Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers Tyler Harper and Clay Pirkle were on hand with Irwin County School District administrators, board members, and students on Thursday, April 18, as Google representatives presented their "Rolling Study Halls" initiative at Irwin County Middle School. Rolling Study Halls provide devices and wireless Internet access to students who ride the bus for 55 to 75 minutes each day, thus helping combat the "homework gap" for students who may not have Internet access at home to complete homework each day.

Irwin County is the first county in Georgia and one of only 16 other counties in the nation to have this initiative.

For more information on Rolling Study Halls, visit https://edu.google.com/giving/rolling-study-halls.

Irwin County High School senior Montana Goodman has been named the school’s 2019 PAGE STAR Student. David Martin, Energy Services Adviser of Irwin EMC in Ocilla, and Cathy Stott, President/CEO of the Ocilla/Irwin Chamber of Commerce, the local STAR program sponsors, announced the honor on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. Goodman selected Terry Spell, English teacher at Irwin County High School, as her STAR Teacher.

Montana, the daughter of Michael and Pam Goodman, earned the recognition for academic achievement and performance on the SAT. Montana has been in the Top 10 every school year and excels academically, being the top in her class. In addition to academics, Montana is a valued member of the ICHS tennis team. Montana chose Mrs. Spell as her STAR Teacher because “she has always been more than just a teacher to me. She pushed me to my limits and showed me that I’m capable of a lot more than I thought I was able to achieve.” Even after Montana stopped being in her classes, Mrs. Spell continued to be a mentor and supporter and Montana knew exactly who she wanted to choose as her STAR Teacher when given the opportunity.

(L to R) Kurt Wilmot, Lamar Purvis, Mrs. Lockett, Dr. Thad Clayton, Paige Wynn, Gary Paulk

On Monday, December 17, during the regular meeting of the Irwin County Board of Education, Mrs. Sylvia Lockett officially retired from the board after 24 years' service. She was presented a plaque by her fellow board members and board staff with the quote, "By word and deed, your presence has enriched the lives of many and served as an example for all." We thank Mrs. Lockett for her faithful service to the citizens of Irwin County.

Mrs. Sylvia Lockett and family