2025-2026
May 12, 2026
Board of Education Special Recognitions
Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) Awards
The Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) uses College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) data from multiple recent school years (2019–2020, 2022–2023, and 2024–2025) to recognize schools demonstrating outstanding, sustained achievement and growth. Awards are presented in two categories—Greatest Gains and Highest Performing—with four levels of distinction: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These recognitions highlight the dedication of our educators, students, and school leaders to continuous improvement and academic excellence. We congratulate each of these schools for their outstanding achievements and commitment to student success.
This year, 10 Columbia County schools have earned recognition for their exceptional performance. Presenting the awards was GOSA Director Fran Dundore.
Greatest Gains
- Baker Place Elementary – Bronze; Principal: Sean Prouty
Pictured from left: Associate Superintendents of School Improvement Mr. Steven Cummings and Dr. Kristen Caroll; with Baker Place Elementary School Principal Mr. Sean Prouty; and CCSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Flynt.
Highest Performing
- Greenbrier Elementary – Bronze; Principal: Ashlee Odom
- Greenbrier Middle – Bronze; Principal: Toni Cliatt
- North Columbia Elementary – Silver; Principal: Tonya Gambrell
- Riverside Elementary – Bronze; Principal: Lynn Gardner
- Stallings Island Middle School – Bronze; Principal: Vicki Tarleton
Highest Performing & Greatest Gains
- Lewiston Elementary – Silver; Principal: Sherry Allen
- Parkway Elementary – Bronze & Silver; Principal: Stephanie Winter
- River Ridge Elementary – Silver & Platinum; Principal: Michelle Miller
- Stevens Creek Elementary – Bronze & Gold; Principal: Grace Meyer (Accepted on her behalf by teacher Heather Powell)
Columbia County School District Aspiring Principals Academy Graduates
The Columbia County School District is proud to invest in the future of school leadership through its Aspiring Principals Program, a yearlong professional learning experience designed for assistant principals preparing to step into the principal role.
Assistant principals from elementary, middle, and high schools across the district are carefully selected to participate in this program. Throughout the year, participants attend monthly sessions led by district and school leaders that explore key topics essential to effective school leadership.
The program emphasizes:
- Expert-led learning on leadership practices and school operations
- Collaborative roundtable discussions that encourage critical thinking and real-world application
- Hands-on experiences that allow participants to apply new skills in their schools
- Peer collaboration to problem-solve and strengthen leadership capacity
The experience culminates with each participant presenting a comprehensive school improvement plan to the district’s executive cabinet—demonstrating their readiness to lead and drive student success.
2025 Program Graduates
- Marisa Forney, Grovetown Middle School
- Thomas Holtzner, Evans High School
- Whitney Quattlebaum, Cedar Ridge Elementary (New Principal)
- Kellen Smith, Euchee Creek Elementary
- Lachandra Thomas-Mole, Grovetown Elementary
- Kimberly Wall, Harlem High School
- Rebecca Walls, Riverside Elementary
- Zachary Watson, Grovetown High School
- Jessica Williams, Blue Ridge Elementary (New Principal)
The program is led by Associate Superintendent of School Improvement Mr. Steven Cummings and Chief Academic Officer Ms. LeAnne Gregg.
Congressional Art Competition Winners
Columbia County School District is proud to celebrate the artistic achievements of two outstanding students recognized in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia’s 12th District.
This nationwide competition, sponsored by members of Congress, invites high school students to create original artwork that reflects life in their home district. Winners are honored both locally and at an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C., with top pieces displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.
At a recent reception held at Congressman Rick Allen’s Augusta office, two CCSD students were recognized for their exceptional talent:
Columbia Virtual Academy
1st Runner-Up - Arianna Brunk
Columbia County Virtual Academy
Art Teacher: Tiffany Weser | Principal: Brian Killips
(Not pictured) 3rd Runner-Up & People’s Choice Award Winner - Nidhi Patel, Lakeside High School
Art Teacher: Shavonne Kolodziejczyk | Principal: Juliet King
2026 Georgia Department of Education Award of Excellence
Charles Dykes
Evans High School
This prestigious honor is awarded to a student selected by a panel of state judges for exceptional achievement in both academics and extracurricular activities throughout their high school career. Charles exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. He has maintained an impressive 3.9 GPA and ranks 31st out of 404 students in his graduating class. In addition to his academic success, Charles has been an active member of the lacrosse team, demonstrating teamwork and perseverance both in and out of the classroom.
Looking ahead, Charles plans to pursue a degree in Sports Management at Liberty University—a path that reflects his strong organizational skills, interpersonal strengths, and passion for athletics.
Charles was nominated by Alyssa Anderson, whose support and encouragement helped highlight his achievements. He is led by Principal Wade White and Director Sharard Pritchett, who continue to support his success.
