Ginny Calhoun honored with party
On Saturday, May19, Ginny Calhoun was honored with a Graduation Luncheon at the 1800 Mexican Restaurant in Americus.
After graduation from Schley County High School, all of Ginny’s family and some friends joined her in celebrating her great achievement in being the class valedictorian and STAR Student and much more this year.
The family members of the honoree who attended this special event were Robert and Virginia Calhoun LaBella of Athens, Donna Franklin, JoAnn Chappell, Cloie Davis, Finn Morton, Ian Morton, Anne Calhoun Davis, McCall Calhoun, Nancy McMath Young, Frederick Young and Ginny’s mother Mary Calhoun. Friends who stopped to speak to Ginny were Brian J. Barnhill Jr., Mark Richards, Jason and Liberty Justice, and Sue Hite.

Schley County Family Connection honors top graduates
On May 24, the Schley County Family Connection honored Schley County High Schools’ top two seniors and STAR Teacher at Bison Valley Lodge, Americus.
John Greene called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. He asked Nancy McMath Young to introduce Ginny Calhoun’s family: her mother Mary Calhoun, grandmother JoAnn Chappell and her cousin Frederick Young.
Wayne Morrow Sr. played his harmonica. Then he asked the blessing and a delicious meal was served buffet style: pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, rolls, tea and lemon cake.
The guest tables were covered with black linen tablecloths with a center piece of black and silver balloons inside a 2018 glitter arrangement. Black paper napkins were worded in white with “2018 Graduation.”
After lunch John introduced the guest speaker Mike Cheokas who serves on the Georgia Board of Education. He praised the Schley County School System and its teachers, board students, parents and more.
John called on Adam Hathaway, Schley County School superintendent who spoke about Ginny Calhoun as valedictorian and Jordan Hall as salutatorian.
Ginny was called to the front by John Greene where she was recognized by Elaine Gillispie for her STAR Student Award and her STAR Teacher William Rooks. These special Awards were given by Sanford D. Bishop Congressional Awards.
Ginny told why she chose Mr. Rooks as her STAR Teacher and he told about teaching Ginny three different times.
Todd West, principal of Schley County Middle/High School, spoke highly both students.
After the presentation both students made their speeches.
John Greene presented both students the Technology Awards from Schley County Family Connection — a check to buy themselves a laptop computer to use at college. John explained that there were so many people in Ellaville who make special donations each year to help with special awards for the top students.
John introduced Michael Johnson of Georgia’s Family Connection Partnership who spoke on several topics.
John told about the Community Partnering Awards and Schley County 4-H. He also told about the summer meals program at the high school made possible through Schley County Family Connections and the reading program.
We all thank John Greene for all he does to help the schools and community.
Schley County Family Connectioneveryone for being for helping such as businesses and individuals who have made donations each year to purchase the laptops.
Sanford D. Bishop donated the certificates. Jimmy and Martha Harrison, Flint Energies Foundation, Eddie and Sharon Watson, Dr. and Mrs. Dwight McLaurin, Tony and Jan Whitley, Partners Propane of Georgia, Ellaville Floral and Gift Shop, Jerry Cook of TCI Powder Coating, Walt Young of Ellaville Recycling, Mike Cheokas, Russell and Debbie Philmon, Electric Tek LLC, Linda Adams of the Schley Community Foundation and Schley County Family Connection for making technology awards.
A very special thank you to Ronnie and Karan Albritton for providing the meal and the use of the Bison Valley Lodge for the community event.

Benjamin David Barwick graduates Tattnall Square Academy
On May 21, Benjamin David Barwick of Macon graduated from Tatnall Square Academy in Macon with honors and distinction. He is the son of David and Angie Barwick of Macon, and grandson of Allen and Elaine Barwick of Ellaville and Dr. William and Sue Shipp of Macon. The graduation ceremony was held at Ingleside Baptist Church in Macon.
Ben plans to attend Valdosta State University and major in engineering.
Those that attended his graduation were his aunt Carol Sue DeVane and his grandparents Allen and Elaine Barwick, all of Ellaville.