Photo Gallery | PHOTO GALLERY: Good news from Cherokee County schools

Students donated more than 400 toys to children who are served by Cherokee County DFCS. Here, kindergartners Macy Osako, Gavin Beasley, Stacy Marquez-Morquecho and Alex Dioguardi drop off their donations.

The school's 2nd graders recently celebrated the "12 Days of Giving." Every day for 12 days, they collected items for a different group of people in need, which taught them all about the joy of helping others.

Gabrielle Orrico, a 3rd grader, won the Farm City Week poster contest sponsored by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau. She received a Walmart gift card, while her teacher, Ashlyn Grummer, was given local honey by the Farm Bureau.

The Woodstock Middle academic team emerged victorious at this year's Cherokee County Academic Bowl tournament. The students bested six other teams for the top prize. (l-r) Coach Charmaine Spink, Coach Chris Hughes, A.J. Cox, Preston Alsup, Jacob Laconi, Andres Rancon, Gus Campbell, Chris Alexander, Peyton Skeens, Kendall Alsup and Taylor Kellner

Students engaged in a Penny War to raise money for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Altogether, the school raked in $764.71. Teacher Heather Smith (pictured) and her students raised the most money with $157.52.

The Students of the Month for December are: FRONT ROW: (l-r) Elizabeth Pfaff, Luke Hamill, Tim Powell, Conner Ewalk and Olivia Thomas MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Tiana Horn, Joseph Wilken, Grant Randolph, Kaila Banker, Cara Rimer, Rachel McCleary and Justin Mason BACK ROW: (l-r) Morgan Pitman, Wesley Terry, Alexander Alford, Matthew Wang and Raven Pitts

The Teachers as Advisors (TAA) program collects toys for the Toys for Tots program every year. FRONT ROW: (l-r) TAA leader Cassie Hembree, and student helpers Jacob Phyfe and Nathan Staradumsky BACK ROW: (l-r) TAA leader Alan Johnson, student helper James Knighten, assistant principal Diane Butterworth and student helper Adam James

Students pitched in to help media specialist Stephanie Patterson with her Media 21 capstone project, which involved collecting items for the Cherokee Family Violence Center and educating young people about domestic violence. (l-r) Patterson, Meg Rogers of the Cherokee Family Violence Center and Teasley family consumer science teacher Mary Ellen Epperson

Ms. Revalski's 1st grade class made special hand-tied blankets to donate to needy children in the community. (l-r) Zyion Terry, Melody Besanceney, Lily Carras, Maggie Sharpton and Nathan Valles

The student council sponsored a canned food drive to collect donations for the Papa's Pantry ministry. (l-r) Students Xavier Carlson, Jacob Kennedy, Emma Yanes, Aidan Cumby, Tori Cofield and Mehreen Sabah

The school recently held its annual Veterans Breakfast to recognize community members who served their country. About 60 vets attended, including retired Army Lt. Colonel Terry Lloyd and his wife Jan, who visited their grandchildren, cousins Issac Martin (1st grade) and Micah Towns (2nd grade).

Students are participating in the Great American Can Round-Up, a movement that encourages schools to recycle aluminum cans in exchange for cash.

About 200 people attended the 17th annual Air Force JROTC Military Ball. This year's Military Ball Queen was Cadet Taylor McColl.

Several servicemen and women were invited to the school's Veterans Day ceremony, where they were treated to a catered breakfast, chorus performance and poetry reading. Here, student Dalton Bobo reads a special poem to the veterans in attendance.

The school hosted about 40 veterans for Veterans Day, including Johnny McPherson (pictured with his grandchildren, Peter and Grace).

More than 50,000 Georgia students entered the Falcons First Down for Fitness MVP contest, but only 11 were selected, including Mountain Road 5th grader Nicholas Letizia. He was chosen because of his commitment to a healthy life and showing sportsmanship in everything he does. Here, Nicholas stands between PE teachers Amanda Anderson (l) and Kristy Reidy.

Students celebrated Veterans Day by making posters of their family members who have served our country in the armed forces.

Two Cherokee County K-9 officers and their dogs visited the school for Red Ribbon Week and talked to students about the dangers of drugs. Here, Sgt. Matthew Azaroff poses with his dog, Marco.

A number of students qualified for the school's chapter of the Beta Club this year. To be eligible, a student must receive straight As for at least two consecutive school years and be of outstanding moral character.

Sixteen 4th grade students were recognized for their outstanding grades during an honor roll brunch. The event was hosted by Farah Khani, a guest principal at Boston. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Kyle Caldwell, Mitchell Anderson, Sydney Kahn, Gardenia Avendano and Gavin Sturdivant MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Kenny West, Blaise Fischer, Michelle Boettcher, Lilly Wardrip, Christian Zapatos and Breanna Whitcher BACK ROW: (l-r) Ms. Farah Khani, Elizabeth Hughes, Keirra Dodd, Angela Brill, Rachel Ray and Amelia Perez

Several local businesses came to the school's annual Career Day to provide students with information on a variety of jobs. David DeSantis (r), owner of Peace Love and Pizza, teaches principal Kerry Martin and counselor Bob Jordan how to toss pizza dough.

