Whitfield County School Board Reviews Safety, Celebrates Student Artists

The Whitfield County Board of Education convened on January 8, 2024, to discuss critical safety updates and honor student artists at their first meeting of the new year. The session took place at the district office located at 3264 Cleveland Highway, beginning with a work session at 5:30 p.m. and followed by the regular public meeting at 6:30 p.m.

During the meeting, Richard Knox, the director of safety for the school system, presented an annual update on school safety initiatives. A key focus of this update was the implementation of the Raptor Badges, a wearable panic button designed for teachers to quickly alert emergency services in critical situations. This technology aims to enhance safety protocols across the district.

In addition to safety discussions, the board recognized the accomplishments of numerous student artists who participated in the 77th annual North Georgia Fair’s art competition. A total of 98 winning pieces from various age divisions were showcased, highlighting the artistic talents within the Whitfield County Schools system.

Among the top honors, Kaine Montgomery, a sixth-grader from New Hope Middle School, received the coveted “Best in Show” award for his striking black and white photography. The recognition extended to students across different grade levels, beginning with the Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Division, where Fernando Perez from Cedar Ridge Elementary School was honored.

Students in Division I, which includes first-grade participants, were acknowledged for their creative contributions. Notable honorees comprised students from Antioch Elementary School, including Melanie Rodriguez, Haygen Posey, and Valeria Silva, along with classmates from Pleasant Grove, New Hope, and Tunnel Hill Elementary Schools.

The celebration continued with Division II winners, showcasing second and third-grade talents. Among those recognized were Rhett Waits and Landrie Roark from Varnell Elementary School, as well as Jonathan Martinez Gonzalez from Cedar Ridge Elementary.

Division III, featuring fourth and fifth graders, included winners such as Ben Eubanks and Bennett Bowen from Varnell, alongside students from Valley Point and New Hope Elementary Schools. The Division IV awards, which comprised sixth through eighth graders, celebrated the achievements of students like Emma Patty and Tyce Coppeck from New Hope Middle School.

Finally, high school students in Division V were also honored, with notable winners including Sofia Gonzalez and Kinsley Whaley from Northwest Whitfield High School, along with students from Southeast Whitfield and Coahulla Creek High Schools.

The meeting served as an important platform for addressing both safety initiatives and celebrating student achievements, reflecting the community’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive educational environment.