Last month, James Lunsford Gymnasium became the setting for a powerful moment of reflection, pride, and celebration as Baldwin County Schools officially unveiled the banner honoring the 1977 Baldwin Bravettes Basketball Team, a team whose legacy helped shape the future of athletics in our district. The unveiling of the 1977 banner marked more than the recognition of a championship season. It served as a reminder of a pivotal moment in Baldwin’s athletic history, when the Bravettes captured the first 4A AAA Region Championship, setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire generations of student-athletes. Coached by Joe Cunningham and Frank Davison, the 1977 Bravettes demonstrated skill, determination, and teamwork at a time when opportunities for girls’ athletics were still expanding. Their accomplishments helped pave the way for the thriving programs we celebrate today. The members of the historic 1977 Baldwin Bravettes Basketball Team include: Jacqueline Arnold Caruthers Janice Arnold Cleveland Wanda Butts Brenda Hawkins Green Sandra Reeves Greene Linda Lattimore Holland Tina Hill Huff Regina Mullins Kerbo (Trainer) Susie Harper Marshall Lori Payne Sandra Rovelli Gracie Simmons Rosemary Harper Smith Audrey Bridges Stanton Their banner now hangs proudly in the gymnasium, ensuring their story is visible to every student who steps onto the court. Celebrating Present-Day Excellence While the 1977 Bravettes banner was the centerpiece of the evening, it was not the only achievement honored. Two additional banners were unveiled, reflecting the continued strength and success of Baldwin basketball programs across generations: 2025 GHSA AAA Girls State Runner-Up 2024 GHSA Boys Final Four Together, these banners tell a larger story of tradition, perseverance, and sustained excellence. From trailblazing teams of the past to today’s championship contenders, Baldwin athletics continues to build on a foundation laid decades ago.

The Baldwin County School District is honored to announce a generous $7,000 Community Stability Grant awarded to our Family Engagement Department by the Flournoy Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of Flournoy Health Services. This contribution directly supports our ongoing mission to uplift Baldwin families through meaningful partnerships, coordinated resources, and compassionate outreach. In addition, BCSD Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks was given a tour of the Flournoy Health Services offices which are housed in the former Midway Hills Elementary building in Milledgeville. Federal Programs Specialist Shonya Mapp shared her gratitude for this impactful investment, saying: "This grant is dedicated to the Baldwin County School District in recognition of its longstanding commitment to supporting students and families by fostering strong partnerships among homes, schools, and the community, as well as providing direct assistance to families facing hardship.” She added that the grant will strengthen the district’s ability to connect families to both immediate and long-term support. Mapp also highlighted the importance of shared purpose and community investment: “Along with Dr. Kristina Brooks, Superintendent, and the Flournoy Cares Foundation, it is an honor to partner with this local agency as it is dedicated to supporting and strengthening family stability and the well-being across our communities." About Flournoy Health Services Flournoy Health Services, based right here in Milledgeville, is a trusted care provider dedicated to supporting individuals and families through every stage of life. Their mission deeply aligns with BCSD’s commitment to whole-child, whole-family support. The Flournoy Cares Foundation’s investment in Baldwin County families reinforces a shared vision: strong communities begin with strong support systems. Their contribution will help us continue to ensure that every student and every family has access to the resources, stability, and connection they deserve. BCSD extends heartfelt thanks to Flournoy Health Services and the Flournoy Cares Foundation for their generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. Together, we believe in Baldwin and we believe in the power of partnership to change lives.

