Columbia County Newsmakers
UGA merit award
Adrienne Popplewell, a rising Augusta Christian senior, was awarded the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit for superior scholastic endeavors, as well as the Augusta State University certificate of Academic Achievement for outstanding academic performance. Presbyterian College named Popplewell a 2003 Junior Fellow and awarded her the Junior Academic Achievement Award. She was also named a 2003 Wofford College Scholar. In addition, Popplewell received President Bush's 2003 Education Award. Popplewell is the daughter of Mike and Christie Popplewell of Appling.
Augusta State Dean's List
Allison Popplewell of Appling, was recently named to the Dean's List at Augusta State University for the Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 semesters. Popplewell, the daughter of Mike and Christie Popplewell of Appling, was a 2001 graduate of Augusta Christian Schools.
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Fort Knox grad
Army Pvt. Michael K. Hardee has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Knox, Ky.
During the nine-week training, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship and bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.
Hardee is the son of Michael L. Hardee of Grovetown, and Kelly M. Hardee of Jacksonville, Fla.
Fort Jackson grad
Army Pfc. Lynda R. Sells has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
Sells is the daughter of Charles and Janet Hockinson of Evans.
Augusta retiree swims to gold
Jim LeBoff, 64, earned his third Georgia Games gold medal in the 2003 Georgia Games Championships at Mountain View Aquatic Center in Marietta, Ga., July 20. He won the Men's 60-64 50-meter fee-style swim.
LeBoff, a native of Schweinfurt, Germany, served in the 82nd Airborne Division and retired from Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. as a fountain sales manager in May 2001 after 39 years. After retirement, LeBoff took up his old hobby - swimming.
In the 2002 Georgia Games, LeBoff earned two gold medals - in the 50-meter fee-style and 50-meter breast stroke. He trains at the Augusta Aquatic Center four times a week and plans to compete in the 2004 games.
Locals makes Dean's List
Vandna Jerath and Kenneth Norman Kay, both of Martinez, were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2003 semester at The Johns Hopkins University. To be selected for this honor, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Jerath is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ravinder Jerath and attended Augusta Preparatory School. She is majoring in neuroscience, and is expected to graduate in May 2005.
Kay is the son of Ken and Nora Kay and attended Lakeside High School. He is majoring in arts and sciences pre-major, is expected to graduate in May 2006.
Dean's List
Shannon Lee Bartles, a 2001 Greenbrier High School graduate, was named to the Dean's List for Spring Quarter at Georgia Military College.
Shannon is the daughter of Stan and Denise Bartles of Appling.
GC&SU Dean's List
Heather Young of Martinez was named to the Georgia College and State University Dean's List for summer semester.
To be selected for Dean's List, a student must earn a minimum 3.2 grade-point average on 12 or more hours of work attempted for the quarter, and have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average.
Limestone Dean's List
Three Columbia County residents were named to the Dean's List for the 2003 spring semester at Limestone College, Gaffney, S.C.
Raymond Hollis Smith of Appling, Judy Childers Ramsey of Martinez, and Patricia D. Rinker of Martinez each earned a grade-point average of 4.0.
SCAD seminar
Eric Robinson of Grovetown attended the Savannah College of Art and Design Summer Seminar. The seminar is a one-week program designed for rising 10th-12th grade high school students, in which they take introductory art classes taught by SCAD professors. Robinson is a student at Evans High School.
SCAD forum
Lakeside High School art teacher Emily Shipe attended the Savannah College of Art and Design's Art Educators Forum this summer. The week-long forum offered 40 workshops taught by SCAD professors in such subjects as portrait painting, introduction to Adobe Photoshop and antiques.
Chik-fil-A awards
Three Columbia County students are among local Chik-fil-A employees receiving $1,000 Chik-fil-A Leadership Scholarships. The program recognizes restaurant employees who excel in leadership, academics and community involvement.
