2025-2026

TechNet Augusta, a premier three-day conference focused on the evolving cyber domain, once again brought together military leaders, government officials, and industry experts to collaborate on the future of cybersecurity. Hosted with support from the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon and key partners like Parsons Corporation, the event fosters open dialogue, networking, and hands-on problem-solving.

One of the conference’s most anticipated events was the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, a high-stakes cybersecurity tournament designed to challenge participants’ technical skills and strategic thinking. Two schools from the Columbia County School District placed in the top three. Whether competing solo or in teams, participants raced to uncover hidden “flags” by exploiting vulnerabilities across a range of digital environments.

This year’s CTF topics included:

• Binary Exploitation
• Reverse Engineering
• Web Exploitation
• Cryptography
• Forensics
• Security

Each challenge tested competitors’ ability to decrypt code, analyze systems, and identify weaknesses in web applications—skills critical to defending against real-world cyber threats.

TechNet Augusta continues to be a vital platform for addressing procurement challenges and strengthening the cyber capabilities of our military and national infrastructure. Events like Capture the Flag not only showcase emerging talent but also reinforce the collaborative spirit needed to navigate today’s complex digital landscape.

Lakeside Middle School
1st Place - Middle School Division

Team Members:
Michael Bowman
Roberto Guillen
Isaiah Jinit
Dexter Oberlies
Teacher Advisor, Ms. Samaritan Simmons
Lakeside Middle School Principal, Mr. Jeremy Medlin

Greenbrier Middle School
2nd Place - Middle School Division

Team Members:
Wyatt Ahrens (Aarons)
Mason Rice
Tobias Shoemaker
Teacher advisor, Ms. Loradonna Shultz.
Greenbrier Middle School Principal, Ms.Toni Cliatt. 

Partner in Education Recognition
Georgia's Own Credit Union 
Mr. Stacy Tallent, Region President

Georgia’s Own Credit Union was recognized for being a longstanding and generous community partner. Their continued support has made a meaningful impact on the schools, educators, and students of the Columbia County School District. Last school year alone, Georgia’s Own contributed over $15,000 to key District initiatives, including the New Teacher Orientation, Teacher of the Year Banquet, Rookie of the Year Celebration, and the Teacher Retirement Celebration.

Most notably, their annual donation of $5,000 funds five Teaching as a Pathway scholarships for graduating seniors committed to pursuing careers in education. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to empowering future educators and strengthening our school community.

Columbia County School District Foundation
Trustee Recognition

This dedicated group of community leaders governs the Columbia County School District Foundation with a shared commitment to supporting and advancing our school community.

The mission of the CCSDF is to champion educational excellence by cultivating resources and building partnerships that expand opportunities across our schools and community. Our Trustees ensure all resources are utilized to meet that mission, and more.

Currently, the Foundation is honored to have 10 dedicated business partners who serve on the Foundation:  

Sincere appreciation to Jonathan Samuel and Wendy Perry, two Founding Trustees who ended their terms in July.

4-H Presidents Lead Pledge of Allegiance
Cedar Ridge Elementary School


Thanks to the 4-H Presidents from Cedar Ridge Elementary School for leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the Board of Education meeting. Great job, student leaders!