Cherokee County GA School District

Congratulations to our Sequoyah High School theatre program students and their teacher director Cindy Humphlett who were honored at the Shuler Awards - Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards last night! Colton Ingram, and Bailey St. Vrain were honored for their scenic design work, and Will McGowan (Leading Actor Semi-Finalist), Anna Kate McNeal (Leading Actress Semi-Finalist), Lana Ward, and Lily Ward were selected for the Shuler Ensemble. Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!

Congratulations to Athena Williams of Creekview High School -- one of only two students statewide selected to serve as student reporters at the Shuler Awards - Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards last night!

Cherokee High School senior Aven Wright was surprised this morning at her school with the news that she is the 2026 Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy’s Student of the Year for the Southeast region! Aven was nominated by coach Jeremy Law for her service to the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) and its Impact outreach program. Mikki Hawkins and Grant LaForge of the leadership team from Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy presented Aven with gifts from Chick-fil-A, and Kevin Williams, owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Canton, Canton Marketplace, Hickory Flat, congratulated Aven, presented her with a pennant and announced she will receive a $1,000 scholarship as part of the award. She will advance to the National CFA Student Leader Academy competition later this summer. Aven’s family was on hand for the surprise, which happened during the SALT club meeting this morning in the media center.

Our students are learning more, growing more and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else! Each school day, we celebrate one student nominated for their excellence by a teacher. Today’s Student of the Day is Macedonia Elementary School fifth-grader Wyatt Greene! He was nominated by teacher Craig Russell: “Wyatt is a kind-hearted, hardworking, and honest student who shows an impressive level of maturity for his age. With his thoughtful perspective and great sense of humor, he approaches situations with wisdom and positivity beyond his years. We are lucky to have Wyatt at Macedonia!”

“John exemplifies the highest level of professionalism in everything he does. His positive energy is contagious, and he has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued.” Thank you Woodstock Middle School Support Staff Employee of the Year: John Cody, head custodian, for giving your unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our schools than they could anywhere else!

Sixty-eight more of our student athletes have signed commitment letters to compete at the college level! Students at Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, River Ridge, and Woodstock High Schools were honored with ceremonies at their high schools this week to celebrate their signing of National Letters of Intent. This week’s National Signing Day, the fourth so far this school year, now brings the total number of student athletes celebrated to 150! Sequoyah High School will host its spring signing day event in May. Congratulations to our student athletes and coaches! Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else.

CHEROKEE HS
King Belin, Football, Huntingdon College*
Callie Cornelius, Cross-Country, Young Harris College
Magnus Fagerstrom, Lacrosse, Young Harris College
Jennifer Garcia, Santos, Soccer, Life University
Avery Green, Cross-Country, Reinhardt University
Daniel Head, Baseball, Reinhardt University
Brandon Hamilton, Football, Ferris State University*
Ayden Hurst, Soccer, Truett McConnell University
Joseph Jarvis, Cross-Country, Georgia College and State University
Justice Ramatowski, Lacrosse, Reinhardt University
Peyton Riggins, Softball, Piedmont University
Jack Ruban, Football, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga*
Kayson Simmons, Football, Morgan State University*
Britney Smith, Softball, Reinhardt University
Chase Smith, Baseball, Eureka College
Avery Threewitt, Golf, Reinhardt University
Jalion Trowers, Football, Shorter University*
Amiah Tucker, Volleyball, Eastern Florida State College
Bailey Vinette, Lacrosse, Georgia State University
Brennan Wetherington, Track, University of West Georgia
*Announced in February; celebrated at this week’s event

CREEKVIEW HS
Aaron Campbell, Wrestling, University of the Cumberlands
Grayson Cloud , Track, University of West Georgia
Reagan Dillard, Cheer, University of South Carolina
Jackson Locke, Wrestling, University of the Cumberlands
Harris White, Cross-Country, Emmanuel University
Asher Wood, Track, Oglethorpe University
Costen Wright, Wrestling, Reinhardt University

ETOWAH HS
Joshua Alleyne, Football, McPherson College
Sophia Balogh, Cross-Country and Track and Field, Winthrop University
Meyer Bower, Lacrosse, Belmont Abbey College
Kade Bridgette, Baseball, Point University
Mianna Brown, Volleyball, Southern Connecticut State University
Phoenix Caesar, Track and Field, University of Miami (Ohio)
Deion Cole, Baseball, Georgia Institute of Technology
Westin Coleman, Lacrosse, University of Montevallo
Brady Colton, Baseball, Piedmont University
Trevor Condon, Baseball, University of Tennessee
Morgan Dewitt, Soccer, Gardner-Webb University
Ewomazino Edet, Track and Field, University of Illinois
Kylie Fluhart, Volleyball, Eastern Kentucky University
Taylor Kallbreier, Cross-Country and Track and Field, Berry College
Abigail Lawley, Cross-Country and Track and Field, Emmanuel University
Zane Ledford, Baseball, Georgia Highlands
Drake Mason, Football, Reinhardt University
Aubrey McBeath, Soccer, Clayton State University
William Myles, Basketball, Clarke Atlanta University
Marissa Sedowicz, Dance, University of North Dakota
Matthew Sharman, Baseball, University of Georgia
Victoria Sprecher, Dance, Florida Atlantic University
Kimora Stevenson, Track and Field, University of Cincinnati
Ava Tyner, Softball, Wellesley College
Matthew Valente, Lacrosse, University of Montevallo

