As the new school year began last week, the Troup County School System took a moment to recognize the accomplishments of students and staff through the summer months. 

Many of the students recognized on Thursday have also been honored by other local groups, but the honors on multiple fronts are undoubtedly earned.

Devon Cushing, Carson Thames, Madison Phillips and Jackson Everingham were recognized for advancing to the National SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference during the summer. Cushing was also elected as the National SkillsUSA Region 2 Vice President. More than the win itself, the accomplishment speaks to an increasing focus on marketable technical skills like graphic design.

Another impressive accomplishment was LaGrange High School freshman, Render McLeod, competed in the Optimist International Oratorical World Championship in St. Louis. McLeod placed first at county level, zone level, Georgia Regional level and GATEway district level, meaning that the speech McLeod shared with the Optimist Club of LaGrange in March and the LaGrange City Council in July was judged to be one of the best in the country — a truly outstanding accomplishment.

Long Cane Middle School’s Greenpower Team was also recognized for being named the GreenpowerUSA 2019 Middle School National Champions. 

The team earned more points than any other middle school and more points than all but two high schools in the nation. The mechanical skills that they learn through the race experience will likely form a foundation for skills that they can build on for years to come.

We would like to congratulate all of the students on their accomplishments over the past couple months, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and learn in the future.