As Douglas County schools launched a new academic year, 284 new teachers embarked on their educational journeys within the district. Among these educators, former University of Georgia wide receiver Trey Blount took on his new role as a Physical Education teacher and wide receivers coach at Alexander High School. "I am pretty nervous," Blount told FOX5 Atlanta. He shares a sentiment of excitement mixed with the weight of responsibility, as he aims to impact young lives beyond the field.
Meanwhile, a local alumna, Lelani Smith, has returned to Douglas County High School to teach in the International Baccalaureate program she once attended. Smith, who, at the age of 20, graduated from Georgia Tech with a master's in modern languages, attributes her decision to teach to the fulfillment she found in guiding others on their educational paths. In her words, "Something that made me feel great inside was having a role in someone's path to explore," she recalled to FOX5 Atlanta.
On a lighter note, with the new school year comes new trends. Ten-year-old Yoen Regina Gutierrez, attending Central Elementary School in Carroll County, highlighted the popularity of Stanleys and Stanley toppers among students. Marla Turpin, a Central Elementary alumna herself and now the principal, noted the community's focus on keeping up with technology, "We’re trying to make sure we’re keeping up with times and technology," she said to Atlanta News First. Reflecting certain nostalgia and anticipation of the school year's promise, she added, "We get to change lives every day."
As classes resume, the importance of road safety near school zones has been emphasized. Residents living in proximity to schools are reminded to be vigilant for school buses and children, especially in areas such as Carroll, Troup, Floyd, and Hall counties where speed limits can exceed 50 mph. This caution allows students like Gutierrez to concentrate on the more pressing concerns of elementary school life–for instance, devising creative excuses for unfinished weekend homework.
