Special Blog Post by BCSD Athletic Director Dexter Ricks The 2026 GHSA Class AAA Track and Field Championships were held on May 14 at the brand-new, $60 million Spec Towns Track on the campus of University of Georgia. High school track and field athletes from across Georgia had the opportunity to compete at one of the premier facilities in the nation. The Baldwin High School track and field teams capped off another successful season with several outstanding performances and multiple podium finishes. The Braves claimed their first state championship in nine years, with the last boys state title coming in 2017. Baldwin's 4x200-meter relay team entered the state meet with the fastest time in Class AAA throughout the season and delivered when it mattered most, capturing the gold medal at the state championship. The championship relay team consisted of seniors Zkwon Dyous and Kielan Walker, along with juniors Jerrick Carswell and Epalahame Tonga-Taylor. The quartet set a new school record on their way to winning the 2026 GHSA Class AAA 4x200-meter relay state title. Three members of that championship relay team—Dyous, Walker, and Carswell—also helped Baldwin earn a state runner-up finish in the 4x100-meter relay. Alongside junior Justin Burton, the group set another school record while claiming second place in the state. The Braves' 4x400-meter relay team also earned a spot on the podium, finishing eighth in Class AAA. The team was composed of seniors Zkwon Dyous and Kielan Walker and juniors Chris Hodnett and Epalahame Tonga-Taylor. Dyous and Walker concluded their high school careers with three state medals each, tying former Baldwin standout Jatavious Harris, who won three gold medals at the 2017 state championships. Juniors Jerrick Carswell and Epalahame Tonga-Taylor each added two state medals to their growing résumés. The Bravettes also enjoyed success at the state championships, earning medals in two events. Senior Nakayla Lundy, juniors Zuri Grant and Aveecia Sherman, and freshman Khloe Anderson combined to finish fifth in the Class AAA 4x200-meter relay. Grant added a second medal to her state championship performance by placing seventh in the 100-meter hurdles. With a strong blend of returning talent and emerging young athletes, both the Braves and Bravettes are excited about the future of Baldwin High School track and field. Congratulations to all of the student-athletes and coaches on an outstanding 2026 season and for representing Baldwin High School with excellence at the state level. Photos courtesy of Evan Simmons.

Left to right: Gary Benslay, Dana Peterson, Ed Boyen, Seth Williford, Manzie Broxton, Dr. Gloria Wicker, Dr. Kristina Brooks, Dr. Rodney Tyson, Dexter Ricks, Brian Daniel, Joshua Fields Baldwin County School District officially broke ground on a new athletic complex at Oak Hill Middle School on June 2nd, marking an exciting milestone for student-athletes, families, and the Baldwin County community. The project represents another step forward in the district’s continued commitment to investing in spaces where students can grow, compete, lead, and take pride in being Baldwin Braves. Once complete, the new complex will provide a safer, more welcoming, and more functional environment for athletes, coaches, families, fans, students, and visitors. The new Oak Hill Middle School Athletic Complex will include a new press box, restroom, and concession facility, along with upgraded baseball and softball field infrastructure. The project also includes improved spectator seating and fan experience areas, new fencing and site enhancements, expanded parking, improved traffic flow, and stormwater management and erosion control upgrades. For Oak Hill Middle School, the new complex is about more than game-day improvements. It is about creating a space that reflects the talent, dedication, and promise of Baldwin County students. “This project represents our continued commitment to building a premier community of academics, arts, and athletics,” said Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks. “Our students deserve facilities that reflect their hard work, their talent, and the pride we have in them. The new Oak Hill Middle School Athletic Complex will not only support our student-athletes, but it will also create a better experience for families and community members who come together to celebrate and support our Braves.” Baldwin County School District is partnering with the Georgia based division of Performance Services as the project’s design-builder to lead the design and construction of the new complex. Performance Services has served the learning environment needs of K-12 schools since 1998 and specializes in high-performance buildings that support strong learning and working environments. The new complex is expected to enhance the overall game-day experience while also providing important infrastructure improvements that support the long-term safety, performance, and sustainability of the site. Construction is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2026.