The Centennial Center was alive with music, movement, and pure joy as thousands of students filled the stands for Georgia College & State University’s annual Education Day and no one lit up the arena quite like Baldwin County. This year’s event brought together students from Baldwin, Putnam, Washington, and Jefferson counties, creating one of the largest Education Day turnouts in the event’s history. But it was Baldwin County that provided every single performance, showcasing the talent, teamwork, and school pride that define our district. “Our Students Are Absolutely Modeling It Out” For Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks, her first Education Day was unforgettable. “I’m just so excited,” she said, reflecting on the energy in the gym. “Our students are absolutely, like, modeling it out. They’ve got Christmas music, Christmas dancing… kids are singing old 80s Christmas carols. We’re having a great time. The entire staff at Georgia College has just been right there in the middle of us, supporting our students and making sure our community comes together.” Dr. Brooks emphasized the purpose behind the day:“Education Day highlights the partnership between the school system and Georgia College to expose our students to collegiate athletics, to bring community together, to have unity, and to celebrate what it takes to work toward excellence.” Performances That Brought the House Down Baldwin was the heartbeat of the event from the opening minutes to the final buzzer. Oak Hill Middle School Pep Band provided game-long music and kept the arena energized. Oak Hill Middle School Cheerleaders performed on the baselines, supported by Georgia College cheerleaders acting as mentors. Halftime performers included: Midway Hills Primary Dancing Bears Lakeview Primary Drill Team Lakeview Academy Drill Team Midway Hills Academy Drill Team Oak Hill Middle School Drill Team Every group delivered polished routines and brought their school spirit to a collegiate stage many for the very first time. “These performances mean so much to our students,” said Georgia College Athletics Director Wendell Staton. “When our local students get to perform; the cheers, the drill team, the band, it’s so exciting, and it means so much to them. Everybody wins today.” A Record-Breaking Education Day Staton, who has helped lead Education Day for more than 15 years, noted just how special this year was. “Today was awesome,” he shared. “We had over 3,700 students here from Baldwin, Washington, Putnam, and Jefferson counties. This is the most popular event we have and the place is jam packed every single time. The kids absolutely love it.” What matters most to him is the long-term impact:“My hope is that this sparks something, that college feels normal. This happened to me when I was in third grade, and ever since that time, I always wanted to be at a college.” A Community Celebration to Remember For Georgia College, Education Day is the biggest event of the year. For Baldwin County, it was a celebration of partnership, pride, and performance and a powerful reminder of what happens when students see themselves on a college campus. As Staton put it:“This is a great community event, and everybody wins.” And yes. The Bobcats won the game, too.

In December, TriCounty EMC's very own Anna Smith , along with several coworkers at the TriCounty EMC office made their yearly visit to Bright Ideas Grant winners in Baldwin County to surprise them with a gift and a check. We are so proud to celebrate a record-setting nine educators who have been awarded 2025 Bright Ideas Grants through Tri-County EMC, more than any previous year in district history. These grants support innovative, classroom-centered projects designed to spark creativity, deepen hands-on learning, and expand opportunities for students across all grade levels. This year, Tri-County EMC received approximately 60 applications districtwide, with Baldwin teachers submitting the majority. “This is one of the best weeks of the year for us,” shared Anna Smith, Tri-County EMC’s Community Outreach Director. “We get to visit schools, surprise teachers, and see their excitement when innovative ideas come to life.” Smith also noted the growth of projects that center student voice and engagement such as flexible seating, hands-on learning spaces, and creative media production. “Cooking classes, sensory spaces, podcasting… teachers are finding incredible ways to help kids learn beyond the desk,” she said. Below is a look at this year’s Bright Ideas Grant recipients and the incredible projects that will soon be part of Baldwin classrooms. 2025 Baldwin Bright Ideas Grant Recipients Nick Geeker — Oak Hill Middle School The Brave Wave  — Awarded $1,500 With this grant, OHMS will establish a professional-grade radio and podcasting studio, giving students the chance to write, produce, and publish original audio content across subjects such as AVTF, ELA, and Social Studies. Students will learn industry-standard equipment, collaborate on story-driven projects, and build technical portfolios. Anna Smith shared that podcasting is becoming “really big,” and highlighted this project as one of the year’s standout ideas. Kamina Early — Early Learning Center The Splash Lab  — Awarded $1,500 Designed as a wet-room indoor learning lab, this space will allow Pre-K students to explore math, writing, and scientific discovery through water play, sensory