Photo Gallery | Good news from Cherokee schools: Spring 2012 edition

Several local volunteers, including Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo and Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison, read to students on Read Across America Day. Here, Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques spends time with Suzy Gebhart's 4th grade class.

Art teacher Pam Morgan received the Award of Excellence from the National Art Education Association Conference. She was also recognized for her work as the Georgia Youth Art Month Coordinator.

Vardry Wilson, a school custodian, recently celebrated his 80th birthday. The Canton High grad (Class of 1950) worked as a plumber for 36 years before joining the school's staff in 2007. "Mr. Wilson is one of the most dedicated, caring and hardworking employees I have ever had the privilege of working with," principal Kathleen Chandler said.

Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal (l), pictured with principal Dr. Jennifer Scrivner, read 'Who I'd Like to Be' to kindergarten students. The book was written by Georgia author Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by her great-granddaughter, Alexandria Elizabeth Brown.

The March Writers of the Month got to take a limousine ride and enjoy a special lunch, thanks to the school's Partners in Education. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Jack Sims and Mason Lanning BACK ROW: (l-r) Wade Whitfield, teacher Gina Mickler, Caroline Richardson, Isabelle Cloy and Nolan Tricker

U.S. Army recruiters challenged students to climb the U.S. Army's Rock Climbing Wall, a structure with three degrees of difficulty that pushes people to their physical limits. Those who made it all the way up received arm bands signifying that the conquered the wall. Here, U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Donald Lapolt watches students Guadalupe Soberanis (l) and Emily Geoghagan scale the wall.

The February Students of the Month were featured on the school's WJES morning show and received several prizes, including coupons, pencils and Student of the Month bumper stickers. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Kayden Blackney, Estrella Cano, Neah Huguley, Katie Bacon, Hannah Pankow, Tanner Cahill and Chase Alexander SECOND ROW: (l-r) Devin Cahoon, Allexia Stapp, Jackson Harvill, Arelis Santillan, Christopher Markley, Alison Eltz, Chloe Urban, Alexa Cascello and Kayleigh Taylor THIRD ROW: (l-r) Gage Goins, Jackson Westbrook, Jack Chase, Annslee Albers, Wendy Saucedo and Joey Maxwell BACK ROW: (l-r) Principal Kathleen Chandler, MacKenzie Elrod and Stevie Moore NOT PICTURED: Javier Andrade

Two Beta Club members placed in the club's statewide Scholastic Competition. Lizzie Perrin (l) won second place for creative writing and Abigail Sherrod placed first for her special talent -- opera. Both girls qualified for the national competition, where a $2,500 scholarship is at stake.

Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo read to Debby Pinion's 2nd grade class in honor of Read Across America Day.

Students Austin Montgomery and Destini Hinson placed first and second, respectively, in the Hickory Flat Optimist Club's chapter of the Optimist International Essay Contest. This year's theme was "How My Positive Attitude Benefits My Community."

In recognition of Exceptional Children's Week, students participated in fitness activities while facing physical limitations, including lack of vision, hearing and mobility in their legs. Here, 5th grader Jacob Waters uses two scooter boards to travel across the gym floor, to give him an idea of what it's like to navigate a setting in a wheelchair.

Students participated in the Cherokee County School District's Japanese Art Exchange program, where they created artwork to send to schools in Japan. In return, Japanese students sent their artwork and handwritten certificates to the American students. (l-r) Emily Irvin (3rd grade), art teacher Laure Dorr, Hailey Weeg (5th grade) and Pressley Reeves (4th grade)

Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal visited the school in honor of Read Across America Day. She read 'Who I'd Like to Be' to Laura Uszenski's kindergarten class.

