Morrow Elementary Receives Prestigious Student Achievement Award

Morrow Elementary School  in Jonesboro recently received the “2010 School of Excellence in Student Acheivement” award from State Superintendent Dr. John Barge. Morrow Elementary, one of 22 schools selected in Georgia, was acknowledged for their continual advanced performances in math and reading over the past three years.

Morrow Elementary Principal Tim Foster credits the success of the elementary school to “a teaching and support staff that is totally committed to increasing student achievement.” He adds, “The staff understands how important it is to take ownership of each individual student and to provide each of them with instruction that meets their specialized needs.”

Only weeks ago, this recognized elementary school of 500 was named a platinum level Distinguished School under the Single Statewide Accountability System. Schools allotted this honorable mention are chosen for achieving the greatest increases in students meeting or exceeding the standards. In addition, Morrow Elementary was elected one of 34 schools in the district to have received the 2010 Title I Distinguished School from the state of Georgia.

District Superintendent Edmond Heatley furthermore praises the distinct consecutive accomplishments: “The district is extremely pleased with the achievement of these students and staff. I commend everyone associated with this accomplishment.”

For more information on the Georgia Schools of Excellence Award, visit The Georgia Department of Education.

By: Carly Krei

Clayton County Native Joins UGA’s Dream Team

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Amarlo Herrera, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound linebacker, from North Clayton High School became an official member Wednesday of the University of Georgia football team for the upcoming season.

Herrera is ranked No. 13 in the United States at his position and is known for his hitting ability, natural instinct on the field and his size.

He has received numerous accolades throughout his career with 181 career tackles setting a school record.

According to Rivals.com, the addition of Herrera and other players such as Isaiah Crowell. Ray Drew, Sterling Bailey and Johnathon Jenkins put Georgia in a prime position for the upcoming football season.

He will join fellow linebacker Ramik Wilson from Tampa, Florida, under UGA’s defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

He also fielded offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Mississippi, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

The Dawgs and the Athens community are very excited about the exciting addition to UGA’s defense.

To read more about Herrerra and the dream team visit the following sites:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Amarlo-Herrera-107275;_ylt=AjeU8DmlklTRODrAV4SU9oxDPZB4

http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/herrera_amarlo00.html

http://rivals.yahoo.com/uga/football/recruiting/player-Amarlo-Herrera-107275

http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/02/02/n-clayton-lb-amarlo-herrera-was-first-on-dotted-line-for-georgia/?cxntfid=blogs_recruiting

To see him in action, visit the following: http://www.high5sports.com/dpp/football/signing-day-standouts-amarlo-herrera-north-clayton-20110131-es

By Hannah Springston

Spivey Hall Goes Collegiate this Winter

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Clayton State University–a leading unit of the University System of Georgia–has many items of pride: a diverse student body, a highly reputable School of Business and one of the world’s best concert halls: Spivey Hall.

This winter, the university has another item to add to their list of accomplishments.

The coming months promise a series of morning performances by collegiate groups from Emory University, Georgia State University (GSU) and Florida State University (FSU). Clayton State music majors will also perform at Spivey Hall as previously scheduled.

The schedule of performances is as follows:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16 (11:15 a.m.) – The Emory University Jazz Ensemble, which regularly performs for many events both on and off campus, including a recent performance for former President Jimmy Carter, is set to perform at Spivey Hall.
• Friday, Feb. 25 (11:15 a.m.) – Both the Georgia State University Singers and the Georgia State University Jazz Ensemble are scheduled to grace the stage.
• Monday, March 7 (11:15 a.m) – The Florida State University Singers–the premier undergraduate choir at FSU–will give a performance at the university’s concert hall.

All concerts are open to the public. Admission is $1 at the door.

By Sarita Gandhi

Clayton County Water Authority Recognized by State

The Georgia Association of Water Professionals recently honored Clayton County Water Authority at their Fall Conference for their efforts in public outreach and education. Clayton County was awarded with the award of “Wastewater Collection System of the Year” as well as “Public Education Program of the Year for Large Systems.”

Various exhibits and programs at the Melvin L. Newman Wetlands Center in Hampton has been the authority’s main investment regarding public education and outreach. However, the authority’s employees are also thoroughly dedicated to the cause and have donated their time to educational programs in schools and festivals. Some festivals in which employees were present include the “Household Hazardous Waste Amnesty Day;” the “Wetlands and Watershed Festival;” and the “Rivers Alive Stream Cleanup.”

The application process for these prestigious awards included hours of labor, documentation, and surveying by the association. The notification letter from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals said “Your public education program shows a commitment to environmental stewardship and community education that every water provider in the state should aspire to.” This is an amazing accomplishment for Clayton County Water Authority.

By Abbey Warren