Seventy-nine 4th grade Lakeview Academy students celebrated 2025–2026 meeting their on-grade level reading goals with an Atlanta Braves game sponsored by Fouts Bros. through the Baldwin Reads program. There are a lot of ways to celebrate a good book. Some celebrations involve a new bookmark. Some involve a quiet corner and one more chapter. For 79 Lakeview Academy 4th grade students who met their I-Ready on-grade level literacy goals during the 2025–2026 school year, the celebration included hot dogs, stadium seats, and a trip to see the Atlanta Braves. Just before the end of the school year, students who met the on-grade level literacy goals set at the beginning of the year were treated to a Braves game through Baldwin Reads, a literacy initiative sponsored by Fouts Bros., a local family owned commercial and emergency vehicle manufacturing company. Students earned the trip by showing growth from their beginning-of-year to end-of-year i-Ready assessments by reaching grade-level Lexile reading status on the nationally normed measure of reading performance as compared to fourth grade students nationwide. “This is what we mean when we talk about building a premier community of academics, arts, and athletics: creating opportunities that connect achievement with unforgettable experiences,” said Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks. “We are incredibly grateful to Fouts Bros. and Baldwin Reads for investing in our students and helping them see that reading opens doors, builds confidence, and can take them anywhere!" A Goal Worth Reading For “We wanted something that was going to be a really huge, fun incentive. Something students could look forward to all school year long,” said Kaycie Jacobs, Program Director for Baldwin Reads. “Small rewards and incentives throughout the year can be meaningful, but we wanted something that was going to be that long-term goal. We wanted them to know it was going to come down to those final reading results, and that it was going to take effort month after month, doing the quizzes, reading the books, putting in the effort, and falling in love with reading.” By the end of the year, 79 4th grade students had done exactly that. They read. They tested. They stuck with it and met and exceeded grade-level reading levels in 4th grade. And then they packed up for Atlanta. From “Do I Have To?” to “When Can I Pick My Next Book?” “The biggest improvement was seeing students go from, ‘Do I have to do this?’ to ‘When is the next time I can pick a book?’” Jacobs said. “By giving them a choice to choose a book every month, they found the characters, storylines, and topics they liked. They would ask when the next book distribution was, tell us they had already finished their book, and ask what was available next.” For many students, reading confidence grows one successful choice at a time. A student who finds the right book is more likely to read the next one. A student who finishes one story begins to imagine finishing another. A student who starts the year unsure may end the year asking for the next title. Weekly Support, Real Growth Lakeview Academy teacher Luein Reeves said the program gave students consistent exposure to reading and something positive to anticipate each week. “The Baldwin Reads program has helped increase our students’ interest by exposing them to reading week after week,” Reeves said. For Reeves, the impact was especially meaningful for one of his students who met the goal and earned the trip. “One of my academically at-risk students made it, and he did a tremendous job,” Reeves said. “He actually jumped grade levels. He went from a second-grade reading level to on grade level, so we’re super proud of him.” That growth is exactly why literacy partnerships matter. Behind every number is a student building skills, confidence, and belief in what they can accomplish. For Jacobs, that local business and school district partnership is essential to the program’s success. “We wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Fouts Bros.,” Jacobs said. “As we continue to expand, it is going to require more of that community approach local businesses helping with incentives, bringing people in for one-on-one mentorship and volunteering, and helping with the purchasing of books for home. It’s the only way we can exist.” And yes, the Braves game itself was also a hit. “They definitely enjoyed coming to Atlanta for the Braves game,” Reeves said. “They’re having a good time. The snacks, the hot dogs, the hamburgers, the drinks. The whole experience.” Because sometimes the reward for hard work should feel like a reward. And a day at the ballpark? That’ll do it.

