VOLUME 20 NUMBER 1 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM APRIL 4, 2015 FREESERVING DEKALB • FULTON • GWINNETT • HENRY • ROCKDALE

Conyers Student wins oratorical contest

Community Spring Festival onPonce

Eight womenhonored at Herstory Awards

PeopleComing Up

Covington Highway labor center

permanently closes By Valerie J. Morgan

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has permanently closed its DeKalb Career Center at 3879 Covington Highway in Decatur,

officials said this week. The decision to permanently close the center

follows a Feb. 28 car crash, which left damage to the building, said Sam Hall, GDOL director of communications. Authorities said a car ran off the road, flipped and crashed into a wall on the side of the building. No one was inside the Career Center, authorities said. A witness said the driver had been taken to the hospital before firefighters arrived on the scene. About eight businesses in the Pendley Hills Shopping Center where the GDOL is located were evacuated due to a gas leak caused by the crash.

“We were leasing that building. There have been no repairs since the damage. It is totally unacceptable for us to try to provide services and work in a building that

A big, red ribbon for Forrest Hills seniors apartmenets By Joshua Smith

What stood for years as a run-down haven for drug dealers on

Columbia Drive now is the site of a state-of-the-art apartment complex for seniors.

DeKalb County officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the $12.5 million Columbia Senior Residences at Forrest Hills on April 1. The 90,000-square-foot complex, located on five acres near Forrest Boulevard and Columbia Drive, houses 80 units and a community garden. Twenty of the units are reserved as affordable housing for seniors under the DeKalb Housing Authority and available to seniors on a sliding scale basis, depending on their income. But officials say they expect the complex to fill quickly, based on the more than 150 people who are already on the waiting list.

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May, who was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, said the new development is needed in a county of 700,000, where the senior population is growing.

“Over a quarter of our population in DeKalb are seniors. That’s tremendous. We know that by the year 2040, that number may triple in the metro region,” Lee said. “We have to make

sure we have affordable housing developments such as this one that our seniors, our crowned jewels, can take advantage of.”

DeKalb has the second-largest senior population in Georgia with about 62,228 seniors ages 65, according to the U.S. Census. Fulton County leads with an estimated 83,424 seniors.

A dozen government officials and several community residents joined May at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The project is managed by Columbia Residential, which specializes in senior housing.

The complex, open to those ages 55 and older, features a workout room, game room, laundry room, business center, theater, a fountain, walking path, gazebo and a large open outdoor area for socializing.

Tours of the facility were held following the ribbon cutting ceremony. Coretta Johnson, 62, was among those who took the tour and fell in love with the complex after visiting.

“I want to sell my Decatur home or pass it down in the family and get into something like this,” said Johnson, a retired special needs teacher. “As I get older, I start to realize more and more that I don’t need that three-bedroom home. This is where I need to be.”

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson,

who represents South DeKalb’s District 3 where Forrest Hills is located, is excited about the private-public partnership between DeKalb and those responsible for building the project: Walton Construction, JHP Architecture & Urban Design, and Columbia Residential.

“This is great for our community. If you know what was here before, basically just a place for a dog to bark, and now, here stands a place that is a great oasis for our seniors to connect with other seniors and

make things happen with their kids, grand kids, other family members and friends,” said Johnson. “In District 3, you can expect nothing less. Any project that is done under my leadership will represent quality and we will always get the neighborhood involved and engaged. This is what DeKalb County is all about, partnerships and collaborations to better serve our citizens.”

Rent for the one-bedroom apartments are $1,045 with 757 square feet or 734 square feet and two bedrooms are $1,195

with 981 square feet. Units include kitchen appliances, bar area, pantry, hardwood floors with foam safety backing, large showers, washer and dryer hookups and several outlets stations with USB hookups. To promote sustainability and energy efficiency, all units are designed and certified with the EarthCraft designation and the entire development is a certified EarthCraft Community. The complex is located near MARTA.

Page 4Page 3 Page 9

Pamela Cleveland Angela Williamson Sharon Davis Williams Diane Buckner Theresia Copeland

APS cheating scandal sparks pleas for mercy, debates

Will Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter have mercy? That’s the question many people are asking since 11 of 12 defendants were found guilty in the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) cheating scandal on April 1.

A day following the verdicts, community activists marched on the courthouse steps asking Baxter to free the educators.

Described as the largest scandal of its kind in the history of U.S. education, the verdicts, which were streamed live and made national headlines, sent shockwaves throughout metro Atlanta.

After reading the verdicts, Baxter sent 10 of the 11 convicted immediately to jail. He said he would keep them there until sentencing, now scheduled April 13. The two men and

eight women were led away from the courtroom in handcuffs. Former Dunbar Elementary School teacher Shani Robinson, who is in her final weeks of pregnancy, was permitted to remain free on bond. Robinson will be sentenced in August.

Those found guilty are each facing 20 years maximum on the racketeering charges alone.

Only former Dobbs Elementary School teacher Dessa Curb was acquitted of all charges and walked free. The special education teacher smiled and thanked God, saying she had refused a plea deal because she had not done anything wrong and believed she would be found innocent.

The guilty verdicts sparked debates on radio broadcasts and social media with a number of people

saying that prison time is too harsh for the educators, while others said the educators deserve tough sentences for their part in a conspiracy to show gains in student achievement for financial rewards.

WAOK radio talk show host Derrick Boazman applauded the defendants who stood firm in their beliefs, rejecting plea deals. A grand jury indicted 35 educators in March 2013. Many reached plea deals with prosecutors.

“I’d rather be convicted in jail than to lie and say I did something that I didn’t do,” Boazman said, as he fielded calls from listeners wanting to weigh in on the cheating scandal.

Former Atlanta Public School

Donald Bullock

See APS Cheating, page 7See Career Center Closes, page 7

PAGE 2 APRIL 4, 2015

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APRIL 4,2015 PAGE 3

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan

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Conyers student wins oratorical contestBy Joshua Smith

Joi Nobles, 14, says the key to a successful speech is confidence. She says if

you think you can do it, believe in yourself, you can do it.

“I practiced in between classes during lunch and at home on commercial breaks from my favorite shows, 20/20, Scandal and Chopped. You can practice as much as possible but it still comes down to having the self confidence and posture to shine on stage and work the stage to your advantage,” said Nobles, an eighth grader at Conyers Middle School.

Nobles won first place and $500 for her speaking skills during the Rockdale County Public Schools Eighth Grade Oratorical Contest, which was sponsored by Rockdale Clerk Of Court Ruth A. Wilson on March 28.

“I want to be an attorney or a state legislator when I grow up and this kind of competition is good practice for me to handle myself well under pressure. That’s why I like Scandal and Chopped. Those shows are all about handling yourself well under pressure,” said Nobles.

Nobles is saving $450 for college and keeping $50 for herself that she says probably will go to her favorite treat: Starbucks frappuccinos.

The county-wide competition, which was held at Conyers Middle School, tested the students’ public speaking skills, posture and vocal fillers as they presented three- to five-minute speeches on the topic, “I am responsible for good

government.” Students also were judged on speech development, effectiveness, speech value, physical demeanor, voice, manner, appropriateness and correctness.

“I found myself with a tear in my eye at one point, chuckling the next and later shaking my head in agreement as the students took their turns at the microphone. It was a very uplifting,” said Wilson, who served as a judge for the competition. “The goal of the competition is to provide an enrichment opportunity, support, recognize and reward eighth grade students. This competition is seen as an enrichment opportunity for upcoming high-schoolers.”

Rockdale County Schools Superintendent Richard Autry said it was important to host the contest so students could go beyond showcasing their academic talent, and succeed for competition in

extracurricular academic activities. “We truly appreciate the

partnership with the Clerk of Courts to create this oratorical competition and give students the chance to be rewarded for their hard work and oratory talent,” Autry said in a news release. “The oratorical competition is a value added supplement to the oratorical work already being done in RCPS.”

Along with Wilson, the 11-member judging panel was

comprised of Rockdale County State Court Judge Nancy Bills, Commissioner Doreen Williams, Georgia Piedmont Technical College Director for Community Outreach and Engagement Joel Alvarado and other leaders in the community.

Prizes were also rewarded to the second place winner, Dexter Holmes, Jr. who attends Davis Middle School, and third place winner Chelsea Casteal, who also attends Davis Middle School; in the amount of $350 and $150 respectively. The prize money was awarded from Clerk Wilson’s passport funds account.

The other finalists include Laila Boyd and Kylie Butler of Conyers Middle School; Aryanna Brown of Davis Middle School; Enya McDaniels and Naomi Pinnock of Memorial Middle School; and Amanni Oda of Edwards Middle School. All of the finalists received certificates of participation while the top three competitors also received commemorative medallions to go along with their cash prizes.

The event also included a presentation by Georgia’s Path2College 529 college savings plan. Parents and students were encouraged to start early saving for college.

Wilson says plans are under way to expand the competition next school year to include all middle school students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

“I believe that the earlier we can inspire a student, the better off they will be in high school and beyond,” said Wilson.

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

L-R: Conyers Middle School Assistant Principal Anterro Graham joins public speech coach Elizabeth Walker, Jewel Major and her contest winning daughter Joi Nobles with Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson and CMS principal Allison Barbour to show off the first place $500 check

.

DeKalb Schools superintendent search at 84 applicants and growing

By Valerie J. Morgan

The DeKalb County School District has received 84 applicants for schools superintendent, but the number is expected to grow even more over the next few days,

officials said this week. Dr. Melvin Johnson, chairman

of the DeKalb County School Board, said PROACT Search, the firm working with the district to recruit a replacement for Michael Thurmond, whose contract expires in June, reported that 84 candidates had applied for the district’s top post as of March 27. PROACT expects to receive at least 100 applicants by the April 10 deadline, Johnson said.

“We expect people to wait until the last minute to apply because many people feel that might give them the advantage for whatever reason. But also, according to the search firm, this

is a perfect time for candidates to apply because many educators have not signed their contracts for the next school year and they have the opportunity to look before they sign them,” said Johnson.

Johnson said demographics on candidates who have applied from within the district were not available.

The DeKalb School Board has named 16 members to a liaison group, which is helping with the recruiting process. Each board member selected two people from the community to serve as part of the liaison group.

The liaison group’s next meeting will be on April 13,

Johnson said. According to PROACT’s

work plan, applicants will be prescreened and interviewed the week of April 13. PROACT will narrow the search to 20 top candidates and present confidential candidates’ material for the liaison group to review the week of April 20. The liaison group will recommend between nine and a dozen of the candidates to the board. The board will then select two to four finalists for its extended interview process. The first round of interviews are expected to be conducted by the board in early May with finalists’ interviews later in the month.

Superintendent Thurmond announces raises for DeKalb teachers

DeKalb Superintendent Michael Thurmond announced this week to the DeKalb School Board that he is recommending a three-tier salary increase for teachers.

The proposed increases, effective for next school year, include: 4 percent cost-of-living-adjustment for teachers with 6 or more years of experience 3 percent cost-of-living increase to teachers with 0-5 years of experience; and 2 percent cost-of-living increase for all other employees.

The salary increase recommendations will add an estimated $20 million to the district budget for Fiscal year

2015-2016.“The past several years

have created difficult economic circumstances for our employees and their families,” said Thurmond. “Our highest budget priority is to increase salaries for our highly qualified veteran teachers.”

In addition, an analysis of the salary and pay scale for the lowest paid employees will be conducted.

“The DeKalb County Board of Education recognizes the hard work and dedication of our teachers and employees during trying times,” said Dr. Melvin Johnson, chair of the DeKalb

County Board of Education. “We stand ready to work with Superintendent Thurmond on a budget that fairly compensates them for their good work.”

The district budgeting process for FY2015-2016 includes the following schedule:

April 1 – Board of Education and public comment input May 4 – Proposed budget and revenue projections presented to the Board May 28 – Tentative budget published in The Champion

June 1 – Board adopts tentative budget and has first millage rate hearing June 4 – Five-year millage rate history published

in The Champion June 17 – Final budget adoption vote and 2nd and 3rd millage hearings

Dr. Melvin Johnson DeKalb County School Board Chairman

DeKalb Superindent Michael Thurmond

Legislators pass LaVista Hills,

Tucker cityhood plans

State legislators approved the proposed cities of LaVista Hills and Tucker Thursday, paving the way for voters in November to consider incorporation referendums.

The proposed city of Stonecrest did not make it out of the House Rules Committee, said Stonecrest Alliance President Jason Lary, who kept a late night vigil at the Capitol on Thursday.

The proposed cities of LaVista Hills and Tucker passed after the House and Senate reached a compromise on their borders.

LaVista Hills would include 67,446 residents, stretching from an area outside Emory University to I-285’s eastern perimeter, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The city of Tucker would include 33,301 residents, extending eastward from the perimeter with some

The House approved LaVista Hills 112-52 and Tucker 131-33; the Senate passed LaVista Hills 36-8 and Tucker 43-4.with some land inside the highway.

PAGE 4 APRIL 4, 2015

Coming Up

ATLANTA

DEKALB

ROCKDALE

Spring Festival on Ponce Olmsted Linear Parks, 1451 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta will host “Spring Festival on

Ponce,” on April 11 – 12, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Hosted by the Georgia Foundation for Public Spaces, the community arts festival

highlights both, local and regional artists. Organizers say attendees at the arts and crafts festival can enjoy the gorgeous landscape

designed by one of America’s most celebrated landscape architects, Fredrick Olmsted Sr. along with over 125 displays of fine arts and crafts, folk and “outsider art.” In addition to the fine arts, there will be a children’s area, as well as food and beverage vendors on hand.

Admission is free. 404-873-1222.

Students offered free essay help at Adams Park Library The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Adams Park branch, 2231 Campbellton

Road, S.W., Atlanta, will host a free essay-writing workshop on Saturday, April 11, 1:30 p.m.

The workshop will teach students ages 16 – 23 how to write essays that can win awards and scholarships. The workshop will also shed some light on the importance of doing well on ACT and SAT testing. 404-752-8763.

County sets networking event for potential vendorsThe Gwinnett County Purchasing Division will host the ninth annual Supplier

Symposium on Thursday, April 16, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

The annual symposium provides vendors with an opportunity to meet buyers and contracting officers in Gwinnett County and other metro Atlanta agencies. Potential vendors may drop in between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.

To register for this free event, view current projects open for bidding, or read about bidding procedures in Gwinnett County by visiting the Purchasing Division’s webpage at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

“Because We Have Daughters” set in Decatur DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, the men’s ministry of Peace Baptist

Church and Men Stopping Violence will host an event, “Because We Have Daughters,” on Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

Organizers say the fun-filled educational and interactive workshop will bridge common emotional gaps between fathers and their daughters. This workshop will be facilitated by DeKalb’s Human Development Department.

“I am aware that in DeKalb we are privileged with several unsung efforts as this initiative keenly focused on human-to-human tactical ways to strengthen families and to demonstrate workable co-parenting strategies,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May, who is a father of three daughters. “I hope as many fathers as possible will hear about it, and come with their daughters and test it for themselves.”

Admission is free. Registration is required. You must register in advance at elwilliams@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-370-7669.

Messiah’s House Assembly of God, 1683 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, is hosting a community event, “My Story,” on Friday, April 17, 7 p.m.

Church members say the dramatic presentation will celebrate life and the community and includes live music, dancers and mimes. Admission is free.

The church will also host a free community luncheon on Sunday, April 15, after Messiah Houses’ 11 a.m. worship service. 770-981-4136

Stone Mountain ministry sets “My Story”

Family cooking class offered at Bethesda Senior The Bethesda Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, will

host a free cooking class for families, “Meals in Minutes,” on Thursday, April 23, 5 – 7 p.m.

Organizers say this is a fun cooking class for the entire family. Ines Beltran, University of Georgia Extension Agent, will show you how to prepare quick, easy and healthy recipes for you and your family.

“It’s easy to eat healthy when it tastes this good,” said Beltran.Registration is required. To register, contact Lindsey Daniels, health and

wellness coordinator at 770-822-8869 or at Lindsey.Daniels@gwinnettcounty.com.

Interested job seekers are invited to register for “Twenty-first Century Job Skills Training” workshops, which will be offered at Salem Missionary Baptist Church’s Heritage Hall, 351 Killan Hill Road, Lilburn.

On Thursdays, April 2 and April 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., the church, in partnership with The Wisdom to Believe Foundation, will host “Tools for the Job Hunt” and “What’s Next on the Horizon?”

The workshops also include tips on industry market trends and an overview of some of the jobs that are in high demand in Georgia.

If you would like to attend the workshops, call 770-923-3936.

Gwinnett

Weekend show offers wide range of horse competitions

Nancy Guinn Library Friends to host book sale

The Nancy Guinn Memorial library’s friends group will host a community book sale on Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the library, 864 Green St., Conyers.

The sale features a wide variety of books from all genres. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and their awareness and promotion of the library in the community. For more information, call 770-388-5040.

New Life sets “Sweet Heart” diabetes/heart health series

In partnership with the Morehouse School of Medicine, New Life Community Ministries, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur welcomes the community to the “Sweet Heart” Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health Workshop series.

The workshops begin on Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The kickoff event will include free health screenings such as blood pressure checks and body mass index calculations, hands-on cooking demonstrations such as “Learning about Southern Cooking: The Heart Healthy Way.” The workshop will also cover how to effectively use a glucose meter and how to map your family’s health history to know what you may be in risk of. Physical activities for the whole family included as well.

The free series will continue at the church on April 25, May 2 and May 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The other workshops will cover diabetes and the importance of heart health.

For more information or to register to attend one of the workshops, call 404-381-6731.

‘Surviving and Thriving Single Parenthood’ at Decatur branch

The DeKalb County Public Library’s Scott Candler branch, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur will host “Surviving and Thriving Single Parenthood” on Saturday, April 11, noon – 1:30 p.m.

What single parent isn’t ready to break away from the dirty clothes hamper and join other workshop participants to let down their hair and step into a workshop designed just for single parents?

Learn techniques to create an organized household, parent a chronically-ill child, create a family brand, find time for yourself and be financially literate. To register, call the branch at 404-286-6986.

APRIL 4,2015 PAGE 5

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Brookhaven launches mobile technology to report potholes, public works issues

The city of Brookhaven is offering residents “City Sourced,” a smart phone application to allow citizens to report problems such as potholes, code violations or traffic problems. The mobile service is available for residents using iPhone, Android, Windows and Blackberry phones.

The service provides a single customer portal to connect citizens with appropriate city staff to address public works and code compliance issues. The reporting individual is updated throughout the process on the status of the repair and is notified when the problem has been resolved.

“We wanted to use smart technologies to improve efficiency, communications and engagement for our community,” said Community Development Director Ben Song. “A big bonus with this service is that we can also use it to push out emergency notifications to subscribers when necessary, which we couldn’t do before.”

DeKalb County schools on Top 10 “Digital District” listThe DeKalb County Public School System has been ranked No. 9 on a Top

10 list for the 2014-2015 Digital Schools Districts from the Center for Digital Education, located in California.

The list surveyed school districts in the “large student population.” The category is for districts with 12,000 or more students. The survey recognizes exemplary school boards’ and districts’ use of technology to govern their district, communicate with students, parents and community and improve the learning environment and district operations.

DeKalb school district’s use of innovative technologies such as laptop initiatives, STEM curriculum and innovative classroom instruction earned them a spot on the list.

“School districts, with the support of their school boards, continue their commitment to initiatives that enhance learning through innovative technologies,” said Alan Cox, senior vice president for the Center for Digital Education. “As a result, students are using all kinds of cutting-edge tools that assist learning, inspire creativity and help prepare them for the future. It’s my privilege to congratulate these school districts who are leading the way towards modernizing education.”

Some other school districts on the list were in Virginia, Texas, Colorado and Illinois. To check out more on the DeKalb district ranking, visit www.centerdigitaled.com.

Rockdale traffic signals to get energy efficient bulbsIn an effort to become a more energy-efficient community, Rockdale County’s

Department of Transportation (RDOT) has established a policy to replace incandescent bulbs in traffic signals with light emitting diode (LED) as part of the Georgia Department of Transportation Regional Traffic Operation Program.

“This policy will help us expedite the process and get closer to our goal to have all bulbs in the traffic signals replaced with LED lights within four years,” RDOT Director Miguel Valentin said.

RDOT began implementing the plan several years ago by replacing incandescent bulbs in traffic signals with LED bulbs when the bulbs became damaged or were no longer burning. The county selected LED lights because they are more efficient and durable than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Valentin said LED lights will not only result in a significant reduction in power consumption, but it will also reduce the frequency of when the bulbs must be replaced.

“This will reduce the cost of maintenance on the traffic signals, which will offset the initial capital expenditure of replacing the incandescent bulbs,” he said. “Once all the incandescent bulbs are replaced, the cost savings will continue to accrue indefinitely.”

Currently, more than 40 percent of the existing traffic signal bulbs at 13 County-maintained intersections have been replaced with LED bulbs.

For more information, visit the RDOT page at www.rockdalecounty.org/main.cfm?id=2140.

Leadership Rockdale Class 2015 selects Rockdale Head Start for inaugural project

Atlanta ranks third on EPA’s Energy Star Top Cities listThe City of Atlanta now ranks third on the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency’s (EPA) seventh-annual list of the top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2014.

EPA’s Energy Star Top Cities list shows how cities across America, with help from Energy Star, are embracing energy efficiency as an effective way to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change.

“I am proud that the City of Atlanta ranks third in the nation for the highest number of Energy Star certified buildings,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “We strive to observe the best, most efficient practices in our existing buildings and in new developments to save money, water, and energy. Our commitment is matched by our partners in the development community and by property owners who see the value and opportunities in green building practices and the Energy Star program.”

The 328 Energy Star labeled buildings in Atlanta have reported reductions in their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. City officials say these buildings represent more than 69 million square feet and will save more than $55 million annually in energy costs while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions of 48,700 homes a year. Energy Star buildings save more, use less and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See more on Atlanta and the other top cities across the country at www.energystar.gov/topcities.

The Leadership Rockdale Class of 2015 plans to create a lasting community legacy through the completion of the organization’s first-ever Leadership Legacy Project on Saturday, April 18.

This year, the Class of 2015 selected the Partnership for Community Action (Rockdale Head Start) as the inaugural project recipient. The Leadership Rockdale class will plant a learning botanical garden, design an outdoor classroom and beautify the grounds at Rockdale Head Start.

“We are very proud of the direction the class is taking with the inaugural Leadership Legacy initiative. The class is set to create a sustainable outdoor learning environment that will have a tremendous impact on the children and families that Head Start serves. I am personally thrilled with the selection of this site as early learning programs are near and dear to my heart,” Leadership Rockdale Co-Chair Claire Cline said.

As a class, we could not be happier to work with such a deserving organization as Rockdale Head Start. The project spotlights the importance of students learning new skills such as healthy eating, nutrition and trying new foods, and will have a sustainable impact on the children’s lives long after they graduate from Head Start,” Legacy Project Chair Jason Korzan added.

The garden will increase students’ knowledge and skills in growing vegetables from seeds; help students make the connection between the foods they grow and their choices in family-style dining meals; and instill in them a greater appreciation for gardening. In addition, produce grown in the garden will be available to families in the area.

The Legacy Project offers Leadership Rockdale classes the opportunity to leave a mark on the community through the identification of long-term sustainable projects in Conyers-Rockdale. “The Rockdale Head Start Center looks forward to planting flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and extends its appreciation and gratitude to Leadership Rockdale for making this project a reality,” said Rockdale Head Start Executive Director Morgan Birch.

“We encourage the community to support this important endeavor in providing the students of Rockdale Head Start a memorable avenue for learning healthy eating habits and environmental education on their school’s grounds. With financial support from the community, we look forward to creating a lasting legacy for the young children of Rockdale County,” Legacy Project Supply and Fundraising Chairs Caroline St. John and Katy King said.

Leadership Rockdale is asking the community for support with the project through donations on its GoFundMe page: http://www.gofundme.com/legacyrockdale. All donations are tax deductible and the deadline to donate is April 10.

PAGE 6 APRIL 4, 2015

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At the end of March, 46 Rockdale County 4-H members in fifth and sixth grades competed for top honors at the 4-H District Project Achievement contest in Douglas County.

Most projects required a five-minute demonstration with posters and props, while a few involved a four-minute performance or an hour-long food demonstration.

More than 300 students from 10 counties competed that day. Rockdale County received the “Outstanding Participation Award” and placed third with the highest percentage of winners and first place winners.

Winners are listed below, followed by the school or club name in parenthesis.

Arts: 1st Place: Glori Stott (Homeschool)

Clothing & Textiles: 2nd Place: Tyloni Bailey (Hightower)

Honorable Mention: Hannah Buchanon (Pinestreet)

Companion Animal Science: 2nd Place: Samantha Woodbury (Barksdale)

Computer Information Technology: Honorable Mention: Ben Roseberry (YACS); Camryn Smith (Flat Shoals)

Crafts: 1st place: Ellie Teague (YACS)

2nd place: Marley Vilaysak (YACS); Honorable Mention: Janelle Gray Crafts, Sixth Grade: 2nd place: Roselind Stott (Homeschool)

Dog Care and Training: 1st place: Zachary Gooch (Shoal Creek) and Jason Grady (J.H. House); Honorable Mention: Veda Wilson (Barksdale); Entomology: 2nd place: Katherine Taft (Peachtree Academy) Environmental Science: 1st place: Blessing Dosumu (YACS); Honorable Mention: Sabine Gai (Shoal Creek)

Food for Fitness: 1st place: Elizabeth Clark (Shoal Creek)

Food for Health & Sport: 1st place: Ragan Bloodworth (YACS); General Recreation: 3rd place: Brannon Polk

(Hightower) and Damon McClendon (Shoal Creek); Honorable Mention: Christian Davis (Barksdale)

General Science: 1st place: Jake Wood (YACS) ; Honorable Mention: Ben Tucker (Flat Shoals) and Gerald Harris (Hightower)

Health: 3rd place: Alana Williamson (Peachtree Academy); Honorable Mention: Janae Innis (J.H. House) and Sya Chandler (Barskdale); Herpetology: 2nd place: Billy Johnson (Peachtree Academy)