Georgia Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
State Leadership Conference
The Columbia County School District is proud to celebrate the achievements of our Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competitors at the statewide HOSA Leadership Conference. The event brings together more than 6,000 students from across Georgia to compete in over 50 healthcare-related events. To qualify, students must place among the top five at the regional level. This year, CCSD students from two high schools earned top-three finishes and advanced to the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis in June 2026. These outstanding achievements highlight the hard work, knowledge, and passion of our students as they prepare for careers in healthcare.
Greenbrier High School
Principal: Chip Fulmer
2026 Margaret Rodgers Scholarship Recipients
Columbia County School District is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Margaret Rodgers Scholarship Award, a distinction that honors a legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to education. Each year, this scholarship is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to education and a passion for making a difference in the lives of students.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Nicole Boyett
Greenbrier Elementary School IRR Paraprofessional
Greenbrier Elementary School | Principal: Ashlee Odom
Nicole Boyett is recognized for her exceptional dedication as an IRR paraprofessional and her unwavering commitment to student success. She approaches every interaction with a strengths-based mindset, providing meaningful support through individualized instruction and small-group learning experiences.
Nicole’s positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to take on challenges make her an invaluable part of her school community. She is currently pursuing certification in elementary education, demonstrating remarkable promise as a future teacher and continued contributor to Columbia County Schools.
Shira Martin
Parkway Elementary School | Principal: Stephanie Winter
Shira Martin is honored for her outstanding service to one of the district’s most specialized student populations. With more than five years of experience, she consistently demonstrates professionalism, compassion, and a deep understanding of her students’ unique needs.
Through strong collaboration and relationship-building, Shira supports student growth, independence, and success. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she also volunteers as a cheer coach for children with special needs—further reflecting her commitment to advocacy and inclusion.
Grovetown High JROTC State Championship
Grovetown High School & Greenbrier High School
Columbia County School District is proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the Grovetown High School JROTC Warriors Drill Team, whose hard work, discipline, and teamwork earned top honors at both the state and national levels.
State Champions
The Warriors delivered an exceptional performance at the Georgia State Drill Competition, earning multiple top placements:
1st Place – Female Armed Platoon
Led by Commander Takiyah Momon, team members included Aryianna Bates, Amaya Biyo, Jade Gantt, Amarah Hariston, Michaiah Hill, Aubrii Marshall, Destiny Moore, Divine Onoh, Jalyn Rentz, Lauryn Richardson, Mikaylis Slater, and Skylar Walker.
1st Place – Female Unarmed Squad
Commander Amaya Biyo led Jade Gantt, Amarah Hariston, Takiyah Momon, Divine Onoh, Jalyn Rentz, and Mikaylis Slater.
State Runner-Up and 3rd Place Finishes
2nd Place – Female Armed Squad
Commander Takiyah Momon led Aryianna Bates, Amaya Biyo, Jade Gantt, Amarah Hariston, Jalyn Rentz, and Mikaylis Slater.
2nd Place – Coed Unarmed Platoon
Commander Wyatt Reid led team members, including Noah Brown, Trinity Colbenson, Alexander Colon, Mackenzie Gates, Jocelyn Graham, Isaac Harrington, Brianna Lester, Jioni Morales, Mariah Miller, Jaidev Pichardo, Logan Smith, Jake Tilson, Corri Towns, and Tyler Warner.
2nd Place – Male Armed Squad
Commander Tyler Warner led Noah Brown, Alexander Colon, Jioni Morales, Jaidev Pichardo, Wyatt Reid, and Logan Smith.
The Coed Raider Team earned an impressive 3rd place overall finish, with team members including Neriah Bates, Eliana Belt, Noah Brown, Alexander Colon, Pablo Colon, Kymberleigh Danner, Edwin Domaskin, Kloe Lombardo, Sani Mahamane, Logan Smith, Khloe’ Tansiel, Arian Walker, Kiara Ward, and Ariana Washington.
JROTC National-Level Drill Team Winners
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5th Place – National Duo Armed Exhibition: Noah Brown (Captain) and Jaidev Pichardo
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7th Place – National Female Unarmed Platoon Regulation: Led by Commander Amaya Biyo, with team members Jade Gantt, Jocelyn Graham, Amarah Hariston, Michaiah Hill, Mariah Miller, Takiyah Momon, Destiny Moore, Divine Onoh, Jalyn Rentz, Lauryn Richardson, Mikaylis Slater, and Skylar Walker.
The Area 7 Academic Brain Brawl Championship brings together 24 elite NJROTC teams from Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of North Carolina to compete in a fast-paced academic challenge. Teams answer questions across all Naval Science curricula, cadet manuals, and a wide range of general knowledge topics.
This year, Greenbrier High once again demonstrated its academic strength:
- The “A” Team successfully defended its Area 7 Championship title for the second consecutive year
- The “B” Team also repeated its success, earning 2nd place for the second year in a row
Building on their regional success, the “A” Team advanced to the National Level, competing in Daytona Beach, Florida, against top NJROTC teams from around the world. The team earned an impressive 10th-place finish nationally, highlighting their commitment to excellence and preparation.
