to help local authorities in any way I can to help resolve this egregious crime and return the missing statues to their rightful place at the Walk of Heroes.” The desecration has angered the public with many people speculating the statues and emblems may be melted down for cash. Several people posted comments on Facebook peppered with profanity to express their outrage and disgust . Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. called the theft one of the most “unpatriotic” acts he has ever witnessed. “It is disappointing, disheartening, and totally disrespectful,” said Nesbitt. “This is a jolt right through the heart of so many of our men and
Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial before the vandalism.
women who have served and who are actively serving and to the countless number of citizens who have contributed to the Walk of Heroes and making this park the memorial that all of Rockdale County is proud of.” The memorial honors the sacrifices made by veterans since the 20th century. Tommy Clack, who chairs the Memorial Board, has led fundraising efforts for the various phases of the memorial park. Billy Corey of U.S. Enterprises Inc. is offering a a cash reward of $5,000 to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest of the suspects. Information about the case should be reported to Sheriff’s Corporal Jeremy Best at 770-278-8160. Anonymous tips also can be submitted through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477).
DeKalb Solicitor-General forms new unit to fight blight, bolster code enforcement The DeKalb County Office of the Solicitor-General has formed a new unit to join DeKalb County’s Operation Clean Sweep initiative. The new unit is comprised of two assistant solicitor-generals, a community prosecutor, an investigator and a legal assistant. The division is responsible for the prosecution of all cases involving code violations, blight and other nuisances. “With the announcement of Operation Clean Sweep, we saw a need to expand our reach to efficiently and effective-
Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling
ly address the concerns of citizens who suffered from ongoing blight and code violations,” said Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling. “I hired prosecutors who I know will work tirelessly to hold code violators accountable. By adding
new members to our team, we will be able to better address community concerns.” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s vision for Operation Clean Sweep inspired the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to approve a mid-year budget request by the Solicitor-General for over $70,000. “Prosecution is key to effectively send the message that DeKalb County is serious about eliminating blight,” Thurmond said. “The Solicitor-General’s Quality of Life Unit is an innovative solution
that will help improve and beautify our communities.” “Improving the quality of life for DeKalb citizens is our goal,” said Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling. “Each member of the Unit was chosen specifically for their experience and passion for serving our community. I am confident DeKalb County citizens will look to them as their advocates and partners.” For more information on the Quality of Life Unit, please visit our site at www.DeKalbSolicitorGeneral.org.
PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 23, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
DeKalb sets Christmas residential sanitation collection schedule In observance of Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 25, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised collection schedule as follows: Monday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day observed; no collection service. uesday, Dec. 26 – ResidenT tial customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Dec. 25, will be serviced on Tuesday, Dec. 26. ednesday, Dec. 27 – Residential customers whose regularly schedW uled collection day is Tuesday, Dec. 26, will be serviced on Wednesday, Dec. 27. hursday, Dec. 28 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled T collection day is Wednesday, Dec. 27, will be serviced on Thursday, Dec. 28. Friday, Dec. 29 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Dec. 28, will be serviced on Friday, Dec. 29. The Sanitation Division’s administrative office, Central and North Transfer Stations and Seminole Road Landfill will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 26, during normal operating hours. For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.dekalbsanitation.com.
Rockdale County government offices holiday schedule Rockdale County government offices will be closed on the following holidays: Christmas – Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 Christmas - Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 New Year’s Day – Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, Jan. 15
Free emergency response training available for DeKalb residents DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is hosting two free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training classes. The first nine-week class begins on Thursday, Jan. 4, 7–9:30 p.m., at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. A second nine-week CERT class begins on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7–9:30 p.m., at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters. Participants will learn what to do before, during and after a disaster. The training will also teach citizens to care for family members and neighbors. Course topics include: • Disaster preparedness • Basic fire suppression • Medical operations • Light search-and-rescue operations • Disaster psychology • Team organization and terrorism • Autism awareness The class is free for DeKalb citizens, and all participants must pass a background check. For more information or to register, contact Emergency Management Specialist Chayne Sparagowski at csparagowski@dekalbcountyga.gov or 770-724-7812.
