Photo Gallery | Good news from Cherokee schools: Spring 2012, Volume 2

Thomas Brumbeloe, a 5th grader, is the Cherokee County winner of this year's Sons of the American Revolution poster contest. Thomas also placed third in the state-level contest. He received $50 checks for each win, while his teacher, Mollie Guy, earned a certificate of appreciation.

The school recently hosted a special luncheon for more than 100 volunteers who work hard to make the school community so great. Here, 5th grade teacher Sonya Turner (l) eats with PTA vice president Shelly Duff (r), whose daughter Gillian is in Mrs. Turner's class.

Members of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce acknowledged Teacher Appreciation Week by bringing a gift bag to school Teacher of the Year Georgia Branson. (l-r) Chamber member Reid Trego, Georgia Branson, assistant principal Abbey Philpot and Chamber member Kirk Buchholz

The school has organized two events to raise money for the family of Bryson Dickman, a 5th grader with a rare genetic disorder that recently required him to have a kidney transplant. A dodgeball tournament will be held Thursday, May 10 from 1 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate; admission to the game is by donation. Teachers will also spend the week raising money; whoever collects the most will receive a pie in the face during the tournament. The school is located at 6500 Putnam Ford Drive in Woodstock.

Members of the Beta Club had a busy month -- they planted shrubs and flowers on campus, and sponsored two donation drives to help local organizations, including the Cherokee County Humane Society and the Cherokee County Fire Department. Here, Alysa Miles (l) and Madeline Ruzicka (r) work hard to make the school grounds more beautiful.

Illustrator Michael P. White, who created the art for 'The Library Dragon' by local children's author Carmen Deedy, visited the school to teach students the finer points of drawing. The kids were thrilled to show White their very best artwork.

Students in all grades had a blast at this year's Field Day. Here, 5th graders (l-r) Sierra Blanton, Kate Goodwin, Elisabeth Byess and Daycee Smith are all smiles before participating in the festivities.

Twelve students under the direction of band director Erick Stallings were accepted into this year's 9th District Honor Band: Camila Arango, Luke Cummings, Carter Floyd, Brent Flynn, Marley Gilbert, Nancy Hernandez, Blake Horde, Jesse Huskey, Katie Jenkins, Anabelle Paulino, Maddi Smith and Olivia Webb. Brent, Blake and Olivia were also chosen from among the best middle school musicians in Georgia to participate in the All-State Band.

The April Students of the Month were recently recognized for their good grades and positive attitudes. They each received coupons, pencils and bumper stickers, and appeared live on the school's WJES morning news show. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Aksa Irazaba, Marlo Lenton, Sebastian Seipser, Danica Jones, Aden Chandler, Nathan Ruiz and Preston Abrams SECOND ROW: (l-r) Alex Cudabac, Shelby Coheley, Abigail Clark, Jake Thompson, Ansley Westbrook and Jennifer Valenzuela THIRD ROW: (l-r) Celeste Bryson, Maria Meza, Paige Brown, Leah Henry, Ciara Miles and Matt Moore BACK ROW: (l-r) Principal Kathleen Chandler, Eniko Steele, Emily Harvill, Caitlin Gerdts and Riley Rickard NOT PICTURED: Ethan Eltz and Alexis McClure

Several students in the Career and Technical Instruction program placed in their respective categories in a leadership conference at the Rock Eagle 4H Club. "These students worked hard and did an outstanding job," principal Bill Sebring said. "We are very proud of them." (l-r) Courtney Cheney (2nd place, Team Career Skills), Anthony Bryant (1st place, Drafting and Design), Tony Sinoyiannis (1st place, Video Production) and Maxine Metcalf (2nd place, Team Career Skills)

The school is one of three Cherokee County schools to win $1,000 from 11Alive, courtesy of the NBC News Education Nation initiative. Principal Ann Gazell says the money will directly benefit students through academic and other initiatives.