Principal Chip Fulmer.
4-H Presidents
Brookwood Elementary School & Lewiston Elementary School
April 21, 2026
Board of Education Special Recognitions
SRP Federal Credit Union Affinity Check Presentation
In 2018, SRP Federal Credit Union launched the Affinity High School Debit Card program with Columbia County high schools.
This program was designed to provide an additional funding resource for local high schools. Representatives from SRP Federal Credit Union are as follows:
- Blake Wood – Branch Manager of our Davis Road location
- Sherkonda Lloyd – Branch Manager of our North Belair location
- Melanie Green-Davis – Branch Manager of our Grovetown location
- Yvonne Meeks – Community Development Representative
Earnings for the 2025 Affinity Funds program was $62,599.75
We thank you SRP Federal Credit Union for your partnership with our school district, the students, and their families.
GHSA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship Runners Up
Harlem High School
For the first time since 1969, the Harlem High School boys basketball team delivered a historic season. The Bulldogs battled their way through the Elite Eight and Final Four before competing in the GHSA State Championship on March 11, 2026, in Macon, Georgia. Finishing as State Runner-Up, this team proved that grit, heart, and teamwork can close a 57-year gap. Congratulations to the Harlem Bulldogs on an unforgettable season!
JoVaun Napier – All-Region Second Team
Dai’John Sanders – All-Region Honorable Mention
Ty Shine – All-Region First Team
Jeffrey (AJ) Williams Jr. – All-Region Player of the Year & All-Defensive Team
Head Coach: Jeff Williams
Assistant Coaches Rashaud Lee, Charlie Walker, Will Wheeler, and Jeffery Wilson.
Harlem High School Athletic Director: Rodney Holder
Principal: Casey Dees
Congressional App Challenge
Georgia’s 12th Congressional District Winners
Lakeside High School
Georgia Department of Education 2026 Georgia Scholars
Each year, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life through the Georgia Scholar program. This prestigious distinction recognizes students who carried exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, performed well in all courses, successfully participated in interscholastic events, and assumed leadership roles sponsored by their schools. Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma. Out of the 162 scholars named this year, three were from the Columbia County School District.
Lakeside High School
Emily Xu
Not pictured: Ibraheem Hassan
Harlem High School
Ruben Vazquez Sanchez
Columbia County School District Aspiring Leaders Academy Graduates
The CCSD Aspiring Leader Academy is designed to support teachers who aspire to move into school-level assistant principal roles. Educators from elementary, middle, and high schools across the district are nominated by their building principals and selected through a screening process to participate in this yearlong leadership development program.
Participants engage in monthly classes led by district and school leaders, covering key topics essential to effective school leadership. Interactive roundtable discussions encourage participants to think critically, analyze real-world scenarios, and apply leadership strategies in meaningful ways. Beyond the classroom, participants gain hands-on experience by applying newly learned skills in their schools and engaging in collaborative conversations with peers.
A key component of the program is a 24-hour, job-embedded clinical experience, during which participants shadow assistant principals at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Participants also gain valuable insight into district-level operations by attending a school board meeting, a study session, and the district’s initial budget meeting.
The Aspiring Leader Academy culminates with a district screening process for the assistant principal candidate pool, preparing participants to take the next step in their leadership journey.
2026 Graduates
Errin Bagwell - North Harlem Elementary School (Instructional Specialist)
Amber Bentley- Greenbrier High School (Instructional Specialist)
Jenny Blumenthal- Martinez Elementary School (Behavior Specialist)
Sunni Bradford- Evans Elementary School (Instructional Specialist)
Robert Cox- Grovetown High School (Teacher)
Sarah Greneker- River Ridge Elementary School (Teacher)
Elizabeth Hemphill- Ridge Elementary School (Teacher)
Brian Metts- Harlem High School (Teacher)
Jennifer Metts- Grovetown Middle School (Teacher)
Cheri Miller- Greenbrier High School (Teacher)
Amy Mulvihill- Westmont Elementary School (Behavior Specialist)
Alicia Rogers- Evans Elementary School (Teacher)
Alisa Rogers- Evans High School (School Counselor)
Marie Speering- Harlem Middle School (Teacher)
Lexi Tanner- Martinez Elementary School (Teacher)
Britton Terrell- Stevens Creek Elementary School (Teacher)
Susan Wiggs- Evans High School (Instructional Specialist)
Erica Wilson- Grovetown Middle School (Teacher)
District leaders: Dr. Brian Campbell & Dr. Kristen Carroll.
Pledge of Allegiance
Special thanks to the 4-H Presidents from Blue Ridge Elementary School for leading the Pledge at the Board of Education meeting. Great job, student leaders!
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