Gwinnet receives grant to extend Get in Gear transportation program Gwinnett County will continue its transportation program, Get in Gear, which provides door-to-door transportation inside and outside of the county for seniors and disabled adults ages 18 and older. Scheduled trips may include medical appointments, employment, shopping, bill paying, community events/activities and more. Passengers have a choice of contracted providers and pay an income-based fee. The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners accepted a $165,977 grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission on Dec. 19 to continue the program. The grant covers Nov. 1 through June 30. A required $142,901 local match will be funded by a donation of $35,297 from Friends of Gwinnett Seniors, income from Get in Gear fees and the County’s Health and Human Services general fund. Get in Gear was launched in 2010. The program served approximately 700 clients in 2017 and expects an increase of at least 15 percent in 2018. “I’m grateful to secure these funds, and look forward to serving additional disabled adults and seniors in 2018,” said Deputy Department Director Blake Hawkins.
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
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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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DECEMBER 23, 2017 • PAGE 3
Stonecrest City Council passes Georgia Power franchise ordinance, prepares to adopt fiscal year budget The Stonecrest City Council passed an ordinance on Dec. 18 granting Georgia Power permission to use the city’s property for constructing, maintaining and operating all necessary equipment for the distribution of electricity. In exchange, the city will receive 4 percent of the revenue generated from electricity sales to Stonecrest commercial, residential and industrial customers. Currently, Georgia Power customers are charged a 2.1 percent fee that is labeled “municipal franchise fee.” Georgia Power will raise this rate to 2.6 percent, instead of the entire 4 percent. The
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
average residential customer will see a rate increase of less than 10 cents starting in January, officials said. The City Council also discussed its monthly meeting schedule for 2018. Mayor Jason Lary suggested holding Monday evening council meetings and Wednesday
morning work sessions. He suggested the evening council meetings to encourage public attendance. Under the proposal, the City Council meetings would be held on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. with the option to move the meeting date, if the meeting falls
on a holiday. The council’s work sessions would be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Both meetings are open to the public. A Special Called meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m., at City Hall for the adoption of the ordinance to change the council’s meeting dates for the 2018 Calendar Year and adoption of the city’s 2018 fiscal year operating budget. Stonecrest City Hall will be closed on Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25. City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., will open on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 9 a.m.
New library Initiative takes “Books for Boys” to the Barbershop The barbershop is an important cultural place for African-American boys, who not only get haircuts there, but also learn life lessons from the men in this male-centered space. Now, DeKalb County Public Library is using the influence of the barbershop to encourage young, black boys to read more. In partnership with a nonprofit program called Barbershop Books, the Library kicked off a new outreach program at the ITNOJ (In the Name of Jesus) Barbershop in Scottdale, Georgia on Dec. 16. The shop now hosts a rack of books aimed at boys ages 4 to eight years old. Teresa Totten, the Library’s Programming and Services Coordinator, says the purpose is to encourage the children to choose a book and read. “They can read aloud or quietly to themselves while waiting to get in the barber’s chair or while Todd Cofield getting a haircut,” she says. “We are also encouraging adults in the shop to read to the little ones.” Totten says ITNOJ owner Todd Cofield is excited about having the books at his shop because his young customers have been thrilled. She says Cofield has even asked for books for older pre-teen boys, who also want to read while at the shop. Because the program is going so well at the first location, the Library plans to expand it. Totten says three more locations will get book racks by the end of January.
Rockdale takes on management of tennis center
Rockdale County Parks and Recreation will take over the management of the Rockdale Tennis Center effective Jan. 1. The tennis center, located at Wheeler Jason Redmond Park, 1370 Parker Road, had been under the management of a county vendor. County officials made the decision to bring the operation in-house as part of a restructuring to enhance services. The tennis center is home to more than 150 ALTA, USTA and EMTA teams. The community is invited to attend a meeting to address any questions with county staff on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m., at Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. “With the addition of staff at the beginning of 2017, one goal of the department was to enhance our parks and recreation offerings and offer more programming in-house,” said Sue Sanders, director of Recreation and Maintenance. “In 2017, we added multiple events and programs including Sunset Cinemas and Junior Hawks basketball as well as transitioned
youth baseball in-house. Managing the tennis center internally in 2018 is another step towards fulfilling the goals set by the Board of Commissioners.” The county will continue to offer a variety of tennis programs for adults and children. The operating hours also will remain the same: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. To use the facility after Jan. 1, tennis center members must show proof of membership. Staff will also be prepared to renew memberships for 2018 beginning on Jan. 1. The Rockdale Tennis Center is a state-of-the-art complex on seven acres. The center opened in 2009 and has 14 courts, a pro shop restrooms, bleachers, covered picnic tables and greenspace. The center offers beginner, intermediate and advance lessons. Rockdale County has resurfaced all the courts at the center over the past three years. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation Operations Deputy Director Jason Redmond at 770-278-7257.