learning, measuring, journaling, and hands-on experimentation. The lab transforms unused rooms into immersive, schoolwide learning environments. Mary Ashley McCue — Lakeview Primary School The Leader Hive: Little Coders With Big Ideas  — Awarded $1,135 Using Bee-Bot robots, first graders will explore coding, leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration while integrating the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. Students will create story maps, math missions, and leadership challenges that strengthen communication and technology skills. Tanya Holmes — Early Learning Center Garden to Table  — Awarded $1,429.87 Building on the ELC’s Golden Radish award–winning Farm to School work, this project expands outdoor learning spaces and adds indoor cooking equipment so students can grow, harvest, prepare, and taste fresh foods from the school garden. The project supports nutrition education, hands-on science, and social-emotional learning. Brenda Brown — Lakeview Primary School Making More in the Media Center (Makerspace Expansion)  — Awarded $1,498.54 This expanded Makerspace will provide 485 K–2 students  with STEAM-rich opportunities, including engineering kits, art supplies, magnetic building sets, and coding tools. Students will build, design, collaborate, and solve real-world challenges while developing creativity and critical thinking. Deanna Blount — Lakeview Primary Montessori Program Stories That Stick: Listen and Learn With Tonies  — Awarded $754.33 This project expands the Montessori classroom’s Toniebox audio learning system, giving students access to an extensive library of stories, songs, and nonfiction learning content. The tool supports literacy development, listening comprehension, and independent choice-making for approximately 60 young learners. Crystal Beard — Early Learning Center Healthy Meals for Growing Minds  — Awarded $1,437.48 This nutrition-focused project introduces child-friendly cooking experiences using fresh produce from the school garden. Students will participate in healthy meal preparation using new convection ovens, kid-safe utensils, and chef attire, while also exploring health, safety, and social-emotional books connected to food and wellbeing. Amanda Cheek — Lakeview Primary School Flexible Seating for Special Needs Students  — Awarded $625 This project transforms the classroom into a sensory-responsive learning environment, supporting students with diverse learning needs through wobble stools, bean bags, standing desks, floor cushions, and quiet sensory areas. The flexible seating options help reduce anxiety, increase focus, and give students control over their learning environment. Sharon Reeves — Oak Hill Middle School Biotech Science — Awarded up to $1,500 Sharon Reeves continues her exceptional work in biotechnology and agricultural science , enhancing hands-on learning experiences connected to environmental science, sustainability, and student-centered exploration. A Community Partnership That Makes Innovation Possible Tri-County EMC’s Bright Ideas program funded 36 grants across the region, with Baldwin earning one of the largest shares. “We had nearly 60 applications this year,” Smith shared. “Most were from Baldwin teachers and it shows how passionate they are about bringing creative learning to their students.” She also noted that teachers complete their applications in about 20 minutes, making it one of the most accessible grant opportunities available to educators. Congratulations to all of our 2025 recipients! Your Bright Ideas are changing the lives of Baldwin students every single day and we can’t wait to see these projects come to life in the months ahead.

If you’ve ever walked the halls of the Baldwin Early Learning Center, you’ve likely noticed the bees; those bright, cheerful reminders to “Bee Kind.”   They’re painted on classroom doors, crafted into student artwork, and woven into lessons that teach empathy, sharing, and care for others. That spirit of kindness began with one extraordinary educator: Ms. Cathy Hollis. For more than two decades, Ms. Hollis poured her heart into the Early Learning Center, helping shape its programs, its culture, and its compassion. She was known for her gentle leadership and her belief that even the smallest act of kindness could transform a child’s world. When Baldwin County Schools first implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Ms. Hollis introduced a theme that captured her philosophy perfectly: “Bee Kind.” The bee became the school’s symbol, representing community, cooperation, and care; values that Ms. Hollis modeled every day. When she passed away, she left behind one simple wish: “In lieu of flowers, please share an anonymous act of kindness.” Her colleagues and friends knew exactly how to honor that request. Children learn the power of cooperative play in 'Cathy's Kindness Corner' Together, they created 'Cathy’s Corner' a beautiful indoor space dedicated to her memory and the lessons she loved most. They followed up with further "Cathy's Initiatives' turning what began as a small outdoor rock garden into a vibrant reflection of her spirit, changing with the seasons and serving as a reminder to every child who visits that kindness blooms in many forms. Inside the school, Ms. Hollis’s influence continues through the Kind Campus  initiative and the Kindness Boxes  now found in every classroom. Each box is filled with books, games, and