2025-2026
June 16, 2026
Board of Education Special Recognitions
Georgia Department of Education Advanced Placement Honor Schools
Columbia County School District is proud to celebrate all five high schools being named 2026 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by State School Superintendent. Across Georgia, 273 schools from 97 districts earned this prestigious distinction, highlighting excellence in providing rigorous, college-level learning opportunities for students.
AP Honor Schools are recognized in eight categories based on student performance on 2025 AP courses and exams. These exams, administered by the College Board, offer high school students the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework and potentially earn college credit by scoring a 3, 4, or 5.
Georgia continues to excel nationally, ranking in the top third of states and exceeding the national average for the percentage of students passing AP exams, according to recent College Board data. Since the Georgia Department of Education first introduced AP Honor School recognition in 2008, the program has served as an important benchmark for academic rigor and student success.
This year, Columbia County School District is especially proud to have high schools recognized in six of the eight AP Honor School categories.
These recognitions reflect the dedication of Columbia County’s students, teachers, and school leaders to academic excellence and college readiness. By expanding access to challenging coursework and supporting students every step of the way, CCSD continues to deliver on The Promise of CCSD—preparing every student for success beyond graduation.
Congratulations to our students, staff, and school leaders on this incredible accomplishment!
Pictured from left: Lakeside High School Principal Juliette King; Harlem High School Principal Maria Knight; Grovetown High School Principal Andrew Young; Greenbrier High School Principal Dr. Mike Jones; Evans High School Principal Wade White; Evans High School Assistant Principal Rusty James; and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flynt.
The AP Honor School categories highlight a variety of accomplishments, including:
- AP Access & Support Schools: Expanding opportunities and ensuring student success across diverse student groups
- AP Humanities & Humanities Achievement Schools: Strength in English, social studies, fine arts, and world languages
- AP STEM & STEM Achievement Schools: Excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics coursework and performance
- AP Distinction Schools: High participation and strong overall exam performance across all AP offerings
Evans High School (Principal Wade White; Assistant Principal Rusty James)
- AP Humanities Achievement School
- AP Distinction School
- AP STEM School
- AP STEM Achievement School
Greenbrier High School (Principal Dr. Mike Jones)
- AP Humanities School
- AP Distinction School
- AP STEM School
- AP STEM Achievement School
Grovetown High School (Principal Andrew Young)
- AP Access & Support School
- AP Humanities School
- AP Humanities Achievement School
- AP STEM School
- AP STEM Achievement School
Harlem High School (Principal Maria Knight)
- AP Distinction School
Lakeside High School (Principal Juliet King)
- AP Humanities School
- AP Humanities Achievement School
- AP Distinction School
- AP STEM School
- AP STEM Achievement School
Columbia County Foundation for Children
For more than 30 years, the Columbia County Foundation for Children has played a vital role in supporting the students and families of the Columbia County School District. Through a wide range of programs and initiatives, the Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference—removing barriers, meeting needs, and creating opportunities for success both in and beyond the classroom.
During the 2025–2026 school year, the Foundation awarded a total of $37,500 in CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) grants to enhance hands-on learning opportunities, and another $46,000 in college scholarships helped graduating seniors. In addition, the Foundation provided support through its benevolence program, assisting families facing unexpected challenges.
The organization’s commitment to caring for the whole child and supporting families was evident through several outreach efforts. During the holiday season, 529 children were supported through the Foundation’s Christmas program. The Foundation also contributed to the Panther Pantry, distributed fresh food and gift cards to families, and offered ongoing support through its Pantry Project, providing hygiene items to students in need.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, the Foundation also invests in encouragement and recognition. This year’s Motivating Mentor Award was presented to Lt. Col. Samson Sider of Harlem High School for his dedication to inspiring and guiding students. Additional initiatives included book fair scholarships that promote literacy and access to reading materials, as well as free clothing provided through the Foundation’s thrift store—an effort that not only supports students and families but also helps fund the organization’s mission.
The Columbia County Foundation for Children exemplifies the power of community partnership and its impact in ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally.
GHSA Girls and Boys Track and Field
Individual and Team State Championships
The Columbia County School District is proud to recognize several outstanding student-athletes who delivered exceptional performances at the 2026 GHSA 5A & 6A Track and Field State Championships, held at the University of Georgia’s Spec Towns Track Complex in Athens.
Competing at the state level is no small feat. To qualify, athletes must advance through both the regional and sectional meets—finishing in the top four at regionals and top eight at sectionals. With eight regions made up of 8–12 teams each—and sectionals featuring competition among four regions—these championships bring together hundreds of Georgia’s top track and field athletes.
Our CCSD athletes rose to the challenge, demonstrating remarkable dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship while proudly representing their schools and community.
From individual state champions to record-breaking performances and team successes, CCSD student-athletes continue to raise the bar and represent our community. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes on an outstanding season.
Evans High School (5A)
Head Coach Ryan Bennett
Principal Wade White
Principal Dr. Mike Jones
Principal Andrew Young
Principal Juliet King
Two schools were recently recognized by the National Beta Club—an organization known for developing students who excel in leadership, academics, character, and service. These honors are a testament to the power of student leadership and the impact of service in our schools and community. From thousands of volunteer hours to building inclusive, high-achieving student organizations, our Beta Clubs continue to inspire and strengthen our school community. Congratulations to Harlem High School and Greenbrier Middle School on these outstanding achievements.
National Beta Club State Service Leaderboard Award - Harlem High School
Harlem High School’s Beta Club has been recognized among the top service organizations in Georgia, earning the prestigious National Beta Club State Service Leaderboard Award.
Founded in 1934, the National Beta Club emphasizes service as a core pillar, encouraging students to lead by giving back to their communities. Harlem High School students embraced that mission wholeheartedly during the 2025–2026 school year.
Through volunteer work at numerous local events and service projects, the Harlem High Beta Club logged an impressive 9,163.5 service hours—placing them among the top five Beta Clubs in the state.
Leadership Team:
Principal: Maria Knight
Advisor: Lisa Wilson (Not pictured)
National Beta Club School of Merit - Greenbrier Middle School
Greenbrier Middle School has earned the distinguished National Beta School of Merit Award, recognizing its strong commitment to academic excellence and student leadership.
This honor is awarded to schools that uphold Beta’s four pillars: achievement, character, leadership, and service. Greenbrier Middle met this standard by building a thriving Beta Club that includes students from every eligible grade level (6–8), creating a unified culture where all students are encouraged to grow and lead.
By fostering participation across grade levels, the school demonstrates its dedication to developing future leaders and creating meaningful opportunities for student involvement and success.
Leadership Team:
Principal: Toni Cliatt
Advisors: Jennifer Shearouse and Jennifer Valentino
Greenbrier High School NJROTC
May 12, 2026 (Click Here)
April 21, 2026 (Click Here)
March 24, 2026 - Click Here
March 10, 2026 (Click Here)
February 24, 2026 (Click Here)
February 10, 2026 (Click Here)
January 27, 2026 (Click Here)
January 13, 2026 (Click Here)
December 9, 2025 (Click Here)
November 18, 2025 (Click Here)
October 28, 2025 (Click Here)
October 14, 2025 (Click Here)
September 23, 2025 (Click Here)
September 9, 2025 (Click Here)
August 26, 2025 (Click Here)
August 12, 2025 (Click Here)