Meet-and-greet set for Senate District 17, House District 111 races The public is invited to meet the candidates who are running for Senate District 17 and House District 111 seats. The meet-and-greet will be held on Thursday, Dec. 28, 7 – 9 p.m., at Emmanuel Community Church, 1400 Highway 212, Conyers. Early voting is scheduled Dec. 18 to Jan. 5. Election Day is Jan. 9. Invited candidates include Brian Strickland, Ed Toney, Nelva Lee, Phyllis Hatcher from Senate District 17 and El-Mahdi Holly, Geoffrey Cauble, Larry K. Morey, Tarji Leonard Dunn from House District 111. Sponsoring organizations include the Newton County NAACP, Newton County National Action Network, Henry County NAACP, Rockdale-Newton NCNW and Rockdale County NAACP.
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 23, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
The Power—and Love—of Small Ministries
Words of Comfort founder Dr. Gayle S. Daniels and a team of volunteers showered children and their families with gifts and food at a holiday party. Photos provided by Marvin Daniels
Words of Comfort spreads joy at holiday event
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By Valerie J. Morgan
t wasn’t Santa Claus whowwarmed the hearts of 30 children and their families who attended the Dec. 16 holiday party held at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville. It was the angelic acts of Words of Comfort Ministries (WOC), which provided new toys and other gifts to the children ages 1 to 17 during a holiday dinner served with all the trimmings. This year marked the sixth anniversary that WOC has hosted its Adopt-A-Family holiday event, said Dr. Gayle S. Daniels, founder. Daniels and a team of volunteers showered the children not only with gifts, but provided their families with non-perishable food boxes to take home after the dinner. More than 100 people attended the
celebration, Daniels said. “We just want to be a blessing to others. We want to be a resource for those who suffer from hurt and despair as they tackle day-to-day life challenges,” said Daniels. “We strive to bring hope and encouragement to individuals and families as a whole through key community partnerships. I believe no matter how dark it gets, there is allows a glitter of hope through God and those willing to serve the less fortunate.” During the holiday event, WOC made a special presentation to a mother who is battling cancer and caring for her father, who is also battling cancer. WOC was able to grant the woman’s wish for a better walker by collaborating with Yolanda Dupree Empowerment Group, Inc. and Kayla's Pink
Ribbon Society, which provides support to women battling cancer. It is these types of partnerships that help small ministries with limited resources such as WOC to carry out its mission to serve. In addition to the cancer survivor, Daniels said WOC also assisted a mother who is living in an extended stay motel with her children, a mother who is caring for seven children, and a grandfather who had been in and out of shelters with his two granddaughters. Over half of the children served during this year's WOC Adopt-A-Family program were referred by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) Kinship Program, which includes caregivers who are relatives such as grandparents, aunts and uncles who have opened their homes to
displaced and homeless children, Daniels said. “The need for assistance is so great. WOC is in need of a building with the space capacity that would enable us to expand our services and enhance what we currently do,” Daniels said. Since 2011, nearly 60 families and 100 children have participated in WOC’s Adopt-A-Family Program. Daniels attributes WOC’s success to its seven-member board of directors and over 30 volunteers, and community partners such as Toy for Tots, Wells Fargo, Constellation An Exelon Company, Berean Christian Church, A Kids Dream and Heart Strong Church. WOC can be reached at 678-357-5637 or info@ wocministries.com. The mailing address is 2140 McGee Rd., Suite A – 1500, Snellville, GA 30078.