Baldwin County School District is proud to celebrate Brenda Brown, media specialist at Lakeview Primary School, who has been named the 2026 Central Georgia Region Library Media Specialist of the Year by the Georgia Library Media Association. Brown was recognized during the GLMA Summer Institute, where library media specialists from across the state gathered to celebrate excellence, leadership, innovation, and service in school library media programs. This regional honor recognizes K-12 library media specialists who create dynamic, student-centered media programs; collaborate with teachers to support instruction; and help foster a love of reading, learning, technology, and discovery. Honorees are also celebrated for their leadership within their schools and throughout the broader library media community. At Lakeview Primary School, Brown’s work helps some of Baldwin County’s youngest learners build the foundation they need to become confident readers, curious thinkers, and lifelong learners. Her media center is more than a place for books. It is a welcoming space where students are encouraged to explore new ideas, strengthen literacy skills, and see themselves as part of a larger learning community. Each school system may select one library media specialist for this award. From those system-level honorees, one media specialist is chosen as the GLMA Regional Library Media Specialist of the Year. The Central Georgia region includes Baldwin, Hancock, Johnson, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson counties. Brown’s selection as the Central Georgia regional winner highlights not only her dedication to Lakeview Primary students and staff, but also Baldwin County School District’s continued commitment to literacy, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences for every student. Baldwin County School District congratulates Brenda Brown on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the care, creativity, and leadership she brings to Lakeview Primary School each day.

Baldwin County School District recently rolled out the red carpet for some of its most dedicated young readers, celebrating students who reached the incredible milestone of reading one million words or more during the school year. To honor their achievement, the district treated its “Millionaires” to a deluxe tour aboard one of two luxury limousines, carrying students through historic Downtown Milledgeville before arriving at Little Tokyo for a special celebratory lunch. Big Readers Get Big Rewards For Director of Curriculum Erica Ingram, the Million-Word Reader celebration connects directly to Baldwin County School District’s broader literacy work. “We wanted to promote reading and reward the students who took the challenge even further,” said Ingram. “When students start reading for leisure, they pick topics that interest them, and that makes them read even more and more, which helps them become extremely fluent readers.” Students were celebrated like true VIPs as they walked the red carpet, climbed into the limousines, and enjoyed a special ride through town. For many, it was their first time riding in a limousine, making the day even more memorable. After the tour, students arrived at Little Tokyo, where they enjoyed a hibachi lunch and watched as chefs prepared their meals with impressive utensil-tossing skills and tableside flair. Aaron Sherwood, the reader with the highest word count, got to lead the line on and off the limousine. Teaching a Love of Reading Among the top readers was fifth grader Aaron Sherwood, who read approximately 6.2 million words over the course of the year. His secret was simple: consistent reading and a little bit of competitive drive. “Since it started, I just wanted to win,” Aaron said. “I wanted to have the most words. It makes me feel proud of what I can do.” Aaron said he typically reads about an hour to an hour and a half each day, naming The Ranger’s Apprentice series among his favorites because the books are so intriguing that he “couldn’t stop reading them.” Third grader Aiden Greene, another top reader, said reading is already one of his favorite things to do. “My hobby is to read,” he said. He also shared that one of his favorite series is Diary of a Wimpy Kid because “it has a lot of comedy.” “Often, students just need support to get the motivation to excel. This is why we implemented the Million-Word Reader challenge,” said Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks, “It was so important for me to show our students that reading is not just something we do to pass a test. Seeing these young learners reach and exceed their goals has been so inspiring.” Through classroom instruction, independent reading, and special celebrations like this one, BCSD continues to encourage students to see themselves as capable, confident readers whose hard work deserves to be recognized.