activities that help students learn to care for one another through play and reflection. As retired teacher Bunny Simons shared, “Cathy wanted children to learn kindness early, to make it part of who they are. This is how her legacy continues.” Retired staff members Cheryl Johnson and Julie Parmley agree that her kindness still guides the school’s mission. Parmley recalls that “Cathy coined the term ‘Kind Campus’  and taught us all to model it. Those expectations: kind hands, kind feet, kind ears and kind words are still what we live by today.” Now, Cathy’s Corner stands as both a memorial and a message, a place where the youngest learners begin to understand the lifelong value of kindness. And so, the next time you visit the Baldwin Early Learning Center and see a bee buzzing across a hallway wall or perched in the garden take a moment to think of Miss Hollis, and remember her words: In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Special Blog Post by Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks As we approach the holiday break, it is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible energy filling our hallways. This semester has been defined by more than just high scores and trophies; it has been defined by the heart, curiosity, and citizenship of our students and staff. We are thrilled to announce that the BCSD Board of Education has been awarded the title of Exemplary Board by the GSBA . This honor reflects a deep commitment to leadership and the success of every student in our district. Our students are also demonstrating excellence across academics, arts, and athletics: Congratulations to the BHS Boys Basketball team for their #1 ranking! A huge shoutout to the OHMS Girls Basketball team for being crowned Region Champs. From the magical Nutcracker performance highlighting our K-12 dance program to the soulful sounds of our Jazz Ensemble and Band, our fine arts department continues to lift the spirit of Milledgeville. We celebrate our newest Certified Drone Pilot from the College Career Academy, a successful Pass and Review for our NJROTC, and a staggering 16 regional awards at the Oconee RESA art competition. More than these accomplishments, we are proud of how our students and staff have served. This season, our schools have been beacons of hope: 9th Graders led their very first community can drive. Toy drives, turkey giveaways , and food pantries have ensured our neighbors are cared for. Special thanks to GCEC for the meaningful partnership through community service that is noted for our second language students and ELC PreK and Headstart students. Thank you to MHP for their Food Pantry work that is open to our community.   Our schools are proving that strong citizenship is just as important as academic success. Mid-year data is in, and the growth is inspiring especially in ELA and Reading. Multiple students at MHA and LVA have already hit their year-end goal of reading 1 million words! LVP and MHP are diving into reading initiatives as we push toward our goal of every student reading on grade level by 3rd grade. We are thrilled, once again, with the proud improvements that OHMS continues to showcase for academic growth and closing the achievement gaps.  In BCSD, we must continue to consistently foster deep critical thinking and curiosity required for the modern workforce. We want to ensure all students find their niche, whether through our AB program, IB program, or Dual Enrollment (academic and/or CTAE) 2026 will be here soon !  In January, we will announce our very first Student Board of Education Representative. This 11th grader will bring a vital student perspective to our district's decision-making process.  As we look toward the 2026-2027 school year, we face the challenge of fewer revenue sources. However, thanks to continued good stewardship, our district's spending this December is 10% lower than the average of the last two years. This fiscal responsibility is key as we work toward a goal of reducing the budget by $5,000,000 for the upcoming cycle while maintaining the quality of our programs. Wishing you a peaceful, joyful holiday break!

The Baldwin High School Fine Arts Center was transformed into a winter wonderland once again as it proudly hosted its fourth annual performance of The Nutcracker Story   a joyful districtwide celebration of dance, creativity, and holiday spirit. Under the visionary direction of OHMS Dance Instructor Crystal Williams and co-director Chrys Moore, the beloved holiday classic was reimagined with vibrant performances from dance students across the District. From the youngest movers in our primary grades to seasoned dancers at Baldwin High School, each group contributed heart, energy, and artistry to the stage. A Holiday Tradition in the Making The success of this year’s Nutcracker Story  demonstrates the continued commitment of the Baldwin County School District to supporting the arts and providing students with meaningful opportunities for creative expression. As this cherished event grows, it’s become one of Baldwin County's most beloved holiday traditions, one that brings together students, families, and staff from across the District for a shared moment of celebration. Congratulations to all the dancers, instructors, and staff who made this magical performance possible. Your artistry and collaboration shine brightly, and we can’t wait to see the tradition continue for years to come.