Transforming Faith Church in South DeKalb demonstrates the meaning of “generosity” Pastor Lee May and his congregation at Transforming Faith Church in South DeKalb are opening their wallets to demonstrate what the bible says about generosity. May, who formerly served as CEO of DeKalb County, has gone into ministry full time and recently, he has been preaching on generosity from the biblical scriptures, Acts: 4:32. May said even a small congregation like his with about 50 members can make a difference in the community and demonstrate the meaning of generosity—not just talk about it. He said Transforming Faith Church is giving away 50 bicycles and toys to
children in the community to help make their holiday special. The church is also pitching in to help DeKalb County public schools. The congregation launched a generosity campaign and paid off the negative student lunch balances for students at four schools: Fairington Elementary, $25.20 Rainbow Elementary, $771.70 Rock Chapel Elementary, $474.31 Panola Way Elementary, $44.80 “I’ve been preaching on generosity and how God gives to us everyday. We ought to be seeking ways to give back, not just talking about faith but demonstrating it,” says May. “There are many ways that we all can make a difference
in our communities. We decided that we wanted to help give back to help students and their families. There are so many families that don’t qualify for the free or reduced lunch program but they still are struggling.” May said he wants to help more schools and plans to work with school officials to launch an initiative to help wipe out the negative lunch balances for students at all of DeKalb County’s schools. Transforming Faith Church holds worship services on Sundays at 10 a.m. in the auditorium at Southwest DeKalb High School, 2863 Kelley Chapel Road, Decatur.
Photo via Facebook
Pastor Lee May
Crawfordville Baptist Church hosts toy giveaway for children Crawfordville Baptist Church in Conyers hosted a holiday party for children in the community on Dec. 16. The nonprofit, Women of Royalty, Class & Integrity, Inc., a benefactor of the Toys for Tots program, presented the giveaway. The mission of the women’s organization is to promote empowerment and enrichment of young girls and women from all walks of life. Volunteers donned Santa caps as they helped with the giveaway.
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
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DECEMBER 23, 2017 • PAGE 5
Annual “Tree of Love” showers kids with toys
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eKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson’s 19th annual Tree of Love provided Christmas presents to more than 600 children from low-income families this year. The public “adopted” the children by picking a name from the Christmas tree at the Gallery at South DeKalb mall and went shopping for the kids. Johnson and volunteers collected the gifts and passed them out during a holiday
program on Dec. 16 that included performances by the Lou Walker Senior Center and the Chapel Hill Middle School Steppers. Miss DeKalb County Sweetheart Addyson Riley also made an appearance at the program, which was held at the Gallery at South DeKalb mall, where it is presented annually. Since its inception in 1999, the Tree of Love has provided gifts to more than 10,000 children.
LGBTQ, continued from page 1 funding to assist state and local education agencies. Officials said the funds would go toward developing campus resource centers that would provide resources to raise cultural competence of faculty, staff and students on LGBTQ issues; support universities in establishing a black LGBTQ course of study; provide support to the LGBTQ student population to strengthen LGBTQ student retention rates as well as honor the lives and legacies of historic and contemporary black LGBTQ people. There are only a handful of HBCUs in the country that have active university-sanctioned LGBTQ-specific organizations on their campuses and many of these historic institutions do not include gender identity/expression and sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination statements, often times leading to the alienation and emotional distress of LGBTQ students. The bill was introduced with 17 cosponsors, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton of Washington, D.C. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York. Groups supporting the Inclusive Campuses Act include: Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals, Campus Pride, National Black Justice Coalition, Trans Student Educational Resources and Fayetteville State University.
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Flat Rock Community Church announces new senior pastor, Charles Bennafield
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he historic Flat Rock Community Church in DeKalb County has appointed Charles Bennafield as its new senior pastor. Pastor Bennafield, who began his duties on Dec. 3, will be installed on Saturday, Jan. 6, 3 p.m., at the church, which is located at 4542 Evans Mill Road, in the city of Stonecrest. The new assignment will merge two congregations: the historic Flat Rock Community Church, where Bennafield had served for six years, and Crossroads Christian Community Church, which Pastor Bennafield launched in 1998. Flat Rock’s roots extend over a century and a half. The church was established in 1860. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to continue building God’s kingdom. My congregation will be merging with Flat Rock. It’s like the Brady Bunch,” said Pastor Bennafield, referring to the television sitcom about a couple who marry and each have three kids (1969-1974). Pastor Bennafield said he is looking forward to expanding Flat Rock by providing training programs for youths, outreach for seniors and the community at large. “We’re very near a school and Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. I would like the church to provide after-school care and tutorial programs, for example. Being so close to Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, I would love to offer exercise programs and walk the trails at Arabia. We might also look at starting a lunch-time bible study,” Pastor Bennafield said. “We’re going to seek input from the congregation and the community.” Pastor Bennafield is married to Pamela Michelle (Fortson) Bennafield. The couple has been married since 1989 and they have two adult children, Mia Charmaine, and Charles Jaron “CJ.” Pastor Bennafield is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He orig-
Pastor Charles Bennafield and his wife, Pamela Bennafield.