The school is one of five metro Atlanta schools to win $1,000 from 11Alive through the NBC News Education Nation initiative. Students and staff members were part of a live broadcast of 11Alive News Today. Principal Christian Kirby says he plans to put the money toward the school's Budding Gardeners program, which beautifies the campus. (l-r) Christian Kirby, Master Gardeners Nancy Joyner and Laura Johnson, and 11Alive education reporter Donna Lowry

The April Students of the Month were honored during a special breakfast that their parents were also invited to attend. These exemplary students are Logan Becker, Emily Buchheit, Evan Buckner, Eve Bussey, Francisco Calderon, Nicholas Campagna, Ansley Coyle, Gabriel Daniel, Noe Fonseca-Hernendez, Nataysha Gilbert, Jessica Gonzalez, Lauren Gower, Blake Hall, Johnathan Hoggs, Colby Horton, Pilar Lewis, Jesus Bello Lopez, Jackson Pawlan, Tanner Schonberger, Lauren Talele, Claire Weathers and Diane White.

The school held an Egg Drop to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Students purchased brightly colored eggs that principal Kerry Martin and assistant principal Kim Montalbano dropped from the school's roof to a target on the ground below. The students whose eggs came closest to hitting the target won prizes. The Egg Drop raised more than $5,500 for Relay for Life.

The cafeteria's 'Nutrition in the Palm of Your Hand' campaign encouraged students to eat a healthy breakfast at school every day during the CRCT. Those who did were entered into a drawing to win an iPod; 5th grader Gerardo Galindo's name was chosen. Congratulating Gerardo are principal Susan McCarthy, assistant principal Carolyn Daugherty, assistant principal Dan Fuller, food service manager Annette Tortorello and cafeteria staff members Gail Inskeep, Cathy Avery, Dianne West, Helen Tran, Nko Akpan, Kathy Sievert and Teri King.

Debbie Baluch (r), a 3rd grade teacher and team leader, is the April Staff Member of the Month. Her peers nominated her for the honor because she is an exemplary leader and a hard worker. Principal Kerry Martin (l) presented her with her prize: a $25 gift card.

The brand new Chess Club recently held a dynamic game of human chess, where 4th grader Abbie Smith and 5th grader Perry Rocafort moved their classmates across an enormous board. In the end, Abbie and her team emerged victorious.

Children's author Judy Cayce read 'Miss Milli's Adventures,' a book she co-authored, to students. She also donated copies of the book to the media center and two kindergarten classes. Here, principal Christian Kirby thanks Cayce for visiting.

PTA member Mignon Ingram helped the school win a $4,400 beautification grant from Lowe's. Several parents and students came together on Earth Day to spread pine straw, mulch, plants, trees and shrubs across camps. Here, parent Bob Synowicki pushes a cart filled with mulch and students Isaac Howard, Isabelle Howard, Riane Ingram, Alec Synowicki and Abigail Howard.

Two students advanced to the National PTA Reflections Competition after winning their respective categories at the state level. Senior Racquel Charles came in first in the dance/choreography category, and sophomore Rebecca Milner won for photography. Senior Katherine Delgado also placed at the state level, coming in second in visual arts. (l-r) Rebecca Milner, Katherine Delgado and Racquel Charles

Student-athlete Tiffany Bailey signed a scholarship to play softball for Georgia Gwinnett College in the fall. FRONT ROW: The Bailey family -- (l-r) Becky, Tiffany and Randy BACK ROW: (l-r) Coach Steve Payne, coach Chance Cain, GGC head softball coach Kat Ihlenburg, assistant principal Charlie Beverly and principal Dr. Bob Eddy

Jayme Blosser, an Etowah High alumna who now plays volleyball for Tennessee Wesleyan University, spoke with Saturday School students about her struggles in the classroom and how she worked hard to persevere and become a college student-athlete. She encouraged the young students to do the same. (l-r) Danielle Mucheke, Jayme Blosser, Juanita Robles and Tyriq Bishop

Three students placed in this year's Cherokee County Elementary Art Show. (l-r) Grant Hoffman (2nd) took home the top prize, Helen Marie Goodwin (4th) placed second and Xochitl Arellano (6th) came in third.

