Whitfield County Schools to Highlight Safety and Student Achievements

The Whitfield County Board of Education will convene on January 8, 2024, to discuss important updates regarding school safety and to honor student artists. The meeting is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the school district’s office located at 3264 Cleveland Highway. Prior to the regular session, a work session will take place at 5:30 p.m.

One of the key highlights of this meeting will be a presentation by Richard Knox, the school system’s director of safety. Knox will provide an annual update focusing on the implementation of the Raptor Badge system, which serves as a silent panic button for teachers, enabling them to quickly alert emergency services during critical incidents.

In addition to safety updates, the board will recognize numerous student artists who excelled in the recent 77th annual North Georgia Fair art competition. A total of 98 winning pieces across various age divisions were displayed within the district, showcasing the creativity of students from the Whitfield County Schools system.

Among the notable winners is Kaine Montgomery, a sixth-grader from New Hope Middle School, who received the prestigious “Best in Show” award for his outstanding black and white photography display. The recognition will extend to many students across different grade levels, celebrating their artistic talents and achievements.

Recognizing Artistic Talent Across the District

In the Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Division, notable honorees include kindergartener Fernando Perez from Cedar Ridge Elementary School. Division I, which encompasses first-grade students, features talents from various schools, including Melanie Rodriguez, Haygen Posey, and Valeria Silva from Antioch Elementary School, along with students from Pleasant Grove, New Hope, Tunnel Hill, and Varnell Elementary Schools.

Division II recognizes second and third graders, including Rhett Waits and Landrie Roark from Varnell, alongside Jonathan Martinez Gonzalez from Cedar Ridge and Hugo Valdez from Tunnel Hill.

The achievements continue with Division III, which consists of fourth and fifth graders. Winners include Ben Eubanks and Bennett Bowen from Varnell, and students from Valley Point and Cohutta Elementary Schools.

In Division IV, which honors sixth to eighth graders, winners such as Emma Patty and Tyce Coppeck from New Hope Middle School will be recognized, along with students from Westside and Valley Point Middle Schools.

Finally, Division V celebrates high school students, featuring winners like Sofia Gonzalez and Kinsley Whaley from Northwest Whitfield High School, along with Paulette Rosillo from Southeast Whitfield and students from Coahulla Creek High School.

The recognition of these talented students not only highlights their individual achievements but also showcases the vibrant arts programs within the Whitfield County Schools. As the Board of Education meets to discuss these vital topics, the community is encouraged to participate and support the young artists who contribute to the cultural fabric of the district.