The school recently honored its February Students of the Month. (l-r) Katherine Hawkins, Alyssa Powell, Audra Paione, Emma Hogan, Kelly Hart, Garrett Fischman, principal Dr. Deborah Wiseman, Nicholas Venezia, Faith Norton, Brooklyn Turner, Amanda Pruitt, Sommer Hill and Connor Cooper

Six students placed in the annual oratorical contest sponsored by the Optimist Club. Two of the winners -- McKenzie Lovelace and Preston Quarles -- took the top prize and will move on to the next level of competition. (l-r) Claire Roop, Cabri Gordon, McKenzie Lovelace, Preston Quarles, Brian Dunn and Grant Foster

Connor Fisher, a 3rd grader, dressed up as Paul Revere for the school's 'Famous American Heroes' biography projects. Students were required to present their famous heroes to the class in a unique way; Connor chose to dress up, but some of his classmates made posters, put on puppet shows and even showed filmstrips.

The February Students of the Month were selected for displaying leadership skills, work ethics and positive character traits. (l-r) Ansley Priddy, Mitchell Beversdorf, Hannah Mann, principal Kerry Martin, Holden Bedora, Austin Bocca and Mitchell Gallion

Cafeteria workers celebrated Dr. Seuss Week by serving mini pancakes and green eggs & ham to students. Cafeteria manager Cindy Byram held a drawing for four Dr. Seuss books, which went to students (l-r) Emily McPhail, Orleans Cruz, Cooper Knauff and Taylor Johnson.

The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team placed first at the division competition. The students now head to the state-level contest. (l-r) Stephanie Bradley, Zach Vickers, Jalen Austin, Eli Weatherby, Liberty Reilly, Cooper Phelps, Alli Cox, Joshua Lockhart, Elisabeth Byess, Haley McCrink, Jonathan Bradley and James Perdue

Izabella Mingolla, a 4th grader, raised $1,000 during the 2012 Jump Rope for Heart event, which benefits the American Heart Association. This isn't the first time Izabella has raked in the dough; she raised $660 as a 3rd grader, and $875 when she was in 2nd grade. (l-r) Principal Dr. Dianne Steinbeck, Izabella Mingolla and Jump Rope for Heart sponsor Sharon Peters

One student from each grade level will represent the school at the 2012 Cherokee County School District Young Authors' Fair in March. (l-r) Moxon Glosson (4th grade), Mackenzie Czerner (3rd grade), Autumn Dustin (5th grade), Trinity Starzyk (kindergarten), Drew Vajda (2nd grade) and Brooke Wildes (1st grade)

Abigail Harper, a 7th grader, was selected for the 2012 Capitol Art Exhibit, which is held every March (Youth Art Month) to emphasize the value of art education and promote quality arts programs in schools. "Abbie was selected because she is always willing to put forth extra effort, shows creativity and uses craftsmanship," principal Dr. Susan Zinkil said. (l-r) State Rep. Calvin Hill, Abbie Harper and art teacher Laura Dunn

After reading some of Georgia author T.M. Taylor's short stories, students wrote letters to him and his publishing company. Taylor wrote back, then took it a step further by visiting the school and initiating a lively discussion about author's purpose, character development and personal anecdotes.

Principal Beth Long wanted students to know the meaning of Presidents' Day, so she invited Abraham Lincoln to speak about his life. Jasper-based actor Homer S. Sewell III makes a living by portraying Lincoln; his message of "never give up" and "be proud of your country" resonates with children. Sewell is also the author of 'Image in the Mirror,' an autobiography that includes his life as Lincoln and the joy of tracking down his biological parents and brothers after 49 years apart. He is pictured with students (l-r) Hannah Jennings, Caleb Dingman, Parker Cowart, James Perdue, Shelby Stephenson, Haley McCrink and Jalen Austin.

The PTA and student council co-sponsored a coat and blanket drive for Cherokee County DFACS earlier this month. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Dalton Ludke, Asher Trlica, Noah Coker, Joshua Sanchez, Abby Morrison, Sophie Morrison, Elisa Poje, Maddie Flower, Cooper Cummings, Noah Carras, counselor Brenda Hall and PTA president Gwen Freeman BACK ROW: (l-r) Assistant principal Paula Merritt, Michael Stone, student council vice president Mollie McNeil, Kali Bergerren, student council president AnnaBeth Bedsole, student council secretary Brittany Mohundro, student council treasurer Tanner Baird and Ashley Adams

Author Alex Beard visited the school to wow students with tales of his travels to Africa. He also showed off some of his vivid illustrations, with a little help from 2nd grader Sarah Frasier.

