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TCCHS Mathletes Compete at UGA Tournament
TCCHS Mathletes Compete at UGA Tournament
Melanie Davis

Eight Thomas County Central High School Mathletes recently showcased their skills at the UGA High School Math Tournament. The students had the opportunity to tour the University of Georgia campus and take part in a variety of challenging events, including ciphering, an individual written test, and team rounds.

  • Thomas County Central High School
TCCHS Theatre Shines at One Act Competition
TCCHS Theatre Shines at One Act Competition
Melanie Davis

The Theatre Department at Thomas County Central High School (TCCHS) is celebrating the recognition of three All-Star Cast members from their Wiley and the Hairy Man performance at the recent One Act competition. Connor Reagan, who portrayed “The Hairy Man,” Rachel Powell as “First Narrator/Chorus Member,” and Cody Arnold in the role of “Wiley” were singled out by judges for their exceptional performances among a field of talented participants. The department expressed immense pride in the students' hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements.

  • Thomas County Central High School
TCMS Student Wins First Place Overall in Georgia National Fair Essay Contest
TCMS Student Wins First Place Overall in Georgia National Fair Essay Contest
Melanie Davis

Simeon Sturrup, a sixth-grade student at Thomas County Middle School, won First Place in the prestigious Fair Bear Writing Contest, sponsored by the Georgia National Fair. Competing against sixth-grade students from across the state, Simeon’s essay based on the theme, "Fair Bear is a First Responder," earned him the title of the 2024 Fair Bear Champion Cub Reporter, recognizing him as the overall winner among all fourth through sixth graders in Georgia.

Sturrup was surprised to hear his name called not only as the 1st place winner in 6th grade, but also as the Grand Champion.

Sturrup said, “I was a little nervous on stage at the Fair during the contest when I read my story, but when they called my name as the Grand Champion Cub Writer, I was excited!”

Simeon represented Thomas County in the National Fair, held in Perry, Georgia, in October, where his essay competed with other state winners. The Fair Bear Writing Contest, which has been a beloved tradition since 1994, invites students to write a creative story inspired by "Fair Bear," a special American black bear that roamed near the Georgia National Fairgrounds in the 1980s and early 1990s.

The contest offers students an opportunity to develop their creative writing skills while learning about a significant part of Georgia's history. Simeon’s winning essay, which highlights the heroic work of first responders, has brought pride not only to his school but also to the entire Thomas County community.

"It's an excellent creative writing exercise that allows students to engage with a theme deeply rooted in local culture," said Rena Crew, Simeon's teacher, who also received recognition and a cash prize as part of Simeon’s victory. "We are all incredibly proud of Simeon for his hard work and success."

As part of his first-place finish, Simeon was awarded a cash prize, and Thomas County Middle School received additional funds in recognition of his accomplishment. The award ceremony took place at the Perry National Fairgrounds last week, where Simeon and his family celebrated his outstanding achievement.

The Fair Bear Writing Contest encourages young writers to explore the story of Fair Bear, a mysterious black bear whose sightings near the Fairgrounds captured the attention of residents for over a decade. From 1980 to 1993, Fair Bear was spotted near local roads and neighborhoods, even seen watching joggers and cars along I-75. This playful and inquisitive bear has since become the mascot of the Georgia National Fair and continues to inspire young writers statewide.

Seven TCCHS Band Students Selected for GMEA District 2 Jazz Ensemble
Seven TCCHS Band Students Selected for GMEA District 2 Jazz Ensemble
Melanie Davis

Seven talented Thomas County Central High School Band students were recently selected for the exclusive GMEA District 2 Jazz Ensemble after a highly competitive audition process, making up a significant portion of the 21 students chosen from across the district. These TCCHS students will rehearse and perform at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton on February 6 and 7th, 2025, representing the largest group from any single school in the ensemble.  

  • Thomas County Central High School
Latin Students Compete at FSU Certamen Event
Latin Students Compete at FSU Certamen Event
Melanie Davis

Two teams of Latin students from Thomas County Central High School recently demonstrated their knowledge of the ancient world at Florida State University, competing in certamen, a quiz bowl-style event covering a wide range of Greek and Roman topics, including mythology, history, language, and culture.

The fast-paced competition tested the students’ grasp of classical studies and offered a unique learning experience. Beyond the contest itself, students had the chance to explore the FSU campus, gaining a glimpse of college life and enjoying the vibrant university atmosphere.

The afternoon was both educational and memorable, combining rigorous academic competition with the excitement of discovering new opportunities in a collegiate environment.

  • Thomas County Central High School

 

Thomas County BEE Partners of the Semester Announced

Thomas County Schools recently announced their BEE (Business and Education Exchange) Partners of the Semester for the first half of the school year. Each Thomas County school selects a BEE partner that has worked in some outstanding way with the students and/or staff to make a positive impact for the school.

Melanie Davis, Thomas County Schools Public Relations Director, works with the schools to recognize these valuable partners.

“We are fortunate that so many local businesses and industries have partnered with Thomas County Schools to help make a difference for our students and staff,” Davis said. “Because of these outstanding partnerships, we’re able to do things and provide services that otherwise would not be possible. I’m not only referring to monetary donations either, even though they are a tremendous help to us. I’m also talking about volunteers and the sharing of all kinds of resources.”

1915 South (Ashley Furniture) was selected as Partner of the Semester for Thomas County Middle School. According to TCMS Principal Clay Stanaland, 1915 South was eager to help with the renovation of the teacher’s lounge in the front office.

“When we asked about help with renovating our teacher’s lounge, 1915 South was on board and donated an entire room of furniture,” Stanaland said. “This has provided our teachers and staff a place to come and enjoy at the beginning of the day or during their lunch and have an area to call their own. Their willingness to go above and beyond to create a comfortable and welcoming place for our teachers and staff deserves special recognition.”

Another Partner of the Quarter was Thomasville Toyota. Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School Principal Robin Binion nominated the company for donating $500 to the Wee Bee Booster Christmas Give-A-Way fundraiser.

Binion said, “This generous donation from Thomasville Toyota was a wonderful addition to our fundraiser which helps grow and rejuvenate our school’s booster club that supports students, teachers and the school. The donation allowed for the ‘Shopping Spree’ basket which became one of our best-selling baskets.”

According to Davis, other Partners of the Quarter included Dairy Queen, selected by Hand-In-Hand Primary School; Sea Gate Printing, selected by Cross Creek Elementary; and Southern Regional Technical College Veterinary Program, selected by Thomas County Central High School.

Davis added, “Our business partners do so much for us, and we are grateful for all the help we receive. We are always looking for ways to expand our BEE partnerships even more. We welcome ideas and suggestions, and we encourage any business or agency interested in becoming a part of our BEE initiative to contact us.”

For more information on the Thomas County Schools’ BEE initiative, contact Davis at 229-225-4380, ext. 115.