The PTA recently held its annual Fall Family "Round Up" Festival, which is a time for families to enjoy a few hours of fun and bonding. "It was a true success," principal Tammy Castleberry said. Here, student Alexander Henrich gets crazy colors sprayed in his hair at the festival.

They've done it again! The marching band placed first in its class in the Heart of Georgia Marching Band Competition in Warner Robins on Oct. 22. Sequoyah High has outscored more than 20 other schools so far this season.

The winners of the 2011 Miss Wildcat Pageant include (l-r) 8th Grade Princess Samantha Addington, 7th Grade Princess Abby Webster, Miss Wildcat 2011 Caitlyn Peterson, 6th Grade Princess Hannah Lewis and Essay Winner Erika Castillo. (Not pictured: People's Choice Award winner Taylor Boardman)

Tuesday was the 50th day of school, and students and staff honored the occasion with a 1950s-inspired party where they watched "I Love Lucy" and danced the day away at a sock hop. Principal Ann Gazell (l) and assistant principal Susan Bruno get picked up for the dance in assistant principal Richie Carnes' Ford Galaxy 500.

The marching band recently participated in the Hart County Band Competition, where it earned straight Superior ratings in all categories and was named the best band in Class AAAA.

Author Todd Key (pictured with principal Dianne Steinbeck) attended Family Reading Night on Oct. 13, where he entertained students and parents with a dramatic reading of his book, "What's in My Pocket?"

Ten teachers received $100 gift cards to the Canton Walmart through the store's Teacher Rewards program, which honors local schools for a job well done. Walmart employee Emily Szijarto (far l) and Clayton principal Beth Long (far r) congratulate teachers (l-r) Nancy Walker, Kimbra Satterfield, Debbie Champion, Joy Hyatt, Robin Marshall, Anne Cross, Holly Brasfield, Valerie Lowery, Susan Williamson and Candace Rogers.

Ross Young, who works for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, shows kindergarten students (l-r) Logan Dickman, Hannah Freeman, Stefano Vescio, Brianna Doville and Aiden Stallings about fire safety.

Students participated in a bus safety course that taught them how to properly board and exit their school buses, and stay safe at the bus stop. (l-r) Alanna Puckett, Parker Baker and Kamden McQuaid

Seven Freedom students live with Type 1 diabetes, and the school will hold a Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes walk benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in their honor on Friday, Oct. 14. Several students have stepped forward to help organize the walk and raise money, including the five pictured. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Alexis Whitfield, Victoria Charles and Victoria Albro BACK ROW: Jacob Gabelmann (l) and Michael Spain

Macedonia teachers are showing their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For a $20 donation to cancer research, they are granted the privilege to "dress down" in denim and pink on Mondays in October. This campaign has raised $700 so far.

Health teacher Donna Ross was named the Georgia K-12 Health Education Professional of the Year by the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. Ross (r, with principal Elaine Daniel) will be recognized at a ceremony later in October.

School nurse Jodi Perry (l, with principal Debra Murdock) received an Early Bird grant from Amicalola EMC as part of its Bright Ideas Grant campaign for local schools. Perry will use the money to purchase new equipment for Cherokee High's Health Care Occupations Pathway program.

Jennifer Waters' 5th grade class was treated to breakfast by principal Dianne Steinbeck (pictured with students Gabrielle Boone, Judson O'Connor, Orissa Bazzell and Hunter Schneider) for having no absences, tardies or early check-outs for a whole week. "We are trying to improve our attendance here at Holly Springs and this is one thing we are doing to recognize positive steps toward our goal," assistant principal Deborah Kelly said.

The September "Students of the Month" were recognized for going above and beyond their teachers' expectations both inside and outside the classroom. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Amelia Wynn (K), Joseph Cable (1st), Zachary Bolden (2nd) and Sydney Travis (3rd) BACK ROW: (l-r) Ashlynn Guifarro-Baker (4th), principal Kerry Martin and Blade Steelman (5th)

The Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival, sponsored by the Service League of Cherokee County, has major backing from the teachers at Johnston Elementary. School faculty and staff members even bought T-shirts to promote the event, which benefits disadvantaged children in Cherokee County.

Student Council members and 1st grade students invited their local firefighters to come to the school for Firefighter Appreciation Week. "Students were excited by the two trucks and all the firemen that came," said principal Kathleen Chandler.

In honor of Constitution Day, students (l-r) Katie Gilliam, Joshua Mattis, Amber Huang and Vinnie Dennigmann performed an historical skit for the morning announcements.

