WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- A Woodstock High School student placed third in an international competition for budding graphic artists.

Ryan Swiger's artwork was well received in the 2014 International Kepler Art of Discovery Contest. This year's theme revolved around planets that have not yet been discovered.

Thousands of students from around the world entered the contest.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. -- Three Cherokee County teens were invited to participate in the Federal Service Language Academy at the University of North Georgia over the summer.

The prestigious program, which is endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education, combines language immersion, fitness and federal service advisement. It offers tracks in a number of languages, including Arabic, Chinese, German, Korean and Russian.

Cherokee County's attendees include Julia Kochansky (Cherokee High), Gianna Samms (Etowah High) and Christopher Simmons (Sequoyah High).

Learn more about the academy at ung.edu.

(WXIA) -- This weekend will be a holiday for Georgia families in more ways than one.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended construction-related lane closures on all major interstates and highways within five miles of malls and shopping districts.

This will allow parents and students to enjoy the tax-free shopping weekend without the added stress of road delays.

"The sales tax holiday is an opportunity for Georgians to save a little money during these challenging economic times," GDOT Commissioner Keith Golden said. "The department is glad to offer some relief from lane closures as families prepare for school."

11Alive Ways to Save reporter Valerie Hoff has some of the best tax-free weekend deals. Find out how to get the most bang for your buck.