Honoring Legacy, Elevating Community, and Championing Women’s Health On Saturday, December 6th, Baldwin County showed up, showed out, and made history at the 2nd Annual Tasha Tough Basketball Classic an event that has quickly become a signature celebration on the district’s fall athletics calendar. What began as a tribute to the life and legacy of Baldwin High School alumna Tasha Butts is now a major community gathering marked by energy, purpose, and unity. And this year, Baldwin did it LOUD . From the packed bleachers to the thundering applause with every buzzer-beater, the Classic felt every bit like an arena tribute fit for the woman who inspired it. Tasha’s strength, perseverance, and generosity continue to echo through Baldwin County, and this year’s tournament carried her spirit into every game, every handshake, and every community moment. A New Milestone: Baldwin’s First Live Radio Broadcast History was made courtside as Baldwin High School hosted its first-ever live radio broadcast through 89.3 Star FM , part of the Seacoast Radio Network . Student broadcasters called the evening games live, marking an exciting step forward for Baldwin’s growing Mass Communications and Sports Broadcasting initiatives. A Homecoming of Heart: Distinguished Alumnus Audra Smith Returns One of the most powerful moments of the event came with the return of Audra Smith, Baldwin High School Class of 1988, Baldwin Distinguished Alumnus, and the University of Auburn’s Director of Women’s Basketball Community Engagement. Smith travelled back to Milledgeville to help lead a mission close to her heart: supporting Atrium Health Navicent’s Tasha Butts Mobile Mammography Unit, which screened women on site throughout the tournament. This year marked the first time the unit was able to participate in the Classic, and Smith shared how meaningful it was to bring this service home. “We were able to screen over 15 women today, which is the typical number you can screen in a 5.5-hour period. We maxed out, which was fantastic. We had women who had never been screened before, some well over 40.”  Smith helped coordinate the effort alongside Coach Dexter Ricks, Coach Kizzy Walker, and a dedicated planning committee beginning early in the year. Together, they ensured that this event not only honored Tasha’s legacy, but also upheld the very values she lived by, advocating for women’s health, access, and education. “This is a tribute to Tasha and her legacy. Even in the midst of her battle and treatments, she was still concerned about other women receiving access to quality cancer healthcare.”   Smith spoke about how Tasha’s activism continues to change and save lives, particularly for women who face barriers such as time off work, insurance limitations, fear, and lack of access. A Full Day of Basketball and Community Spirit Seven schools competed in six action-packed games throughout the day, with Baldwin taking center stage in the evening matchups. In addition, the boys put up an impressive win over their Putnam rivals! The gym echoed with cheers, pride, and an unmistakable sense of purpose. Student broadcasters delivered Baldwin High’s first live radio sports coverage, and community partners came together to advance a mission far greater than the game itself. The Classic honored Tasha’s love for basketball, her commitment to service, and her unwavering belief in supporting others, even while fighting her own battle.

Midway Hills Academy had a very special visitor last week as the Honorable Floyd L. Griffin, Jr., former Mayor of Milledgeville, Georgia State Senator, U.S. Army Colonel, and lifelong public servant, returned to the school district he calls home to recognize our students’ outstanding achievement in cursive writing. MHA recently received the Georgia Department of Education’s John Hancock Award for Excellence in Cursive Instruction , a distinction given to schools whose students demonstrate exceptional proficiency and growth in reading and writing cursive. The award also acknowledges strong instructional practices and a districtwide commitment to preserving this essential literacy skill. When Mr. Griffin heard the news, he made it a point to come celebrate the students personally. “I read about it in the newspaper, and I also saw it on the Baldwin website,” he shared during his visit. “I was very impressed because I know how important it is for adults and everyone to be able to at least sign a name… I’ve seen so many professional people who cannot sign their name. They have to print it!” In a formal proclamation from the office from the Georgia House of Representatives, District 149, Griffin wrote: "WHEREAS, Midway Hills Academy leads a structured program that introduces cursive in third grade with letter and word formation, reinforces the skill in fourth grade with sentence and paragraph practice, and culminates in fifth grade with full written composition; and WHEREAS, this initiative has been embraced by students, who not only practice during class but also take pride in using their free time, including indoor recess, to improve their cursive writing and share it by writing names, addresses, and stories... NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Midway Hills Academy is congratulated upon receiving the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon for the 2024-2025 school year as well as extended best wishes for continued success." Honoring Students, Honoring Tradition Mr. Griffin visited a fourth-grade classroom, students who began cursive instruction in third grade and have continued building their skills. He watched students demonstrate their handwriting, read aloud the official resolution recognizing their achievement, and talk through what they’ve learned. He couldn’t have been more impressed. “Those young students seemed very excited about what they had done,” he said. “To see them get up and write, ask thoughtful questions, and then read the resolution without messing up any words… I was very much impressed.” For Mr. Griffin, the importance of cursive extends far beyond penmanship. It is about access to history, to identity, and to one’s own signature. “You should be able to write in cursive, but you also need to be able to read it,” he explained. “That’s very important, especially for historical documents like the Constitution and so many others. There are so many areas in life where you need to know how to do that.” A Vision for the Future With Midway Hills Academy leading the way, Mr. Griffin hopes this accomplishment will inspire a broader movement throughout Baldwin County Schools. “I hope it moves through the whole district,” he shared. “You’ve got to start in elementary school like they’re doing and move on up.” This award is part of our district’s literacy mission , ensuring students have strong foundations in reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks and the BCSD Teaching & Learning team have worked intentionally to reintroduce high-quality cursive instruction, aligning it with state standards while emphasizing its relevance in a digital age. Celebrating Excellence in Baldwin County We are grateful to the Honorable Floyd Griffin for taking time to honor our students and uplift their work. His visit reminded our school community that even in an age of touchscreens and keyboards, the written word — in our own handwriting — still matters. Congratulations to the students and staff of Midway Hills Academy for this outstanding accomplishment. You make Baldwin County proud.