On Sept. 7, the Writers of the Month were treated to a limousine ride and special lunch. (l-r) Lexi Markham, Dylan Burns, Riley Rich, 4th grade teacher Brooke Demoret, Michaela Buzogany, Ashley Hammond, assistant principal Matt Harper and Lauren Denereaz

State Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Hickory Flat) visited the school to give a presentation on the democratic process and the governmental role of Georgia Legislature. He is joined here by 4th graders (l-r) Trent Dupree, Jack Eno, Kiley Cannegieter and Madeline O'Connell.

Creekland has named its Students of the Month for September. (l-r) Ben Chipman, Luis Mora, Jerny Tidwell, Will Touchstone, Clayton Hughes, Alexis Brooks, principal Deborah Wiseman, Skye Curtin, Tanner Webster, Bryon Schirner, Matthew Motika, Luke Brenner and Holden Dayoub (not pictured: Sally Pounds)

The 22nd annual "Cavalcade of Stars" talent show raised money for Sequoyah's theater and vocal music departments. FRONT ROW: People's [Audience] Choice Award winners (l-r) Devon Lynne Higgins, Kayla Finale and Natalie Beaty BACK ROW: (l-r) Superior Award winner Devin Herman; Grand Champion Award winners Tija Passley and Raquel Charles; Superior Award winner Georgie Hathcock and Superior Award winner Nich Stinson

Students in 3rd grade, led by teacher Jennifer Gramza, honored Cherokee County firefighters with food donations for Firefighter Appreciation Week. Gramza is pictured with firefighters Mike Skibicki and Chris Buckner.

Sarah Tarpley, who assists special education students in 4th and 5th grades, has been named Arnold Mill's 2011-12 Teacher of the Year. (l-r) Assistant principal Kim Montalbano, Tarpley and principal Kerry Martin

Sydney Garcia and her grandmother Sandra Garcia were all smiles at Avery's First Grade Grandparent Breakfast

Sandi Price, who teaches fifth grade social studies, is the 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year at Knox Elementary, where co-workers describe her as "hardworking, highly energetic, motivating and innovative." (l-r) Assistant principal Michelle Whitmore, principal Kelly Jo Page, Sandi Price and assistant principal Patty Nay

Jeff Moon, City Manager of Woodstock, recently spoke to Debbie Brown's social studies class. His speech tied in to the students' lessons in local government, effective citizenship and getting involved in their communities.

Susan Harris, a 6th grade language arts teacher, is Clayton's 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. Harris began her career in 1976; since then, she has taught in three counties, seven schools and grades spanning kindergarten through 11th.

Kerri Schmitt has been named the 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. Schmitt, who has been with Creekview since the school opened in 2005, is a special education science teacher and coaches girls' soccer.

Math Success, a new course offered by teacher Ron Schwarzman, teaches students the fundamentals of math through hands-on discovery, such as using Box and Whiskers graphs to compare the climates of various cities across the country.

Math Success students Justin Waters (l) and Jacob Godfrey work on graphs; Schwarzman encourages his students to assist each other on classroom assignments.

Kim Geddes (pictured in the lab with students Priscilla Rojas, Kristen White and Megan Cargin) has been named the 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. She has taught science at Sequoyah High for seven years after spending 16 years working as an engineer in the nuclear power industry. Geddes is also the school's coordinator of the Governor's Honors Program and founded the Sequoyah robotics program, which has competed multiple times at the national level.

ESOL teacher Brenda Smith (r) has been named Holly Springs' 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. She is being congratulated here by principal Dianne Steinbeck.

Free Home Elementary rewarded its Students of the Month with pizza from Domino's. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Katherine Cobb, Alexandra Thompson, Daylon Lathem, Lili Rigas and Blake Dorsey MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Grant Gilleland, Mariah Millea, Riley Petty, Eli Menard and Diane Havran BACK ROW: (l-r) Skylar Haney, Kasey Staples, principal Val Bahun and Carter Neilson

Media specialist Jennifer Rice turned the Macedonia Elementary library into something "Out of this World!" for this year's book fair.

The three-year-old Creekland Middle School International Club, which promotes multiculturalism and provides leadership opportunities for students, has elected new officers for the 2011-2012 school year. PRESIDENT: Annie Conrad; ART LIAISONS: Marleigh O'Weger and Katiana Upshaw; ENTERTAINMENT LIAISON: Caitlin Franchini; FOOD LIAISON: Elizabeth Bryant; SPONSORS: Alissa McDonough, Paige Silva and Cindie Zayn

Chick-fil-A Spirit Night raised $465.81 for the school. (l-r) EIP teacher Julie Peppers, 5th grade teacher Sandi Price, Canton-based Chick-fil-A manager Kevin Williams, principal Kelly Jo Page and 6th grade teacher Tanya Riley