Scholarship winners include Jeremy Ownby of Evans, a 2000 graduate of Greenbrier High School; and Martinez residents Alex Doty and Neil Howerton, 2002 graduates of Evans High School. All three attend Augusta State University.
Tech honors
Christopher Lee Golden of Martinez earned Faculty Honors for the summer semester 2003 at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Golden earned the honor for maintaining a 4.0 academic average for the semester.
GSW honors
Tameka E. Rolle of Martinez was named to the summer Academic Achievement List at Georgia Southwestern State University. To be named to the list, students must earn an average of 3.5 or higher.
Baylor graduate
Mark Doughton Swofford of Evans received a masters degree in health administration in summer commencement exercises at Baylor University, Waco, Texas.
UGA honors
Lesley Graybeal, a 2003 graduate of Greenbrier High School, is one of 21 students receiving a Foundation Fellowship at the University of Georgia. The award, which provides an annual stipend of $8,000 and a tuition waiver, includes grants for travel-study and academic conferences and research, along with other enrichment opportunities. Foundation Fellows have an average SAT of 1511 and an average GPA of 4.09.
Graybeal is the daughter of Michael and Sheila Graybeal of Evans.
UGA honor lists
The University of Georgia has announced the names of undergraduate students named as Presidential Scholars or to the Dean's List for summer semester.
Presidential Scholars earned a 4.0; Dean's List students attained at least a 3.5 average.
Named as Presidential Scholars are Kenneth Duncan Adcox II of Appling; Kristen Sue Causey, Marie Danielle Dabbs, Breonne Trowbridge Dedecker, William Reeves Hewlett, Kailiya Lisa Mundo, Andrea Lauren Sims, Chad Alan Thornhill, Charles Eric Wooten, Sarah Keara McMillan and Rachel Sara Lorenzen, all of Martinez; Courtney LaDonna Grant, Kathrine Marie Howard, Jennifer Denise Conley and Daniel Stephen Adams, all of Grovetown; Bryan Lee Reese and Frances Elizabeth Gay, both of Harlem; and Rebecca Ann McNorrill, Sara N. Byrd, Mathew James Duncan, Adam Zachary Goldberg, Thomas Hardy Morris, Ashley Elaine Neary, Ryan Edward Pierson, Amanda Michelle Prior, Veena S. Thomas, Vijaya Mary Thomas, Avni J. Amin, Scott Alan Villemain and Jessica Beverly Mackay of Martinez.
Named to the Dean's List are Florettee Danyll Ceniza, Christopher Kendall Gleason, Sue Hee Hong, Niju Joeseph Philip, John O'Connor Radeck Jr., Brantley Philip Senn, Edward Patrick Stapleton, Anita Batra, Amy Elizabeth Defer, Amol M. Deshpande, Brian Christian Saccone, Lindsay Catherine McGraw and David Daniel Pope, all of Evans; Valerie Geniene Jones of Harlem; and Sarah Ashley Brooks, Robert Alvin Hancock II, Jessica Lee Cunico, Brenton Carter Lake, Gina Magharious, Gehres Megan Paschal, William Matthew Verdecchia, Irish Ryan Neville, John Joseph O'Grady and Amy Michelle Price, all of Evans.
USC Dean's List
The University of South Carolina's School of Music has notified Steven Smolley that he has been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 semesters. Steven is a former home-school student and will be a sophomore at USC, Columbia, this fall. His major is Organ Performance. He is the son of Andrew & Patricia Smolley of Harlem.
Evans native graduates from Tech
David Adkinson, a 1999 Evans High School graduate, graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with high honors with major in molecular biology and a minor in music. Adkinson, son of Larry and Kathy Adkinson, will be attending the Medical College of Georgia in the fall.
Brooks graduates from MCG
Jana Caroline Brooks, daughter of Nan and Carl Brooks, graduated magna cum laude from the Medical College of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in radiological sciences. She will begin working with Byars, Goldsmith, Waxman and Bridges in Augusta.