The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team placed first in the middle school division at the region competition. The students will now move on to compete at the divisional level. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Rachel Heiter and Matt Shear BACK ROW: (l-r) Erin Lane, coach Di Graves, Amber Miller, coach Allison Cook, Thomas Mathers, Abir Sharma, Logan Best, Emily Whittaker, Paige Richards, Casey Heidt, principal Karen Hawley and coach Pam Kirk

The February Writers of the Month were treated to lunch and a limousine ride, courtesy of the school's Partners in Education. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Annabella Boyle, MacKenzie Doran, Zach Showalter, Davis Vinings, Justin Bolsen and Tori Pitts BACK ROW: (l-r) Nate Bester, principal Tammy Castleberry, assistant principal Matt Harper and teacher Janet Merkel

The school's Response to Intervention (RTI) Strategy Team received the 2012 Star Award for Promising Practices during the annual Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators conference in Athens. The team also served as keynote speakers; their talk was entitled "Collaboration, Cooperation and Effective Communication to Improve RTI within the Elementary School." RTI team members include (l-r) early intervention program teacher Emily Weber, special education teacher Lauren Roach, assistant principal Victoria Thom and school counselor Dr. Erin Poindexter.

"Finding Solace in Birmingham," a piece of art by senior Kelly Moore, placed second in the high school division of The Dream Art Contest: Visions of the Civil Rights Movement and America Today. Kelly received her $150 prize, plus $300 for her school, during an awards ceremony hosted by Congressman John Lewis and 11Alive's own Donna Lowry. When asked about the message of her piece, Kelly said, "I wanted to communicate the universal idea that love overcomes all evil. Throughout this process, I realized that the Civil Rights Movement wasn't necessarily about African-Americans overcoming the suppression of white people, but it was about love conquering evil. And by love, I mean the passion that those people had who fought for their human rights. Something as simple as two human beings holding each other during hardship made me realize that we all have the power to overcome adversity."

The January Students of the Month were recognized for their dedication to academic excellence, good character and making friends with classmates. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Tyler Jones, Dellaina McCarthy and Aaron Nobles BACK ROW: (l-r) Kelly Popp, principal Kerry Martin, Faith Mohundro and Mary Elizabeth Paris

Jenny Kramer, a 1st grade teacher, is one of 11Alive's most recent Class Act teachers. Kids and Schools reporter Donna Lowry visited the school and filmed Kramer in action. "Ms. Kramer and her class showed Ms. Lowry why she truly is a 'Class Act,'" principal Christian Kirby said. The segment is scheduled to air on 11Alive's 6 a.m. news on Monday, Feb. 13. (l-r) Donna Lowry, Jenny Kramer and Christian Kirby

Donna Swindell's kindergarten students made puppets and sang songs to learn all about Groundhog Day, including what will happen in 2012 now that Georgia's groundhog, Gen. Beauregard Lee, didn't see his shadow . . .

The 26 students who entered the Sequoyah Regional Technology Fair dominated their respective categories; Tori and Taylor, the two young ladies who placed first in the Multimedia Applications category, will go on to represent their school at the State Technology Fair in Macon. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Kiera Bass (3rd), Tori Cofield (1st), Taylor Boysen (1st) and Sebastian Vizuete (2nd) MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Tori Nabors (3rd), Gwyneth Smallie (3rd), Emma Yanes (2nd), Sarah Morgan (3rd), Colten Summers (2nd) and Will Garvey (2nd) BACK ROW: (l-r) Teresa Bailey, Rey Frausto (3rd), Justin Monzon (3rd), Colin Emery (2nd), Anna Haughey (3rd), Tristin Moore (2nd) and Todd Gantt (2nd)

The Beta Club raised more than $2,400 during its second annual Muscular Dystrophy Walkathon. Last year, the club raised the most money out of any Beta chapter in the country, and is on target to meet or exceed that amount in 2012.

The Upper Etowah River Alliance brought an environmental education program to students. All 1st graders, including Lauren Leszynski, got to make their own colorful dragonflies while learning about ecosystems and wildlife in Cherokee County.