Baldwin County School District (BCSD) is proud to announce that the Baldwin County Board of Education has been named a 2025 Exemplary School Board by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) the highest distinction awarded through GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program. This recognition places Baldwin County among an elite group of school districts across Georgia that model excellence in governance, strategic leadership, and student-centered decision-making. What the 2025 Exemplary School Board Award Means The GSBA Exemplary Board designation honors school boards that demonstrate: A commitment to continuous improvement Transparent leadership Strong collaboration with the superintendent Responsible stewardship of resources A focus on student achievement and equitable opportunities These standards ensure that governance teams are not only meeting expectations, but activ ely elevating public education within their communities. How Baldwin County Met the Exemplary Criteria To earn the highest tier of recognition, BCSD’s Board of Education met or exceeded GSBA’s comprehensive requirements in areas such as: Strategic Planning & Accreditation Standards Annual Superintendent Evaluation Board Evaluation & Governance Training Adherence to Ethics Policies Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability Measures These criteria are aligned with the Georgia State Board of Education’s standards for effective governance and reflect best practices used by high-performing school districts statewide. For a closer look at the full criteria, visit the GSBA Governance Team Recognition page. Leadership That Moves the District Forward Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks shared her appreciation for the Board’s continued dedication: “Our Board takes its responsibility to our students, staff, and families incredibly seriously. Earning this distinction requires unity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This recognition is a testament to the leadership that continues to move Baldwin County forward.” The Exemplary designation highlights the Board’s focus on ensuring that every decision big or small supports the district’s mission to provide high-quality learning environments for all students. About the GSBA Governance Team Recognition Program Established by Georgia superintendents and board members, GSBA’s recognition program was one of the first of its kind in the nation. The program includes three levels: Quality School Board Distinguished School Board Exemplary School Board   (highest level) These tiers encourage boards to set strategic goals, strengthen partnerships, and foster a culture that supports student learning. A Continued Commitment to Baldwin County Students BCSD congratulates our Board of Education members for this exceptional accomplishment and extends our gratitude for their service. Their leadership helps ensure that our students receive the educational opportunities, stability, and support they need to succeed. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to continuing our work together to build an even brighter future for Baldwin County.

The Baldwin County School District was proud to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talents, achievements, and commitment of our students and schools during the November Board Recognitions. Each month, this special portion of our Board meetings allows us to pause and honor the young leaders, scholars, and educators who embody what it means to Believe in Baldwin. November’s recognitions were filled with pride, applause, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Baldwin High School Musicians Earn District Honors The evening opened on a high note as we recognized five exceptional Baldwin High School band students for being selected to the District XI Honor Jazz Band. Congratulations to Presley Anderson, Tristen Ingram, Tayton Wright, Antonio Todd, and Epalahame Tonga Taylor for earning this prestigious distinction. Their dedication to their craft, hours of practice, and passion for music serve as a powerful example of what our students can achieve when talent meets opportunity. We are so proud of these young musicians and the directors who support them. Future Leaders Step Forward in Youth Leadership Baldwin Next, we celebrated a group of Baldwin High School students who have been chosen to serve in the 2025–2026 Youth Leadership Baldwin Program. This program selects emerging leaders from across the county and prepares them for meaningful civic engagement through mentorship, service projects, and hands-on learning. Our students continue to rise to the challenge, and their selection speaks volumes about their character, initiative, and commitment to their community. We cannot wait to see how they lead Baldwin into the future. Lakeview Academy’s Million-Word Readers Hit a Major Milestone One of the most exciting highlights of the evening was honoring two Lakeview Academy students who reached an extraordinary literacy achievement. Aaron Sherwood and Sadie Yates were celebrated for reading one million words so far this school year. This milestone reflects not only a love of reading but also perseverance, curiosity, and a genuine excitement for learning. Their accomplishment represents the heart of our districtwide Baldwin Reads initiative, which encourages students to discover the joy and power of reading every single day. Celebrating School-wide Achievements Across the District In addition to individual recognitions, we