Baldwin County School District recently celebrated a powerful full-circle moment for its Project SEARCH program, honoring the graduation of its current interns while officially welcoming the next cohort of students during a special signing ceremony at Baldwin High School on May 5th. The new interns, Derek McConnell, Joshua Nesbitt, Tiffany Page, and twins JaKayle Hector and JaKyle Hector were welcomed by the graduating interns. Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized workforce training program designed to help students with disabilities gain the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed for meaningful employment. In Baldwin County, the program is made possible through a partnership between Baldwin County School District and Atrium Health Navicent, and community partners committed to expanding opportunities for students beyond the classroom. Celebrating Baldwin’s Project SEARCH Graduates This year’s graduating Project SEARCH interns were recognized in a separate ceremony for completing a year of hands-on workplace training, employability instruction, and professional growth. Throughout the program, TaShawn Robinson, Haley Hester, Ellijah Patterson, and Heaven Armstrong participated in rotations at Atrium Health Navicent, where they gained experience in real business settings while developing important skills such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, professionalism, and customer service. “This celebration represents exactly what we mean when we talk about building Baldwin up into a premier community,” said Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks. “Baldwin County School District provides the only school in Baldwin for students with special needs, and Project SEARCH gives those students the opportunity to be seen for their abilities, their work ethic, and their potential. We are incredibly proud of these graduates and grateful to our partners who help make this life-changing program possible.” Signing the Next Project SEARCH Cohort During the same celebration, Baldwin County School District also welcomed the next group of Project SEARCH interns through an official signing ceremony. Much like signing days for athletics or college commitments, the event recognized each student’s commitment to taking the next step toward independence, career readiness, and future employment. Michelle O’Gorman, Director of the Program for Exceptional Children, said the success of Project SEARCH reflects the district’s continued commitment to expanding meaningful pathways for students with disabilities. “It is about confidence, independence, self-advocacy, and helping students discover what they are capable of accomplishing," said O'Gorman. The incoming interns will begin their Project SEARCH journey during the 2026–2027 school year, participating in classroom instruction and workplace rotations designed to help them explore career interests, build confidence, and prepare for life after high school. A Pathway Forward for PEC Students Project SEARCH reflects Baldwin County School District’s continued commitment to preparing every student for success. By connecting students with real workplace experience, mentorship, and community support, the program helps create a bridge between high school and meaningful adult opportunities. “These students are stepping into a program that will ask them to grow in new ways, but they will not do it alone,” said Project SEARCH Lead Instructor Jennifer Bryant. “Every day, we work on building confidence, workplace skills, communication, and professionalism. By the end of the year, our interns are not only better prepared for employment, but they also begin to see themselves differently. They see themselves as capable, valuable, and ready.” As Baldwin County celebrates its graduating interns and welcomes a new cohort, the message is clear: every student deserves a pathway forward, and every student deserves the chance to shine.

Baldwin County School District has been honored with the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Award from The NAMM Foundation, recognizing the district’s outstanding support of music education and its continued commitment to ensuring students have access to high-quality arts learning opportunities for the eleventh straight year. Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education program celebrates school districts and individual schools across the country that demonstrate exceptional dedication to music education. This recognition highlights communities that understand music as an essential part of a well-rounded education and work to make those opportunities available to students across grade levels. “Music education gives students opportunities to develop confidence, creativity, discipline, and connection," said Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks. "We are proud of our music educators, our students, our families, and our Board of Education for continuing to support the arts as an important part of the Baldwin County School District experience.” For Baldwin County School District, the recognition affirms a longstanding commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities in the arts. From early music instruction to middle and high school performances, music education continues to help students build skills that extend far beyond the classroom. The district is proud to celebrate this national recognition and remains committed to strengthening music education for all students as part of its broader mission to prepare graduates who are creative, confident, and ready for success.