inally came to Flat Rock on March 30, 1992 and served for 6 years. He launched Crossroads Christian Community Church, beginning with a Bible Study on April 26, 1998. Pastor Bennafield is employed at the Georgia Department of Human Services. Pastor Bennafield said he believes that “God has prepared a remnant that will keep their trust in Him to reach, communities, cities, states and countries helping to build up the body of Christ. It is the vision of Flat Rock Community Church to be a beacon of light in the community, identifying needs and providing services that enhance the lives of individuals inside the church and in the community by faithfully cultivating caring relationships that honor and glorify God.” Church leaders praised Bennafield’s leadership. “We are humbled to have the type of leader among us who will work diligently to continue to not only uphold that legacy but expand the care, the outreach and the love that we as the church have always been known for here,” the church stated in a news release. Flat Rock Community Church holds worship service on Sundays at 11 a.m. Bible study is held Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more information about Flat Rock Community Church, visit www.flatrockchurch.org.
Lou Walker Senior Center to host Kwanzaa program
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The Lou Walker Senior Center African-American History Class invites the community to join its Kwanzaa celebration on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 2:30 p.m., at 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The program includes cultural perfomances, the Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony, music, poetry, spoken word, festive décor and food. For more information about the program, contact Dorothy Burwell, instructor of the Lou Walker Senior Center African-American History Class, at dburwell@yahoo.com.
PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 23, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale Magnet School ‘Magnificent Seven’ named National Distinguished Student Leaders Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology (RMSST) seniors and student council leaders Bridgette Benefield, Madeline Burkey, Rachel Hill, Jestini Jordan, Jessica Kamuche, Asiah McWhorter, and Sydney Turner have successfully completed the National Student Council Student Leaders Program, earning national recognition as National Student Council Distinguished Student Leaders. Fewer than 900 students nation-wide achieved this highly sought-after honor. Sponsored by the National Student Council (NatStuCo) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Student Leaders Program serves to: • Give schools a tool to enhance and improve their efforts to develop student leaders. • Challenge students to work for recognition based on their abilities and knowledge in the area of leadership. • Create an award that provides authentic assessment and recognition based on a student’s demonstration of skills and knowledge. • Support the standards and goals of the National Council of Excellence Awards and missions of National Student Council and NASSP. “We are so proud of these leaders and the legacy of leadership their services have built at the school over the past four years,” says RMSST Director Amanda Baskett. RMSST Student Council Advisor Susan Powell says, “The RMSST Student Council has seven members who have served since their freshman year. These seven ladies have grown into distinguished leaders who are embedded into every aspect of our school. Every day, these brilliant, accomplished ladies are on the move. They brainstorm, organize, and host Student Council events that serve our student body, parent organization, The Magnet Fund, faculty, staff, and community. It is a 24/7, year-round job that is met with gratitude by everyone in the Magnet family and community.” These seven student leaders – dubbed the
“Magnificent Seven” – have been recognized with eight Southern Association of Student Councils (SASC) Outstanding Project Awards, three National Association of Student Councils (NASC) Council of Excellence Awards, 11 NASC submissions to the project data base, and two publications in Advise Magazine. They have also presented four workshops at SASC, becoming teachers of leadership. They are all National Student Council members and have completed the requirements to become certified student leaders. The rigorous application process involves creating a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates completion of activities including modules on leadership, goal setting, team building, decision making, problem solving,
Photo provided
group dynamics, time management and personal organization, meeting management, communication, evaluation, service, civic engagement and personal leadership philosophy. Applicants must also participate in an assessment meeting with their advisers and principals to verify completion of the requirements. Student portfolios and applications are then forwarded to NatStuCo for a final review before they are recognized as Distinguished Student Leaders. For more information on the National Student Council Distinguished Student Leaders Program, visit www.NatStuCo.org For more information about Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, visit magnet. rockdaleschools.org.
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DECEMBER 23, 2017 • PAGE 7
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PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 23, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM