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Leadership opportunities can open doors, shape confidence, and leave a lasting impact—something the Thomas County Central High School Class of 2026 has demonstrated in record-setting fashion. Over the course of their four years, three students from the class have served as state-level officers in prominent student leadership organizations, a milestone believed to be the most in the school’s history.

Andre Williams, Johnny Bradshaw, and Caroline Westberg have each represented TCCHS, their community, and rural Georgia on a statewide stage, using their voices to lead, inspire, and advocate for their peers.

For Andre Williams, leadership came early. As a sophomore, Williams made history when he was elected the 80th Lieutenant Governor of the Georgia Civics & Engagement Program, becoming the first student ever elected to the role at that grade level.

“Serving as Georgia’s State Lt. Governor was truly an honor and a responsibility I did not take lightly,” Williams said. “When my advisors encouraged me to run, I was grateful for their belief in me, and I stepped into the role determined to represent my school and community with pride.”

In his role, Williams presided over the program’s senate, maintained order during debates, and ensured meetings ran efficiently. While the responsibilities were significant, Williams said the heart of the position went far beyond the title.

“What matters most to me is the impact behind the title,” he said. “I want students to see that leadership is about courage, service, and being willing to step forward when change is needed.”

Johnny Bradshaw, also a member of the Class of 2026, currently serves as State President of the Georgia Civics & Engagement Program for the 2025–2026 term. Through the position, Bradshaw has represented TCCHS at events across the state while helping lead planning and motivation efforts for hundreds of students.

“It is a great honor to be given this opportunity,” Bradshaw said. “Being a state officer has been a great teacher for me as I now have a better grasp of how to lead and take responsibility.”

Bradshaw is currently helping prepare for the program’s annual EXPO, where he will assist with running the statewide GUNA assembly, a key component of the event.

Caroline Westberg is also making school history as the Georgia FBLA State Reporter, becoming the first Thomas County Central student to hold a state officer position within the organization. For Westberg, the role has been both personally and professionally transformative.

“Being a Georgia FBLA State Officer is definitely a milestone within my leadership journey,” Westberg said. “Representing my school and members across Georgia, I have strengthened my professional identity, leadership, and have become a better version of myself.”

Williams said his experience as a state officer has been shaped by his background in a rural school system, where access to statewide opportunities can sometimes be limited.

“Coming from a rural Georgia school system has shaped my experience in a powerful way,” he said. “As the first student from my school and the first in my grade to serve in a state role, I had to learn a lot on my own. Representation from rural areas can sometimes feel limited, but the support from my local chapter made all the difference.”

He added that representing rural students across Georgia has been one of the most meaningful aspects of his service.
 

Register NOW for Pre-K or Kindergarten!

STEP 1: Use the link below to register your child for Pre-K or Kindergarten. If you need assistance, please call Hand-In-Hand at 229-225-3908.
https://campus.thomas.k12.ga.us/campus/OLRLogin/thomas?configGroupID=8

STEP 2: After you register, use the link below to schedule a screener appointment.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAFAC2BA3F94-61139997-copy

The Thomas County Board of Education ushered in the new year by electing its leadership for the upcoming term during its first meeting of the calendar year last Tuesday night. Following the invocation, outgoing chair Ed Hopper officially declared the positions of chair and vice chair vacant and opened the floor for nominations.

Board member Chris Hayes moved to elect Leah Smith as chair and Dan Stewart as vice chair. The motion was seconded by Ken Harper and, with no further nominations brought forward, Smith and Stewart were elected by a unanimous vote.

Smith, the representative for District 5, has served on the board since 2018. This appointment marks her second tenure as chair. Outside of her service to the school system, Smith is a registered nurse at the Thomasville Eye Center. She and her husband, Ben, have two children who have both benefited from the opportunities provided by the Thomas County School System.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue representing Thomas County’s students, parents, and taxpayers with my re-election,” Smith said. “As the chair, I’m excited for all of the wonderful things this year holds for our school system. Working alongside Dr. Williams, vice chair Dan Stewart, the other board members, and our staff to channel your voices, I look forward to witnessing Thomas County’s successes.”

Vice Chair Dan Stewart brings over nine years of experience to his leadership role on the board. A retired building maintenance supervisor from the Southwestern State campus with 30 years of service, Stewart is also a long-time partner in a family cattle and farming operation. He and his wife, Sheri, reside on their family farm outside of Ochlocknee.

Stewart said, “I appreciate the confidence of the board and the opportunity to serve as vice chair. I am proud of the accomplishments of Thomas County Schools and the meaningful work taking place across our classrooms, programs, and campuses. I look forward to working closely with Mrs. Smith, the rest of the board members, and Dr. Lisa Williams for a successful year.”