History: 1st place: Samantha Rickman (Peachtree Academy); 2nd place: Croix Moore (Shoal Creek)

Horses: Honorable Mention: Maranda McCullough (Peachtree Academy) Human Development: 3rd place: Jason Moore (Barksdale)

Human Development, Sixth grade: 1st place: Cheyenne Johnson (Memorial Middle School)

Marine & Coastal Ecology: 2nd place: Elizabeth Huynh (Barksdale);

Honorable Mention: Micah Williams (Peachtree Academy)

Outdoor Recreation: 1st place: Aaron Walker (YACS)

Performing Arts-Instrumental, Sixth Grade: 1st place: James Rhee (Memorial Middle School)

Poultry & Egg Science: 1st place: Hazel Pepperman (Flat Shoals); Rabbits: 1st place: Annie Gibson (Peachtree Academy)

Science of Engineering & Mechanics: Honorable Mention: Jade King (Peachtree Academy)

Sports: 1st place: Kenedy Hampton (YACS); 2nd place: Amelia Page (Peachtree Academy)

Wildlife: 2nd place: Stephanie Santiago (Pinestreet); Honorable Mention: Macy Stephens (J.H. House)

Workforce Preparation & Career Development: Honorable Mention: Ashin Johnson (Pine Street) and Promise Williams (Shoal Creek).

Rockdale County “4-H’ers” take top honors in competitions

Rockdale County 4-H Members (5th and 6th graders) pose for a picture minutes before showing off their presentation skills at a competition in Douglass County.

APRIL 4,2015 PAGE 7

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The Stephens Agency

Career Center Closes

continued from page 1

Tamara Cotman Tabeeka Jordan Dana Evans Michael Pitts

needs repairs when we have a perfectly good building that we can use,” said Hall, adding that many of the workers at the Covington Highway center have been relocated to the North Metro Center in the Toco Hills community and other locations.

Hall said GDOL opened the Covington Highway location in 1995. Up until the car crash in February, DeKalb, which also has a center known as North Metro, has been the only county with two GDOL career centers. Hall said now having one location in DeKalb will streamline services and save the public about $400,000 a year in operating costs.

Job seekers and unemployment insurance claimants who need to visit a GDOL career center may seek help at

one of six centers in the metro Atlanta area:

North Metro, 2943 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, 404-679-5200

South Metro, 2636-14 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, 404-699-6900

Clayton County, 1630 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 200, College Park, 678-284-0200

Cobb-Cherokee, 465 Big Shanty Road, Marietta, 770-528-6100

Covington, GA, 7249 Industrial Blvd., N.E., Covington, 770-784-2455

Gwinnett County, 2211 Beaver Ruin Road, Suite 160, Norcross, 770-840-2200

Hall said help also is available online: www.dol.state.ga.us/.

Superintendent Beverly Hall had faced racketeering and conspiracy charges but was too sick to stand trial. A state report accused her of ignoring cover-ups during her 12 years as superintendent. However, she maintained her innocence, blaming staff for allowing widespread cheating on standardized tests. Hall died from breast cancer on March 2. She was 68.

The 11 found guilty are:Dana Evans, former principal of

Dobbs Elementary Tabeeka Jordan, former assistant

principal of Deerwood Academy Tamara Cotman, former School

Reform Team executive directorMichael Pitts, former School

Reform Team executive directorSharon Davis-Williams, former

School Reform Team executive directorDonald Bullock, former testing

coordinator at B.E. Usher/Collier Heights Elementary

Theresia Copeland, former testing coordinator at Benteen Elementary

Pamela Cleveland, former teacher at Dunbar Elementary

Diane Buckner-Webb, former teacher at Dunbar Elementary

Shani Robinson, former teacher at Dunbar Elementary

Angela Williamson, former teacher at Dobbs Elementary

APS Cheating

continued from page 1

PAGE 8 APRIL 4, 2015

Doggie takeover at Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

Great Dames, Yorkies, even Dachshunds in the infamous Oscar Meyer “Weiner Mobile” joined plenty of breeds of “Man’s best friend” to strut their stuff as a

part of the City of Brookhaven’s Inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival on March 28-29. The festival was hosted in Brookhaven’s Blackburn Park, where there were

dozens of vendors; live bands and disk jockeys; and a kids’ zone with rock climbing, face painting, fu ouses and basketball shoot-outs. Among the dignitaries visiting the festival were the Consul General of Japan, Kazuo Sunaga; and city and county officials including Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis and DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May.

Rockdale’s “Smokin’ Butts and Tires” features classic cars and BBQ

Smoke filled the air and nice rides filled the parking lot at the Rockdale Career Academy, which hosted a fundraiser featuring classic cars and barbecue.

The March 28 event, The Summit Racing Equipment “Smokin Tires” classic car show featured more than 200 cars, trucks and 4x4s from around the state.

More than 30 awards were given to the best cars and their owners, such as “Best in Show” and the “People’s Choice” award.

Also a part of the event was a steak cook-off and barbeque cook-offs The competition shelled out not only trophies and bragging rights, but cash purses totaling $10,000 to winners between three competitions, sponsored by Royal Oak BBQ. The event featured dozens of cars and more than 30 competing teams.

There were also raffles where attendees took home prizes such as Primo XL ceramic grill and gift certificates. Proceeds benefitted the NewRock Family Promise interdenominational hospitality network for homeless families.