In order to prepare for the CRCT, students in grades 3-5 participated in a 'Rock the Test!' assembly, where they watched skits and sang songs about the standardized test. (l-r) Vanessa Martinez, Austin McIntyre, Eniko Steele and Ben Conklin

Kindergarten teacher Ashley Watson had an article published in the March/April 2012 edition of 'Principal' magazine. "We are very proud of Ashley for this accomplishment and for the excellence she brings to the classroom in working with our students," principal Gwen Lince said.

Piper Marcotte is the 5th grade winner of the 2012 Cherokee County Young Authors' Fair. Her prize included a special journal to record her future writings.

Three teams of students placed in this year's Cherokee County Science Olympiad. (l-r) Aly Williams and Alexis Boatright (2nd place, 'Food for Thought'); Beth Newberry and Emily Dodge (3rd place, 'Mystery Architecture'); and Dean Ross and Owen Massey (3rd place, 'Paper Rockets')

Senior Creigh Chandler is one of only 10 Georgia students to win the Naismith Award, which is given to student-athletes who demonstrate 'Competence, Confidence, Connections and Courage to Flourish' in all aspects of their lives. The award comes with a $1,000 scholarship.

The school drama club recently staged an adaptation of 'Anne of Green Gables.' "The audience was delighted by the raw talent of the young actors at Macedonia, some of whom showcased both acting and singing skills," principal Tammy Castleberry said. Here, 'Matthew' (Alex Hruby, left) and 'Young Anne' (Lily Schubert, right) act out a scene.

Emily Irvin, a 3rd grader, was recognized for earning 60 Accelerated Reader points. AR is a program that encourages students to read by personalizing the reading experience for each child. (l-r) Principal Kathleen Chandler, Emily Irvin and assistant principal Jennifer Landry

Twenty-seven 5th graders were recently inducted into the Junior Beta Club. They are also the first members of this particular chapter, as the club was established this school year. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Landon Schultz, Erin Franchini, Madeline Ruzicka, Rylie O'Connor, Claire Holman, Melissa Thomas, Alysa Miles, Danielle Olivares and Olivia Fenech MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Zac Turner, Samantha Motley, Caroline Gibson, Anna Snyder, Jacob Schwarzman, Cameron Hough, Shannah Mallet, Emily Seguin and Cameron Holbrook BACK ROW: (l-r) Teacher Amanda Huber, Dalton Bobo, Abbie Wade, Emily McGhee, Laura Gonsoulin, Nate Bester, Maddie Ellzey, Anna Parker, Cailin Jones, teacher Brooke Hopkins and teacher Tabatha Burcher NOT PICTURED: Annabella Boyle

Tom Leveen, author of the young adult novels 'Party' and 'Zero,' visited the school to speak about becoming an author and encourage students to follow their passions. About 75 percent of the student body attended his talk. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Zoe Moore and Lauren Diss BACK ROW: (l-r) Brittaney Carpenter, Gabrielle Reynolds, Tom Leveen, Dennisah Francis, Liza Jamison, Heather Wiley, Meghann Colon and Alyssa McCollum

Lucas Knecht and Cori Dulmage were named the 2012 Prom King and Queen. This year's prom was held at the Retreat at Perimeter Summit in Atlanta.