Andrew Doerr and Jackson Taylor, both 4th graders, won first place at the Sequoyah Regional Technology Fair in January. Their creation -- a robotic arm -- will now become part of the state science fair in Macon in March. (l-r) Jackson Taylor, principal Dr. Keith Ingram and Andrew Doerr

Jane Morris, a 5th grade teacher (l), is the January Staff Member of the Month. She was recognized by her peers for always going the extra mile for her students, and for co-captaining the school's Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team, which placed second in the countywide competition. Principal Kerry Martin presented Morris with a $25 Walmart gift card to honor her for her hard work.

Taylor Roy, an exceptional student-athlete, signed a swimming scholarship with the University of Florida. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Sophia Roy, Taylor's sister; Heidi Roy, Taylor's mother; Taylor Roy; and Philip Roy, Taylor's father BACK ROW: (l-r) Principal Elliott Berman; Swim Atlanta head coach Mark Minier; school swim coach Nell Hess; school assistant swim coach Judy Bulmer; and school athletic director Todd Miller

Four students placed in this year's Cherokee County Schools Science Fair. (l-r) Chandler McCloud (3rd place, Plant Sciences), Hannah King and Rebekah Bobo (2nd place, Behavioral Sciences), 6th grade teacher and fair sponsor Lisa Naliwajka and Ryan Hill (2nd place, Cellular and Molecular Biology)

Jennifer Forsyth, a biology teacher, was named Georgia's 2012 High School Science Teacher of the Year. "Cherokee County is fortunate to have dedicated, talented teachers like Jennifer Forsyth. She brings an amazing level of energy and enthusiasm to the classroom every day, and she is very deserving of such statewide recognition from her peers," Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Petruzielo said.

Four students placed in the Cherokee County Schools Science Fair. (l-r) Ashley Mooney, Alexis Muse, Alli Cox and Natalie Norton

A team of students competed in the 2012 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl; they did a fantastic job. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Alicia Mazzurra, Maariya Moiz, Aryan Rath, Isabelle Keenum and coach Deanna Miller BACK ROW: (l-r) Coach Susan Randolph, coach Christine Kramer, Ragan Martin, Meghan Salain, Autumn Shelton, Kaylee Isaksen, Sydney Page and principal Christian Kirby

A group of 5th graders who are studying World War II got the chance to Skype with a hero: 90-year-old Syl Puccio, who was stationed aboard the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mr. Puccio now lives in upstate New York; his son, John Puccio Sr., and grandson, John Puccio Jr., live in Cherokee County. Google "An Angel Sent by History" to learn more about Syl Puccio.

Marcia Boyd's kindergarten class celebrated the 100th day of school by having students make their own fun glasses.

Zero the Hero visited the school on the 100th day of classes, where she presented kindergartners with lollipops that said "I'm 100 days brighter." (Zero the Hero is really principal Tammy Castleberry in disguise -- but don't tell the students!)

The Cherokee County Schools superintendent and board members visited the school for a tour and a lunch. They were also treated to a performance from the school chorus.

Jade Barkley, a 5th grader, won the school spelling bee. (l-r) Spelling bee sponsor Carol Chester, Jade Barkley and runner-up Alyssa Giardina (6th grade)

Perfect attendance paid off in a big way for two students. Principal Dianne Steinbeck treated 1st grader Ethan Kenol (l) to a Razor BoGo Pogo Stick and 5th grader Chance Skelton to a Mongoose bicycle -- all because the boys haven't missed a single day of school yet this year.