County has three Berry grads
Three Columbia County natives graduated from berry College, Mount Berry, Ga., during spring commencement ceremonies May 3.
Jessica Sarah Wilson, of Evans, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in animal science. Erin Nicole Murray and Natalie Elise Wolbert are both of Martinez and earned Bachelor of Science degrees in early childhood education.
Berry College also inducted two area students into the newest chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, an academic honors organization. Inductees were Jessica Karen Smith, a senior international studies major and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Smith of Augusta, and Natalie Elise Wolbert, a senior early childhood education major and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Wolbert.
Lakeside grad awarded scholarship
Kristin Jane D'Antignac, a Lakeside High School honor graduate, was selected to receive an annual scholarship awarded by the Guild of Doctors Hospital to the outstanding area high school senior entering the field of nursing. For her senior project, Kristin chose to work in the neonatal nursing field in cooperation with a local hospital and physician.
Kristin, daughter of Kathy D'Antignac and the late Bobby D'Antignac, will be attending Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.
Model UN team wins twice
Two Columbia County natives helped earned the Berry College Model United Nations club two awards for its portrayal of Canada at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York.
Marie Jung, a junior government major and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Jung of Harlem, and Ronald Ogden, a junior computer science major and son of Lucy Anton of Toledo, Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Ogden of Evans, were part of the team that won the Outstanding Paper Award for their research on and written presentation of Canada's foreign policy and a Distinguished Delegation Award for their performance.
James getting taste of teaching
Jeanette James, of Evans, is one of 52 students at Lander University, Greenwood, S.C., serving as student teachers through the university's student teaching program, which is required for all students working toward South Carolina teacher certification. James is serving the 12-week program teaching art under Sharon Havird at Gilbert High School.
Augusta Christian places in literary meet
Four Augusta Christian Schools students recently participated in the GISA AAA Literary Meet. Winners are: Crystal Kimm, first place region and second place state in piano; Shawn Bohanan, second place region and fourth state in boy's solo; Jean Lopez, second place region in argumentative essay; and Erin Wilkerson, second place region and fourth place state in girl's solo. Augusta Christian placed third overall in the 4AAAA Region Meet.
AC students place at art festival
Two Augusta Christian Schools students recently participated in the Association of Christian Schools International Art Festival, where both won Best in Show. MacKenzie Mullins received a Superior ribbon and Best in Show for sculpture and Sarah Son earned a Superior ribbon and Best in Show for watercolors.
AC students place in Math Olympics
Augusta Christian School students recently competed in the Association of Christian Schools International Grades 3-8 Math Olympics.
Winners are: Rachel Scaffe, first place in third grade computation; Michael Clifton, third place in third grade reasoning; Scott berry, first place in fifth grade computation; Andy House, third place in eighth grade reasoning; Melany Lopez, first place in sixth grade computation; Krisha Patel, fifth place in fourth grade reasoning and Helen Cave, second place in seventh grade reasoning.
AC students place at spelling bee
Augusta Christian Schools recent;y competed in the Association of Christian Schools International Spelling Bee for grades 1-8.
Final overall winners in the grade 5-8 spelling bee were Brant Herzwurm, second place; Timothy Vliet, third place; and Abbey Ferrell, fourth place. Winners are: Brant Herzwurm, second place in fifth grade; Abbey Ferrell, second place in sixth grade; Chelsea Petty, first place in sixth grade; Scott Berry, third place in fifth grade; Leah Brown, first place in fifth grade; Helen Cave, fourth place in seventh grade; Timothy Van Vliet, first place in eighth grade; John Perry, second place in eighth grade; and Matt Porter, third place in eighth grade.
Winners of the grade 1-4 spelling bee are: Katie O'Reilly, third place in first grade; Spencer King, second place in first grade; Savannah Carroll, fourth place in first grade; Anneliese Leahy, first place in first grade; Garrett Sisson, second place in third grade; Rachel Scaffe, third place in third grade; Stephanie Cipollone, first place in fourth grade; Karsyn Kendrick, fourth place in fourth grade; Allie Lehi, third place in fourth grade; and Matt Herzwurm, first place in second grade.
