Schley school board finalist for Team of the Year Award
The Schley County Board of Education was recently recognized as one of the 10 finalists statewide for the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) 2018 Governance Team of the Year Award. This prestigious award honors the top board/ superintendent teams that best demonstrate commitment to maximizing student achievement and enhancing trust and support for public education in their community.
Gwinnett County was the winner of the 2018 award but Schley County was pleased to not only be one of the top 10 finalists, but to also be the smallest school district nominated and honored at the GSBA /GSSA Annual Conference held Dec. 6 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta.
One highlight of the awards banquet was showing a special student-produced video that captured what it means to be “The SC” as Wildcat Nation referring to the school system and its supporters.
The finalists went through a stringent application process and a visit by an impartial review team to get more information with the applications.
“The Georgia School Boards Association looks forward to annually highlighting quality governance for the benefit of all school boards and superintendents around Georgia,” said Valarie Wilson, GSBA executive director. 2018.
GSBA Governance Team of the Year finalists were Schley County Schools, Bleckley County Schools, Chicamauga City Schools, Dawson County Schools, Effingham County Schools, Forsyth County Schools, Gwinnett County Schools, Jefferson City Schools, Lumpkin County Schools, and Pierce County Schools.
Those that attended the conference were Superintendent Adam Hathaway, Board chair Rodney Wall, Duane Montgomery, John Patrick and Clifton Aldridge.

Spreading holiday cheer in Ellaville
Students from the Partnership for Success Club and Kool Kids Cafe visited the Ellaville Senior Center on Dec.11 to sing Christmas carols and to pass out Christmas gifts.
For several weeks, the students from these clubs gathered gifts for the local senior citizens. The two clubs combined to make gift bags consisting of lap blankets, word puzzles, lotions, and other goodies.
About 30 senior citizens enjoyed the holiday event.

City of Ellaville holds annual Christmas Parade
On the evening of Dec. 13, the City of Ellaville had its annual Christmas Parade downtown.
This was a big success. Streets were lined on both sides so people could see the parade as it went by.
The Color Guard was made up of the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Troop 24 of Ellaville.
The Grand Marshals were the Schley County High School football team members. They had a great season this year, winning Sub Region and advancing to the Elite 8. This is the highest finish in the school’s history.
The Schley County High School Band marched and provided the music. The Schley County High Cheerleaders also marched.
Ellaville Mayor Leah Ellis Clark rode in a car on behalf of the City of Ellaville, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
There were seven Floats in the parade entered by Phoebe Sumter Ellaville Clinic, Ellaville/Schley County Historical Society, Hopewell United Methodist Church, Shema Baptist Church, Quick Fix Family Convenient Care/Southern Spine and Health, Cornerstone Church of Americus, and the Schley County High School FFA.
There were homecoming queens riding in cars, motorcycles, walking units, and Santa Claus bringing up the rear with his elves. There were 37 units in the parade.
This is always a special night in Ellaville with the courthouse downtown lighted up.
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas.