Best in class

By Angela Tuck

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Drama students at Cherokee County's Sequoyah High School  placed second at the Region AAAA One Act Play Competition for their one-act version of “All My Sons” by Arthur Miller. Benjamin Fierke was named best actor, and Nich Stinson was selected for the All Star cast. The school's drama/theater program,  under the direction of Gerald Parker, has placed in the top three schools at the region One Act Play competition for 21 straight years.

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Morehouse School of Medicine first year student Jeffery Eugene is a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Eugene is a 2011 graduate of Hampton University in Virginia. He was the school's valedictorian and Student Government Association President. The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and best-known awards for international study, giving scholars an opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in England.

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Three students at West Forsyth High School have created an original documentary and painting to build understanding of autism. “Are You Aware?” a film written and directed by Kaden Ochocki and Trevor White, both seniors, had its world premiere last month at the ReelAbilities ALT Disabilities Film Festival last month. Junior Willow Richison created “The Autistic Mind” painting with help from autistic students who painted their favorite colors and shapes in the background.  The film students' work was done under the direction of broadcast instructor John White.  “Are You Aware?” promotes awareness for “typical” students who encounter students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in school. “Are You Aware?” was created as a fundraiser for West Forsyth High School, promoting the sale of wristbands and posters. The profits will be used to purchase sensory equipment for students with autism.

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Natalia Icen, a seventh grader at Daniell Middle School in Cobb, is spending this week in Washington D.C. at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC).  She is among 250 students nationally selected for the program.  The JrNYLC offers gives high-achieving middle school students a chance to study leaders of the past, social advocacy and leadership characteristics.  Natalia is an Honor Roll student, and is a member of the Yearbook Committee and Community Service Club.