RIVER RIDGE HS
Zade Currin, Football, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Ava Hoynowski, Swim, Barry University
Miles Lesley, Wrestling, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Cole Matthews, Baseball, Roane State Community College
Tybee Mitchell, Soccer, Reinhardt University
Julia Richard, Volleyball, Texas A&M University at Texarkana
Nathanael Spivey, Cross-Country and Track, Valdosta State University
Brooke Stowell, Soccer, North Greenville University
Bennett VanGilder, Soccer, Clayton State University
Sam Vincent, Football, Centre College

WOODSTOCK HS
Cadence Carlock, Lacrosse, Piedmont University
Carter Clay, Football, Reinhardt University
Duncan Crist, Tennis, Centre College
Katelyn Ensley, Soccer, University of South Carolina at Aiken
Tyler Herring, Wrestling, Indian Hills Community College
Emily Jacobs, Basketball, Wallace State Community College
Brendan Maude, Cross-Country and Track and Field, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Isaiah Pendleton, Track and Field, Berry College
Morghan Slater, Basketball, Alabama State University
Evan Stacey, Lacrosse, University of Montana
Peyton Walters, Flag Football, University of North Alabama



https://www.cherokeek12.net/post-detail/~board/ccsd-comms/post/ccsd-celebrates-april-national-signing-day-student-athletes

Congratulations to our Exemplary English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher of the Year and Exemplary English Learner Student of the Year: teacher Danielle Townsend of Johnston Elementary School and River Ridge High School senior Fernando Gonzalez Martinez! The Georgia Department of Education annually recognizes one outstanding ESOL teacher and English Learner student from each school district who meet high standards for teaching and learning. Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. Learn more: https://www.cherokeek12.net/post-detail/~board/ccsd-comms/post/congratulations-to-our-outstanding-esol-teacher-student-of-the-year

“If I could describe Zahir in three words, they would be: student-first, helpful, and proactive. She is the definition of selfless — always putting students first and thinking of how to make their learning more seamless and beneficial.” Thank you Woodstock High School Support Staff Employee of the Year: Zahir Herrera, paraprofessional, for giving your unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our schools than they could anywhere else!

Our students are learning more, growing more and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else! Each school day, we celebrate one student nominated for their excellence by a teacher. Today’s Student of the Day is Hickory Flat Elementary School fourth-grader Lahayla Harrison! She was nominated by teacher Jodi Srok: “Lahayla elevates the excellence at Hickory Flat by persevering throughout her day even when tasks become difficult. She takes responsibility for her learning and actively engages in the learning process. She demonstrates enthusiasm and excitement along with a strong go-getter attitude while maintaining a consistently positive approach to learning!”

“Becky leads with care and creativity, supporting teachers and paraprofessionals while building a sense of community. In the classroom, she brings patience and warmth, helping students learn and feel loved every day.” Thank you Woodstock Elementary School Support Staff Employee of the Year: Becky Muir, kindergarten paraprofessional, for giving your unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our schools than they could anywhere else!

Our high school students earned state and regional honors in career skills competitions and are advancing to compete internationally! Congratulations to our DECA student marketing, management and entrepreneurship association students from Creekview, River Ridge and Sequoyah High Schools and their teacher sponsors! Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else.

CREEKVIEW HS
Congratulations to Creekview High School students who earned state honors qualifying them for International Career Development Conference competition: first place, Financial Literacy Project, Huntyr Mugge, Isabel Mulkey, Mignon Retief; third place, Franchise Business Plan, Jake Cohrs, Max Hamlin; fourth place, Community Giving Project, Josh DeLima, Camilla Martinez, Jackson Rogers Purser; fifth place, Independent Business Plan – Emma Pollard, Jaxson Pollard and Financial Consulting, Kai Baty; sixth place, Sales Project, Amelia Babcock, Kinsley Carlson, Lauren Hamm; eighth place: Start Up Business Plan, Hadley Duncan, Kate Martin, Noah Morris; Integrated Marketing Campaign – Product, Finley Howard, Avery Tryan; and Sports and Entertainment, Zac Blevins, Liam Collins, Ryan Sullivan; Top 15 finalists, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling, Lindsey Stine and Independent Business Plan, Luciano Perez, Harper Singleton, Ana Stone; and Top 20 finalists: Business Solutions Project, Kylie Olson, Ellie Murdoch, Audrey Stam; Integrated Marketing Plan – Product, Adyson Byrd, Claire Tricker; International Business Plan, Carter Hutchison, Micah Owens; Professional Selling, Eben Mann; and Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making, Brecken Loe, Ada Martin.