Evans grad makes ASU Dean's List
Jason Crouse of Martinez was recently named to the Dean's List at Augusta State University for the spring 2003 semester. Crouse, a 2001 Evans High School graduate, is the son of Tom and Joni Crouse of Martinez.
Local student selected for SOAR team
Tony Rouse of Martinez was selected as a member of Southern's Orientation Advisement Registration (SOAR) team at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Rouse is one of 23 students who go through weeks of training to welcome new students and parents to the school, inform them about campus life, lead group discussions between new freshmen, perform an hour-long skit written by the team and assist in academic advisement, class scheduling and registration for fall semester.
Rouse, an Evans High School graduate, is the son of Lewis and Gwen Rouse.
Cub Scout earns God and Country award
Kieran Edmonds, son of Eliot and Kim Edmonds of Martinez, was recently presented the God and Country award by Mike Klaus, pastor of Columbia County Christian Church. Kieran is a member of Cub Scout Pack 2 of Martinez.
GSU student earns leadership award
Tony Rouse of Martinez was one of nine Georgia Southern University students to receive the Southern Talon Award at the university's annual Student Leadership Awards and Recognition Banquet recently. The award is presented to students who, through behind-the-scenes involvement with student life, have exemplified a commitment to enhancing student life.
Rouse, son of Lewis and Gwendolyn Rouse of Martinez, is a junior biology major.
Evans grad graduates from Georgia Tech
Andrew Scukanec, son of Dan and Kathy Scukanec, recently graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with highest honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Scukanec, a 2000 Evans High School graduate, was a member of the Georgia Tech marching band, a teaching assistant in the Computer Science department and an officer in the Delta Epsilon Phi fraternity.
Scukanec plans to study for his Doctorate degree in computer science at Cornell University, where he was granted a full scholarship.
Scholarship
Rachel M. Aderholt of North Augusta recently accepted the Sam Walton Community Scholarship. Rachel plans to attend Salem College and major in English/ Writing/ Education.
Wake Forest Dean's List
Levi Anderson Pollard of Appling made the Wake Forest University Dean's List for Spring Semester. The Dean's List requires a minimum of a 3.0 grade-point average.
Scholarship
Kane Duran Bonnette, a 2003 Evans High School graduate, has earned a National Merit Scholarship to attend Georgia Tech in the fall. He was a member of the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble II, Chess and Science clubs, Math Team, Greater Augusta Youth Orchestra, Venture Crew 2 and the Augusta Fencers Club.
Kane is involved in the Eagle Scouts where he is the Lodge Chief of the Bob White Lodge Order of the Arrow and an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 2.
SIU Dean's List
The following area students have been named to Southern Illinois University Dean's List along with more than 3,000 other students: Letricia Jean Calhoun of Evans; Charles Oliver Dillard, Jr. of Evans; Angela Wilson Rainier of Evans; Rebecca Kaye White of Evans; Pogiressa D. Hargitt-Scott of Grovetown; Richard Eric Wheeler of Grovetown; Benjamin F. Wright of Grovetown; James Daniel Blackman of Martinez; Bruce Joseph Nixon of Martinez; Christopher Travis Rowe of Martinez; John C. Schipper of Martinez; Ronald K. Sonsteng of Martinez.
These students make up the top 15 percent of the undergraduate body and have met the minimum standards of a grade-point average between 3.25 to 3.75.
Marquette University Dean's List
Emily G. Ballweg of Martinez has recently been named to Marquette University Dean's List for the spring semester.
Martinez native graduates
Agnes Scott College Graduate Tayyeba Ahmad of Martinez earned her Bachelor of Arts degree Magna Cum Laude in English Literature-Creative Writing. She was among 184 students awarded bachelor's degrees and is a graduate of Lakeside High School.