Emily Feyerabend, a 6th grader, won the school spelling bee. She will now go on to compete in the Cherokee County Spelling Bee on Jan. 24. (l-r) Spelling bee runner-up Celeste Bibeau (4th grade), spelling bee coordinator Jill Johnson and Emily Feyerabend

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day allowed teachers, students and staff members to show their love for the hard-working women who support the kids' educational processes. Each paraprofessional was treated to lunch and received a tumbler full of candy. (l-r) Susan Day, Mel Gary, Bobbie Byrd, Joanne Waver, Wendy Comelitti and April Simmons (not pictured: Taylor Smith Johnson)

Eighteen 4th graders earned straight As on their second quarter report cards. They were recognized at a special brunch. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Isabelle Bridges, Gardenia Avendano, Elizabeth Hughes and Kyle Caldwell MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Christian Zapatos, Kenny West, Blaise Fischer, Sydney Kahn, Lily Wardrip, Breanna Whitcher and Mitchell Anderson BACK ROW: (l-r) Gavin Sturdivant, Charlie Meyer, Frank Beltran, Jalin Quick, Hannah Pattillo, Keirra Dodd and Rachel Ray

The December Students of the Month appeared live on the school's WJES morning news show and received several fabulous prices, including ice cream coupons, school spirit pencils and Student of the Month bumper stickers. FRONT ROW: (l-r) America Martinez, Julia Morgan, Peyton Manwaring, Sam Palermo, Matthu Carter and Slade Wilkins SECOND ROW: (l-r) Gunner Gibson, Carson Lathem, Bailey Mullen, Madison Summerfield, Aidan Gerdis and James Jordan THIRD ROW: (l-r) Brandon Gibson, Claudia O'Neal, Jordan Maxwell, Tyler Ridge, Ashley Dominquez, Karina Lax and Chris Salazar BACK ROW: (l-r) Principal Kathleen Chandler, Wesley Word, Noah Alexander, Austin Clark, Halee Rhodes, Zander Chambers and Christian Simcox

Students who display positive character traits are rewarded with the coveted Cougar Character Coupon. The most recent winners display their certificates here. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Catherine Harris, Skylar Pearce, Taylor Tragessor and Carter Long MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Counselor Brenda Hall, Mason Toole, Corbin Sullivan, Austin King, Alexander Morgan and principal Tammy Sandell. BACK ROW: (l-r) Lexi Todd, Jordan Cox and Reed Anderson

A number of "creative souls" placed in this year's Georgia PTSA Reflections competition, which focuses on the importance of art education in public schools. FRONT ROW: (l-r) Meg Beinke (visual arts), Katherine Delgado (visual arts) and Augustina Horlava (visual arts) MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Breanna Davis (visual arts), Rebecca Miller (photography) and Destini Hinson (literature) BACK ROW: (l-r) Kierra Smith (literature), Shelby Stephens (photography), Felipe Mejia (visual arts) and Racquel Charles (dance choreography) NOT PICTURED: Ivan Worthington (visual arts)

The school can now boast the Region 2 champion team of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Academic Bowl Tournament. This group of students will advance to the state semi-final round on Jan. 21. (l-r) Coach John Carter, coach Annabel Ballew, Garrett Johnston, Will Touchstone, Andrew Jones, Miranda Bourdeau, Conner McCann, Haley Jane, principal Dr. Deborah Wiseman, Chris Lipscomb, Lukas Freeman, Grant Foster, Bryce Goodwyn, coach John Jensen and Jack Della Penna (not pictured: coach Dr. Mark Nazamzadeh and Ben Vester)

Isabella Garrett and Daniela Trejo used their 5th grade class's study of Henri Matisse to create their own Matisse-inspired works of art, which will be on display at the Capitol Art Exhibit in Atlanta in February. (l-r) Isabella Garrett, art teacher Kay Martin and Daniela Trejo

Ashlee Scales, a 5th grader, won the school spelling bee. She will represent her school at the Cherokee County Spelling Bee on Jan. 24. (l-r) Ashlee Scales, principal Dr. Keith Ingram and spelling bee runner-up Emelia Sengstock (5th grade)

Kent Johnston, a 5th grader, is the winner of this year's school spelling bee. He will now go on to compete at the county level on Jan. 24. (l-r) Assistant principal Kim Hagood, principal Letitia Cline, runner-up Riley Jones (5th grade), Kent Johnston and assistant principal Stacey Krutz

Student Christian Jaimes and teacher Alicia Price, both members of the school's Air Force Junior ROTC program, traveled to Singapore in December as part of a cadet exchange program. Only nine cadets from four states were selected for the honor.