Scenes of Spring

APRIL 4,2015 PAGE 9

Eight women honored at Barnes Sutton’s Herstory Awards

L-R: Valerie J. Morgan, Co-Publisher of On Common Ground News; Community activist Charlene Fang; Carolyn Williams, principal of Stephenson Middle School; DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton; Dr. Carol Anderson, associate professor of Emory University; Belinda Pedroso, president of the NCNW-DeKalb Section; Sara Fountain, retired executive of Leadership DeKalb; and attorney Mereda Davis Johnson.

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton honored eight women trailblazers for their

contributions to the community during her second annual Herstory Awards.

The program, which was held in recognition of National Women’s History Month, honored eight recipients on Sunday, March 29, at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur.

The 2015 Herstory Award honorees included: Belinda Pedroso, president of the National Council of Negro Women (DeKalb Section); Community activist Charlene Fang, the Rev. Carolyn Williams, principal of Stephenson Middle School; Attorney Mereda Davis-Johnson; State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler; Sara Fountain, retired executive director Leadership DeKalb; and Valerie Morgan, co-publisher and editor of On Common Ground News.

The Herstory Awards recognized the significant accomplishments of women who have improved the lives of others by their work in the Arts, Sciences, Education, Sports, Government, Business Religion or Community.

The Legacy Award was presented to Dr. Carol Anderson, associate professor of African American Studies, Emory University. . The Legacy Award honors an individual whose life work has demonstrated

character, courage and commitment as well as a woman who has paved the way for future generations.

Emmy-Award winner Diamond Lewis, director of the county’s public television station, DCTV, emceed the program. Meredith Lilly, White House Appointee, gave the occasion and Hank Stewart, an Award-winning poet, presented a special tribute to the honorees.

Dr. Ronald A. Johnson named president-elect of historic CAU

Dr. Ronald A. Johnson has been elected as the next leader of the historic Clark Atlanta University (CAU). The CAU Board of Trustees made the announcement on March 31, after concluding a national search.

Johnson, who will become the fourth president of the Atlanta college, currently serves as dean of Texas Southern University’s Jesse H. Jones (JHJ) School

of Business. Dr. Johnson will assume this new role on July 1, succeeding Carlton E. Brown, Ed.D., who will retire from CAU on June 30.

Johnson, born in Brooklyn, N.Y., earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and his MBA in finance from Adelphi University. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in economics from Stanford University. His professional success tracks through some of the nation’s foremost investment organizations, including Smith Graham & Company, where he managed assets totaling $3 billion and Templeton Worldwide, where he managed assets totaling $2 billion. His love of education, teaching and research, and his reverence for the nation’s HBCUs in particular, has kept him close to academic circles for much of his career, which includes leading two schools of business as dean and named professorships at some of the nation’s most respected institutions of higher education.

CAU Board Chairman Alexander B. Cummings, Jr., executive vice president and chief administrative officer for The Coca-Cola Company, said he is pleased to bring Johnson on board.

“In Ronald Johnson, we have identified

a scholar of tremendous intellect, a global financier with impeccable credentials, an institution-builder with a demonstrable record of successes, a fundraiser with highly developed strategic acumen and a compassionate role model whose obvious desire to engage and empower students is borne out of his own personal journey. I am honored to have Ron and his wife, Irene, become part of the CAU family,” said Cummings.

CAU Trustee Joe Laymon, vice president for human resources at Chevron Corp., led the Board’s 12-member Presidential Search Committee, supported by Washington, D.C.-based, AGB Search.

“Our search was intentionally broad,” he notes. “We carefully reviewed more than 100 applications from across the United States. Our fundamental qualifications for the position were rooted in the University’s strategic plan, the realities of the current economic climate, the prevailing legislative environment and the increasingly competitive global student recruitment marketplace. One candidate, Ronald Johnson, consistently stood out during the intensive, very detailed vetting phases of the process. He possesses the

skill, experience and vision necessary to provide the leadership and focus required to elevate Clark Atlanta and reposition it in the international arena.”

The president-elect says he is eager to join the CAU community and begin his term as president. “There are few institutions in the United States, HBCU or otherwise, with the rich dual history, the intellectual legacy and the tradition of scholar activism that defines Clark Atlanta. Now the University will look to its future, harnessing a tremendous wealth of academic talent, a nation-wide expanse of passionate, multigenerational alumni and opportunities to create strategic alliances that will elevate its competitive advantage.”

Johnson emphasized that he and his wife are a team.

“Irene and I want to be a part of the exciting efforts to sustain the relevancy and vibrancy of Clark Atlanta University as a premier institution of higher education and learning,” Johnson said. “We are looking forward to becoming part of the CAU community that is inspired by social purpose and fueled by intellectual vitality, cultural diversity, and global awareness.”

Gwinnett County Public Schools honor top transportation professionals

The Gwinnett County Public Schools district leaders and board members system recently gathered to recognize the district’s transportation

professionals for their commitment to serving Gwinnett students.

The school system named Dee Walls, Emi Redman and Dori Puckett School Bus

Managers and Bus Monitor of the Year. Walls was named the “2014-2015

Regular Education Bus Manager of the Year.” Having joined the school district in 2001, Walls is a team leader in the Archer area who said she loves the job and the children.