A Tradition More Than 20 Years in the Making At Lakeview Academy, history does not just stay on the page. For more than 20 years, teacher Rhonda Crane has helped students step into the lives of historical figures, scientists, leaders, and changemakers through the school’s fourth grade Living Wax Museum. Crane said the project began when she was teaching kindergarten and has followed her ever since. “It’s my baby,” she said. “It’s something I’ve done every year, and I just get the teachers to join me and do it.” Over the years, The Living Wax Museum has become not only a gathering of historical figures, but a gathering of community as well. 4th Grade Teacher Rhonda Crane meets a longtime friend at the LVA Living Wax Museum Research, Writing, and a Little Bit of Magic The Living Wax Museum gives fourth grade students the chance to research a famous figure, read about their life, write a research paper, create a display, and dress as the person they studied. By the end of the project, students stand proudly beside their displays and present what they have learned to visitors. Crane describes it as a month-long project and “truly a work of art for these students.” What may begin as a research assignment grows into something much bigger: a chance for students to practice public speaking, build confidence, and see themselves as capable learners. Growing With the Students Over the years, the project has grown right along with Crane’s students. In its earliest days, kindergartners dressed as historical figures and shared a few simple facts. Now, as a project for the entire fourth grade hall, the Living Wax Museum includes deeper research, written work, memorized speeches, displays, costumes, and presentations. That growth is part of what makes the tradition so meaningful. Students are not just learning about history. They are learning how to organize information, speak clearly, work through nerves, and take pride in a finished project. Rising to the Occasion For Crane, the best part is watching students discover what they can do. “These children rise to every occasion,” she said. “No matter what their title, what their lives or where they’ve come from, whether they believe in themselves or not, they always rise to the occasion.” She said many students begin the process unsure of themselves, sometimes wondering if the project will be too hard. But by the end, they are eager, prepared, and proud to share what they have learned. As Crane put it, “Show them the fun. You can learn it.” Honoring the Teachers Who Came Before Crane is also quick to point out that the tradition did not begin with her alone. She credits the mentor teachers who shaped her, especially her former mentor teacher, Linda Santaroni, for helping inspire the project. “I always want to pay homage to the teachers before me,” Crane said. That spirit of passing something meaningful forward is part of what makes the Living Wax Museum feel so special. It is more than a classroom assignment. It is a Lakeview Academy tradition built on curiosity, confidence, and the kind of teaching that stays with students long after the costumes are packed away.

A Night for the Class of 2026 There’s something special about seeing a room full of seniors, families, educators, and community partners gathered for one reason: to celebrate what students have worked so hard to become. Last week, Baldwin High School honored the Class of 2026 during its Annual Senior Awards Banquet, recognizing students for academic achievement, leadership, service, career readiness, and the many quiet, steady efforts that brought them to this milestone. Scholarships Show the Power of Community One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was the presentation of scholarships, made possible by local businesses, civic groups, families, alumni, and community organizations who continue to invest in Baldwin students. Scholarships included the Mr. Michael Blom Mathematics Scholarship, Breaux & Associates Architects, Cornerstone for Success, Baldwin County Chapter Fort Valley State Alumnae, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Exchange Bank, Georgia College Nursing, GMC Baldwin County Graduate, Helen Littman, the Je’Mazin Teshan Roberts Scholarship, Lanoir Social and Civic Club, MidSouth Federal Credit Union, Planters EMC, REACH, Robins Federal Credit Union, the Sharon Driskell Education Fund, and the Cline O’Connor Florencourt Scholars. Celebrating Every Kind of Excellence Each scholarship represented more than financial assistance. It represented someone saying, We see you. We believe in you. We want to help you take the next step. For students preparing for college, career training, military service, or other postsecondary paths, that kind of support can make a lasting difference. Throughout the evening, Baldwin High School also recognized seniors for their accomplishments in academics, student leadership, career pathways, school organizations, and service. The program reflected the many ways students have grown during their time at Baldwin High School, not only through grades and awards, but through responsibility, perseverance, school spirit, and a commitment to finishing strong. A Proud Moment for Baldwin As graduation approaches, the Annual Senior Awards Banquet offered a meaningful reminder of what makes Baldwin special: students with bright futures, families who cheer them on, educators who pour into them, and a community that keeps showing up. Baldwin High School congratulates the Class of 2026 and thanks every scholarship sponsor, staff member, and community partner who helped make the evening possible. Full Photo Gallery:

Baldwin County School District was honored to have Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks invited to Georgia Military College to deliver a special Mother’s Day message celebrating mothers, families, students, and the power of community. Speaking to cadets, families, local leaders, and guests, Dr. Brooks reflected on the lessons she learned from her own mother, the importance of gathering around the table, and the role mothers play in shaping not only their children’s lives, but the culture of an entire community. “For me as a mother and as the superintendent of our schools, being together is important,” Dr. Brooks shared. Dr. Brooks encouraged young people to choose “connection over competition,” challenging students from different schools, backgrounds, and experiences to see one another not as rivals, but as partners in building a stronger future and helping to make Baldwin the premier community that we all know it can be. “If we really desire for Baldwin County to be a place where everyone thrives, it is going to take all of us working together and moving in the same direction,” she said. “Every time we teach our children to lead with compassion, to show kindness, and to work together, we are building a better Baldwin,” Dr. Brooks said. She was awarded afterward with a sabre as a gift of appreciation by the GMC community. Baldwin County School District is proud to celebrate Dr. Brooks’ leadership and grateful to Georgia Military College for inviting her to share such a meaningful message in honor of Mother’s Day.