Creekview’s DECA chapter was recognized as a Top 25 Chapter in Georgia! The chapter additionally earned Thrive Level Membership for excellence in Community Service and Promotional Activities; and the Inspire Award for creative member engagement, alumni involvement, collaboration with other chapters, and innovative strategies to improve competition performance. Chapter officers are Josh DeLima, Carter Hutchison, Brecken Loe, Camilla Martinez, Huntyr Mugge, Ellie Murdoch, Kylie Olson, Jackson Purser, Lorah Alice Smith, Audrey Stam, Lindsey Stine. Their teacher advisor is Ashley Jones.

RIVER RIDGE HS
Congratulations to River Ridge High School students who earned state honors qualifying them for International Career Development Conference competition: second place, Hospitality Services, Connor Morrison and Peter Marshall; and fifth place, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Mia Stiefel and Tyler Stacey. Monica Ramirez was selected to perform the National Anthem at the state conference.

River Ridge’s DECA chapter earned the Chapter Campaign Award, and chapter officers, Juliean Ngo and Rylee Hall, are participating in the Officer Leadership Program. Their teacher advisor is Krista Duke.

SEQUOYAH HS
Congratulations to Sequoyah High School students who earned state honors qualifying them for International Career Development Conference competition: first place, Quick Service Restaurant Management, Alana Blase; second place, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling, Sebastian Murillo; Top 5 finalists, Professional Selling Event, Eleni Giannopoulos, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Beatriz Roca-Garcia; Top 10 finalists: Business Services, Ian Lightcap; Financial Literacy, Anne Haymond, Bailey McGuffey, Charles Miller; and Innovation Plan, Sebastian Hornsby, Evan Jones; Top 15 finalists: Automotive, Chase Ard; Career Development Project, Matilda Ohman; Career Development Project, Colton Bass, Jacob Duke, Camila Ramirez; Community Giving, Madelyn Collett, Caroline Sanders, Mackenna Van Vacter; Financial Consulting, Mabrie Strickland; Hotel and Lodging Management, Natalie Buck; Marketing Communications, Valentina Murillo; and Retail Merchandising Series, Abagail Hude; and Top 20 finalists: Buying and Merchandising Operations, Lolly Bivens, Emersyn Lyle-Blue; Community Awareness, Elizabeth Caldwell; Entrepreneurship, Seriana Hebert; Hotel and Lodging Management, Taylor Brittin; Principles of Business Management and Administration, Destinee Hindelang; and Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations, Morgan Camerlengo, Caroline Leuzarder, Denisse Rios-Medina.

Sequoyah’s DECA chapter earned Thrive Level recognition in the DECA Chapter Campaign and DECA Membership Campaign. Chapter officers are: Eleni Giannopoulos, Sebastian Murillo, Charles Miller, Abby Hude, Seriana Hebert, Nitin Kathiresan, Valentina Murillo, Ryan Smith, Colton Bass, Beatriz Roca, Mabrie Strickland, Chase Ard, Natalie Buck. Their teacher advisor is Chana Miller.

Our students placed at a regional competition, with three advancing to the statewide contest! The 4-H extra-curricular program, sponsored locally by the UGA Cooperative Extension Office, offers students the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their teamwork and leadership skills, and serve their community. Congratulations to our students and thank you to the extension office for its valued partnership! Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else.

At the Northwest District 4-H Project Achievement regional competition, Cherokee HS sophomore Lola Ray, Creekview HS senior Kallie Reynolds, and Sequoyah HS senior Max Williams earned honors qualifying them to advance to this summer’s State Congress! They will compete, against students from across Georgia, to earn master status honors for their projects, which require research, hands-on project work, and presentations. Kallie and Creekview HS senior McKenna Lamp also earned the regional Outstanding Community Service Project award.

Congratulations to CCSD students who competed at the regional event: Cherokee HS, Lillianne Cline; Creekland MS: Emma Booker, Salinger Lamp; Dean Rusk MS: Lane Carras, Gracie Hyatt, Jackson Tranor; Etowah HS, Kendall Brown; Mill Creek MS: Caelen Fay; Sequoyah HS: Caroline Agler, Lyla Carras; and Teasley MS: Clara Trenbeath.