Good News from the River Ridge Zone!

River Ridge High School

River Ridge High School senior Olivia Escondo this week was awarded a full four-year leadership scholarship to Texas A&M University.

The scholarship, which pays for tuition, books, housing and meals, is from The Posse Foundation (http://www.possefoundation.org/), an organization that recognizes students who show a passion for leadership through a balance of grades, service, character and recommendations.  The organization’s goal to is to train and equip young leaders to be an influence within their communities.

More than 1,200 students were nominated in Georgia for the scholarship, with only 61 students receiving a full four-year scholarship to Foundation-approved universities such as Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Boston University.  Of the 61 students, only 11 were selected by Texas A&M.  The selection process involved three personal interview and review sessions over a five-month period.

River Ridge High School’s service-learning projects have included collecting: more than 8,800 donations for MUST Ministries; personal care items for seniors served by Gentiva Home Health; and clothing and gifts for the North Georgia Angel House, with help from partner Zaxby's of Hickory Flat.

“This has been a great experience for all of our Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members to feel like they are making an impact in our community and being able to give back to students our own age so that they can enjoy the holidays a little more," said Rachel Parker, president of FCCLA, which led the North Georgia Angel House project.

River Ridge High School’s Academic Team appeared on the High-Q academic bowl competition TV show on Sunday on WSB-TV Channel 2.  “Our students did an excellent job” and had a lead of 165 points at one point, but did not win the competition, said teacher William Norman, who coaches the team.  The students who competed are: juniors Rishab Kaup, Brandon Perez and Chetan Velivela and sophomore Captain Garrett Johnston, with juniors Alex Soderstrom and Felicia Williams as alternates.

Mill Creek Middle School

Mill Creek Middle School recently recognized its Students of the Month for December.  They are: Joanna Paulson, Edwina Antwi, Liam Vander Veen, Jolie Bakken, Kendall Martin, Duy Nguyen, Stephanie Paulson, Andrew Faletra, Alex Caputo, Gabrielle Thigpen, Michael Murray, Alanna Pimenta, Jiun-Jie Yang, Jordan Morris, Amani Moin, Sergio Salgado, Jack Mezzacapo and Hayden Swank

Mill Creek Middle School eighth-grader Marissa Henager has been named a 2013 Water Essay Contest Winner by the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Clean Water Campaign.  She was selected for the honor from all essays received from students in Cherokee County.  She was awarded a $100 cash prize at an awards reception held at the Georgia State Capitol.

Arnold Mill Elementary School

This holiday season, Arnold Mill Elementary School and its PTA launched a “Help = Hope” campaign to collect donations of household supplies, toiletries and more than 100 toys and gifts for the Turn Around Kids Foster Center, which provides a group home for 34 Cherokee County children

“It's so important that we teach our children that everyone deserves hope,” PTA President Lindsey Andrews said.  “We can be the help our students need.”

Arnold Mill Elementary School recently honored its December Students of the Month.  The students were chosen by their teachers due to their positive attitudes, hard work and citizenship.   They all received free ice cream passes and will lead the Pledge of Allegiance on the morning news during the month of January.  They are: Sebastian Lopez-Perez, Kennedy Welischar, Gabe Crick, Anthony Amos, Clay Schultz and Rylee Loggins.

Arnold Mill Elementary School recently honored its December Staff Member of the Month: Erin Drennan.  “Mrs. Drennan is an exceptional kindergarten teacher,” Principal Kerry P. Martin said.  “Arnold Mill is so fortunate to have teachers like her on the staff!”  She was presented with a $25 gift card from Walmart, a Partner in Education.

Johnston Elementary School

Johnston Elementary School’s many service projects have included assembling food baskets and boxes for hungry families, a Secret Santa program to provide gifts to needy students and a family assistance program supported by partners including local police departments, the Service League of Cherokee County, churches and the PTA.

Little River Elementary School

Little River Elementary School students this holiday season collected 1,700 canned goods for MUST Ministries; new hats, mittens, scarves and socks for children served by Give A Kid A Chance; and hundreds of gifts for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive.  The Toys for Tots drive ends with a special assembly, and a parade of toys is led from classrooms to the cafeteria. 

“This is a moving event, and it is awesome to see the sense of pride the children have when a Marine tells them he is proud of them,” Principal Christian Kirby said.