proudly honored several schools for exemplary performance and outstanding commitment to school culture. Midway Hills Primary earned this month’s Stop-the-Prop Award, recognizing their commitment to school safety procedures and consistent attention to keeping our campuses secure. Lakeview Academy celebrated another major achievement by earning the #1 ranking in student attendance, with an impressive 95.92% attendance rate. High attendance reflects a strong school community, positive classroom environments, and students who are excited to learn. Georgia College Early College (GCEC) was recognized for having the highest employee attendance rate, a reflection of the staff’s dedication to showing up for students every day and fostering a culture of reliability and excellence. Oak Hill Middle School Girls Cross Country Earns 1st Place The Board was thrilled to recognize the Oak Hill Middle School Girls Cross Country Team for being named 1st Place Champions. Their hard work, discipline, and teamwork paid off in a major way this season. This victory reflects not only athletic talent but the strong culture of perseverance and sportsmanship at Oak Hill. James Lassetter Named Administrator of the Year A proud moment for the district came with the recognition of James Lassetter, who was named the 2025–2026 GMEA Administrator of the Year by the Georgia Marketing Education Association. This award honors his outstanding leadership, commitment to student success, and continued advocacy for strong and innovative career pathways. We celebrate Mr. Lassetter for his dedication and the positive impact he makes across our schools. Believe in Baldwin. Recognizing National Family Engagement Month The Board also formally recognized November as National Family Engagement Month 2025, honoring the vital role families play in supporting learning, growth, and student success. We are grateful for our families who partner with us every day and help strengthen the bridge between home and school. Celebrating School Psychology Awareness Week We closed this portion of the meeting by acknowledging School Psychology Awareness Week, recognizing the essential contributions of our district’s school psychologists. Their work helps ensure that students receive academic, emotional, and behavioral support tailored to their individual needs. We appreciate their expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to student well-being. Honoring Our REACH Georgia Scholars One of the most inspiring recognitions of the evening celebrated this year’s Baldwin County REACH Georgia Scholars: Ja'Leah Coverson, Jayven Norman, Hayven Queen, Tymra Seals, and Jamie Trippel. REACH Georgia is the state’s first needs-based mentorship and college scholarship program. Its mission is to ensure that Georgia’s academically promising students receive the academic, social, and financial support necessary to graduate from high school, access college, and achieve postsecondary success. These scholars are shining examples of perseverance, academic promise, and commitment to their future goals. We are incredibly proud of them and honored to support their journey. Each of these recognitions tells a powerful story about the work happening across our district. From musicians and leaders to readers and committed educators, we are inspired daily by the achievements of our Baldwin family. Congratulations to all honorees, and thank you for continuing to make Baldwin County proud.

Special Blog Post by BCSD Federal Programs Specialist Shonya Mapp We are truly grateful for the tremendous support shown to the families of the Baldwin County School District. We would like to extend a special thank you to the Rotary Club of Milledgeville for their continued commitment and generosity. The Rotary Club of Milledgeville and the Baldwin County School District has been partnering together for many years to provide vital support to families and students by fostering strong relationships between homes, schools, and the community. The Rotary Club of Milledgeville is a diverse group of local leaders, professionals, and service-minded individuals whose mission is to make a positive impact within the community. Through mentoring, volunteerism, and ongoing support to our school district, this partnership has allowed us to strengthen our ability to serve students and families in need. Each year, the Rotary Club partners with the Baldwin County School District to ensure families are able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. This year alone, they provided over 75 meals to families in need. The donated Thanksgiving food boxes made it possible for many Baldwin County families to experience a warm and bountiful holiday. This collaboration truly highlights the power of local organizations and volunteers coming together to make a meaningful difference. Additionally, the Rotary Club of Milledgeville has supported the Baldwin County School District through many events to include the annual Back-to-School Bash. At this event, they distributed over 800 free books and provided free ice cream to students and families in attendance. This event is held in July prior to the start of the school year, which helps students begin the new school year with excitement, encouragement, and essential resources. We are deeply thankful for this strong partnership and the lasting impact of the Rotary Club of Milledgeville for their support that they continue to provide to our families that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families.