Local resident named ambassador
Sarah Holloway of Evans and a University of South Carolina student has been named a USC Visitor Center student ambassador. Holloway, a sophomore business major, is a member of the Newman club, Gamma Beta Phi and Habitat for Humanity.
The ambassadors are responsible for guiding prospective students on campus tours, operating the center's information desk, fielding visitors' questions about the university and hosting the center's special events.
Native graduates from VSU
Jennifer Lynn Hodges of Martinez is a spring 2003 graduate of Valdosta State University. She earned a Master of Education-Special Education.
Wofford College Dean's List
Allison Paige Cook, a graduate of Augusta Christian Schools, has been placed on the Dean's List of Wofford College for the spring semester. She is double majoring in Government and History and is the daughter of Tim and Kathy Cook of Appling.
Scholarship winners
The following students were awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Merchants Association of Columbia County: Harold Cochran, Harlem High School; Shalia Bussey, Greenbrier High School; Nellie Rovansek, Lakeside High School; Lindsay McCleskey, Evans High School.
Three $2,000 scholarships were awarded to the following students. Lisa Fern, Evans High School; Zachary Zapata, Greenbrier High School; Haley Neal, Harlem High School.
The Merchants Association of Columbia County is involved with charities including Make a Wish Foundation, Scholarships program with all Columbia County high schools, the Children's Miracle Network, Camp Rainbow, and many more.
Augusta Tech Dean's List
Nearly 50 students attending the Thomson/McDuffie County Campus of Augusta Technical College have been named to the Dean's List for Spring Quarter. The following students are enrolled in an Associate Degree.
Accounting: Jo Bryant, Donna Bussell. Microcomputer Specialist: Joyce Stevens. Criminal Justice: Phillip Carnell, Rejoice Johnson, Kevin Hill.
The following students are enrolled in a Diploma Program. Accounting: Brenda Dawson, Amber Lewis, Brigitte Pilgrim. Business and Office Technology: Melissa Crook, Lisa Pate, Katrina Roberts. Environmental Horticulture: William Matthews, Michael Milburn, Lynn Pledger, Julian Walker. Microcomputer Specialist: Rodricus Sturgis. Paramedic Technology: Teddy Collingsworth, Jeffery Guerrero, Leonard Herndon, Tony Jordan, Jeffery King, John Phillips, Donna Reynolds, Harold Tanner, James Sewell, Lawrence Bruce. Mechanical Control Systems: Warner Murphy. Criminal Justice: Bernita Bell, Derrick Davis, Kimberly Usry, Terri Casteel, JoAnn Wilson, Peggy Kea, Christopher Adkins, William Gantt, Shawana Hannah, Jeanette Lowe, Robert M. Moon, Tiffany Neal, Tammie Smith, Christopher Stowe. Medical Assisting: Lokey Rabun. Practical Nursing: Tonya Adams. Air Conditioning Technology: Robert A. Moon, Louie Chalker, Melvin Childers, Robert Shelton.
These students compiled a quarterly GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Vanderbilt Dean's List
Jennifer Lynn Schwartz of Martinez has been named to Vanderbilt University Dean's List for Spring Semester. She is enrolled in Arts and Science and is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Paul B. Schwartz.
To qualify for the Arts and Science Dean's List, students must receive a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.
National award winner
Matt Kincaid of Roswell has been named a United States National Award Winner in Arts. This award recognizes fewer than 10% of American high school students. Matt attends The Cottage School where he was nominated by Mary Jo Manus, an art teacher at the school. Matt is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Kincaid of Roswell, the grandson of Glenna Kincaid of Tifton and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Ward of Martinez.
The Red and Black staff
Elizabeth Young, a 2000 graduate of Greenbrier High School, has been selected to the staff of The Red and Black, the official newspaper for the University of Georgia. She is a rising senior at UGA majoring in Consumer Journalism.
Elizabeth is a member of the Alpha Zeta Academic Honorary Society, College of Agriculture and the daughter of Tonney and Michel Young of Evans.