At Baldwin High School, the Freshman Academy is creating meaningful opportunities for students to grow not just academically, but personally and socially as well. Recently, that mission came to life during a dynamic Women’s Empowerment Session held in the Fine Arts Theater, where students and community leaders came together for a morning rooted in connection, reflection, and real-world learning. Student Voice Takes Center Stage The session, organized in partnership with the BHS Student Council and co-sponsor Ms. Jataya Simmons, was intentionally designed to elevate student voice. The program featured three student-led skits that tackled relevant and sometimes challenging topics, including social media influence, self-respect, and personal presentation. These performances opened the door for honest conversations. Students explored real-life scenarios they encounter daily, setting the tone for deeper discussion and reflection. Real Conversations with Real Leaders Following the skits, a panel of accomplished local women leaders engaged directly with students in an open forum. Panelists included Camellia Hurt, Brittany Redden, Keeta Ingram, Ericka Trawick, Crystal Grable, Valencia Barksdale, Christalyn Lewis, KiQuonja Dixon, Linnesia Latimore, Morgan Harris-Please, Skye Gess, and Abby Wolf. Together, they offered thoughtful feedback, shared personal stories, and answered student questions with authenticity and care. Conversations centered around topics students identified as most important; self-care, personal decision-making, adolescent development, and navigating life’s challenges with confidence and purpose. Mentorship That Matters One of the most impactful aspects of the session was the opportunity for students to hear firsthand from women who have navigated many of the same challenges they now face. Panelists shared their career journeys, life lessons, and practical advice for success beyond high school, helping students see both the possibilities ahead of them and the pathways to get there. Moments like these remind students that success isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that resilience, confidence, and support systems play a critical role in shaping their future. Building Confidence Through Community Events like the Women’s Empowerment Session reflect a broader commitment within the Baldwin County School District to support the whole student. By fostering spaces where students feel seen, heard, and encouraged, Baldwin High continues to strengthen its culture of empowerment and belonging. School leaders expressed deep appreciation to the panelists for investing their time and voices into the lives of students. Their willingness to show up, speak honestly, and mentor the next generation made a lasting impression—one that will continue to resonate far beyond the walls of the Fine Arts Theater.

On April 23, 2026, Baldwin High School once again hosted its annual Golden Apple Awards in the Fine Arts Atrium, bringing together students, educators, and families for a meaningful morning centered on gratitude, recognition, and connection. Now in its fourth year, the Golden Apple Awards have become one of the most anticipated traditions within the Baldwin County School District, celebrating the powerful relationships that shape student success. A Tradition Rooted in Gratitude The Golden Apple Awards began in 2022 through the vision of the late Academic Coach Shelton Brown alongside then-Principal Jason Flanders. What started as a small, heartfelt gathering has grown into a defining event for Baldwin High School, one that continues to honor the legacy of recognizing educators who make a lasting difference. Under the leadership of Principal Markeeta Clayton, the ceremony has expanded to include the school’s honors seniors, while maintaining the personal, reflective spirit that makes the event so impactful. Students Honoring Those Who Shaped Them At the heart of the Golden Apple Awards is a simple but powerful tradition: each graduating honors student selects a teacher who has influenced their academic journey and personal growth. During the ceremony, students present their chosen educator with a Golden Apple trophy, often accompanied by heartfelt remarks that highlight moments of encouragement, guidance, and belief. These tributes serve as a reminder that the impact of great teaching extends far beyond the classroom. As reflected in this year’s program, the award celebrates educators who “inspire curiosity, nurture confidence, and make a lasting impact on the lives of their students” a mission that continues to define Baldwin High School’s culture. Continuing a Legacy of Excellence Events like the Golden Apple Awards are a shining example of the Baldwin County School District’s commitment to recognizing excellence and celebrating the people who make it possible every day.