Four pairs of students placed in the 2012 Cherokee County Elementary Science Olympiad. Andy Volz and Michael Page came in first for their project, 'Simple Machines.' Dalian Mancuso and Christian Ariano also took home a first-place win with 'Paper Rockets.' The other two teams won third-place prizes -- Jed Colburn and Jacob Richardson for 'Starry Starry Night,' and Matt Page and Hudson Harper for 'Large Number Estimation.' FRONT ROW: (l-r) Jed Colburn, Jacob Richardson, Matt Page and Hudson Harper BACK ROW: (l-r) Andy Volz, Michael Page, teacher Christy Furnish, Dalian Mancuso and Christian Ariano

The school library used the popular 'Hunger Games' books and movie to inspire lessons and activities. Cinna's Challenge, named for one of the franchise's characters, asked students to dress 'tributes' to represent their respective districts. District 13 residents (l-r) Katie Brown, Tolu Babalola, Miranda Lemal, Kaitlyn Andraschko and Courtney Couey made a costume highlighting their district's specialty: nuclear power.

Once again, the Cougars placed at the state level in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, a contest that encourages Georgia students to read and then compete in an academic bowl-style event where they answer questions on certain books. The team came in second at this year's competition. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Jalen Austin, Alli Cox and Liberty Reilly BACK ROW: (l-r) Elisabeth Byess, Haley McCrink, Joshua Lockhart, Jonathan Bradley, James Perdue, Zack Vickers, Cooper Phelps, Eli Weatherby and the one and only Helen Ruffin

Principal Dr. Deborah Wiseman recently honored the March Students of the Month. (l-r) Dixie Rich, Tyler Koch, Ryan Stubbs, Caden Dulmage, Zac Cook, John Abdinoor, Jordan Creasy, Dr. Deborah Wiseman, Shawn Woods, Jessi Pless, Yeni Sanchez, Zoe Lord, Nathan Kerns, Jacob Covington and Alli Lowery NOT PICTURED: Jennifer Rafala

A team of students will participate in the Cherokee County School District Elementary Science Olympiad, where they will explore new and challenging ways of solving problems. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Michelle Stevens, Connor Meade, Karina Lax, Ben Conklin, Grace Manwaring and Lexi Abrams MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Parker Stanhagan, Brandon Gibson, Celeste Bryson, Christian Barker, Kinsey Lax and Grace Wartes BACK ROW: (l-r) Ethan Eltz, Zeke Palermo, Ruthie Prayito, Austin Clark, Nic Nalwajka, Wyatt Bewley, Billie O'Bryant, Callie Perkins, Alex Blankinship and Brianna Bradley TEACHER: Cindy Reeves

Chef Justin Balmes, who teaches at the Art Institute of Atlanta and competed on the reality show "Food Network Star," visited the school to help students recognize Health and Nutrition Week. (l-r) Caroline Bagwell, PTA member Angela Phillips, Maddy Flower, Justin Balmes, PTA member Jody Burns, Ethan Keeney, Ryan Burns and Joey Canale

Two students won at their grade levels in the 2012 Cherokee County School District Young Authors' Writing Fair. They will now move on to the regional level of the competition. Entries were judged in four categories: ideas, style, organization and conventions. (l-r) Winner Sarah Frasier (2nd), principal Kathleen Chandler and winner Kate Klucsarits (1st)

Pat Long performed a wonderful random act of kindness for the school. After purchasing books for her grandson Jesse Long (3rd) and niece Ansley Priddy (2nd), Long gave a $100 check to principal Kerry Martin and told her spend it on help for the school's less fortunate children. In return, Long simply asked that other members of the community follow her example and do good for others. (l-r) Carol Trusty, Long's sister; Ansley Priddy; Pat Long; Jesse Long and Kerry Martin

Two 6th graders placed in the Cherokee County Farm Bureau Essay Contest. Matthew Hager (l) won the $40 second-place prize, while Cameron Collier (r) took home the $50 top prize.

Advanced Social Studies and Language Arts teacher Lindsay Bowley (r) engaged her students in a creative project to teach them about life in the Jim Crow era. One of those students, Kirsty Houston (l), wrote a poem called 'The Inequitable Dead' -- the 8th grader is known for her writing skills, has already won several competitions and represents her class in this year's Young Authors' Fair.