Redman, named the “2014-2015 Special Education Bus Manager of the Year,” is a breakdown driver in the Dacula, Mill Creek and Mountain

View clusters. As a breakdown driver, Redman is always on call and

ready to serve students in these clusters. She joined GCPS in 2006.

Puckett, named the 2014-2015 Special Education Bus Monitor of the Year, monitors special needs students who travel

in the CentralGwinnett Cluster. She began her

employment in GCPS in 1997.School officials say the selection of

the 2014-2015 winners is the result of an extensive process. They are nominated by their colleagues in their transportation zone. Nominees then are given a written and driving skills

test. “These outstanding professionals

exhibit the passion, commitment, and excellence found throughout our operations. They are the best of the best and we appreciate all that they do for the school system and the students we serve,” said Gwinnett County Schools Transportation Director Grant Repper.

Dee Walls Emi Redman Dori Puckett

TO CONTACT USBY PHONE: 678-526-1910BY FAX: 678-526-1909BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS.COMVISIT ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

People Movers & Shakers in the Community

PAGE 10 APRIL 4, 2015

TO CONTACT USBY PHONE: 678-526-1910BY FAX: 678-526-1909BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS.COMVISIT ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

OBITUARIESCrowd bids farewell to Tina Thornton, Smoothie King franchisee

Tina Marie Mills Thornton was a successful businesswoman, a dedicated mother and a “virtuous wife.”

Those sentiments were expressed by dozens of those who knew her at her April 1 homegoing celebration, which was held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia.

Mrs. Thornton died on March 27, after suddenly becoming ill. She was 48.

A host of relatives, friend and ministers and church officials from across Georgia and Florida came to pay their respects, including Pastor

Benjamin Gaither of Stronghold Christian Church and Grammy-nominated gospel-recording artist Byron Cage.

“We will miss her soft-spoken voice and her pleasant, heart-warmed smile. Tina worked until her day was done and when her earthly journey was completed with a great celebration! Jesus was waiting to receive her into His eternal kingdom,” family members said in her obituary.

Mrs. Thornton was an only child, born in Baton Rouge, LA. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics, with honors from

Northwestern University. She moved to Atlanta after

graduating from college to work

as a bank examiner. She married Terrance Thornton after they both met while attending New Birth. They had four children, one of whom passed before birth.

In 1998, New Birth’s Faith Academy opened for students in K3 through sixth grade and Thornton served as the school’s first business administrator.

In 2004, Tina and Terrance Smoothie King franchisees. Tina managed the Smoothie King until 2013 when she accepted a position as a business analyst at Lakeside High School. She worked at the school until her death.

Mrs. Thornton is survived by her husband, Terrance; her children, Teryn Christina, Tia Arne and Terrance Elisha; her mother, Doretha Mills; her mother-in-law, Lula Thornton; a brother-in-law, William Thornton; a sister-in-law, Terri Thornton; a nephew, Caleb Thornton; a niece, Morgan Thornton; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Elder Tony Wilson officiated the funeral. Interment followed at the Hillandale Memorial Gardens, also in Lithonia. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes handled the arrangements.

Former Rockdale Commissioner C.M. Sosebee leaves legacy as community servant

Former Rockdale County Commissioner C.M. “Bud”

Sosebee is being remembered for the things he was most

passionate about—his commitment to family and God,

his service to his country and his service to his community.

Mr. Sosebee died on March 29. He was 90 years old.

Mr. Sosebee served as Rockdale County Post 1

Commissioner from 1987 to 2000. Rockdale Chairman Richard Oden called Mr.

Sosebee’s enthusiasm for public service “contagious.”

“Bud was a giant of a man and he is truly, truly going to be missed… His enthusiasm

for the Walk of Heroes, veterans, public service and

good government stewardship was contagious,” said Oden.

“It’s hard to imagine Rockdale without our great treasure

among us.”

A World War II veteran and founder of the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial, Mr. Sosebee was recognized

for risking his life in numerous battles during World War II, in

particular, the European theater, including the Battle for the

Remagen Bridge, the capture of Leipzig, and the final phase of

the Battle of the Bulge. The late staff sergeant

received two Bronze stars and a Combat Infantry Badge for his service. He also was a recipient of the French Legion of Honor

medal, one of the highest honors France bestows.

After his service, Mr.

Sosebee returned to his hometown of Atlanta to attend

Georgia Tech, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in

Electrical Engineering and a second degree in Industrial Management. He went on

to earn a Master’s Degree in International Business from Georgia State University. He married his sweetheart, Marie

“Leesa” Bice, in 1949 and they had two daughters, Beverley

and Jeannine.Mr. Sosebee was preceded

in death by his wife and lifelong mate, Marie “Leesa” Bice Sosebee, and daughter,

Jeannine S. Dooley, who passed

away several months ago. Mr. Sosebee is survived by

his daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and George Roberts, Conyers; grandchildren, Tina

and Thomas Williamson, Grayson, Julie and Jason Curry,

Winterville; great-grandson, Destin Williamson; and several

nieces and nephews.The funeral service was

held on Thursday, April 2, at Haven Fellowship Church in Conyers. Dr. Steve Powers

officiated the service. Interment was at Crest Lawn Memorial

Park. Scot Ward Funeral Services in Conyers handled

the arrangements.

Tina Marie Mills Thornton March 13, 1967 – March 27, 2015

C. M. “Bud” Sosebee June 23, 1924 – March 29, 2015

APRIL 4,2015 PAGE 11

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