Titan Times - January 2026

Dear Turner County Families and Community,

As January comes to a close, we take time to reflect on a strong start to the new year across Turner County Schools. Returning from winter break, our students and staff quickly reestablished routines, refocused on learning, and embraced the opportunities that a fresh semester brings. The dedication and determination seen in our classrooms each day continue to reinforce why our schools are such special places to learn and grow.

This month’s newsletter showcases the many ways our schools are growing and learning together. You’ll read about hands-on classroom experiences, literacy and leadership initiatives, student recognition, expanded mental health supports, and meaningful partnerships with community organizations. From academic challenges and creative projects to professional learning for our staff and celebrations of student and teacher success, these highlights reflect the teamwork and dedication that drive our district forward. Each story is a reminder of our shared commitment to continuous improvement and to meeting the needs of every learner.

As we move into the heart of the semester, I am grateful for the continued support of our families and community. Together, we remain focused on creating safe, engaging, and supportive learning environments where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential. I am proud of the work being done across Turner County Schools and excited for what lies ahead.

Go Titans!

Warm regards,

Christy Wray

Superintendent

Turner County Schools recently celebrated an exciting construction milestone with a special “topping out” signing event for Phase 2 of the Turner County Middle–High School project. Board members, community leaders, students, administrators, district staff, and representatives from JCI Construction Company came together to sign the top beam that will be placed in the new building. Approximately 60 people were present for this meaningful occasion, which included mementos and a strong sense of pride and excitement for the future of Titan athletics and academics.

Participants were able to stand inside the Phase 2 construction area and envision what will soon become the new Turner County High School gymnasium, additional CTAE classrooms, and JROTC classrooms. The excitement from students was felt all around as they signed the beam and learned more about how the new spaces will enhance learning and extracurricular opportunities. This event marked an important step forward in the district’s growth and modernization efforts and reflected the strong partnership between Turner County Schools and JCI Construction. The topping out ceremony was a powerful reminder of the shared commitment to creating high-quality learning environments for current and future Titans.

Turner County Schools families and community members have an exciting opportunity to direct their state tax dollars back into local education through Georgia’s PEACH Education Tax Credit. Instead of those dollars going to the state’s general fund, eligible taxpayers can choose to allocate a portion of their Georgia income taxes to support Turner County Schools. This is a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit, meaning it does not cost taxpayers anything extra—it simply redirects funds they already owe to directly benefit students and programs in our community.

Funds contributed through the PEACH Tax Credit can be used to support innovative programs, classroom resources, career and technical education, and student enrichment opportunities across the district. Participation is quick and easy, and applications typically take only a few minutes to complete. Community members are encouraged to talk with their accountant or tax professional and visit https://www.gfpe.org/tax_credit/page/georgias-peach-education-tax-credit to learn more about how to make their tax dollars matter right here in Turner County.

Turner County Schools is excited to share that the Student Chef competition officially began this month, giving students a unique opportunity to combine creativity, teamwork, and real-world culinary skills. Participating students must develop an original recipe and complete a 14-step process to be eligible to compete, including watching educational videos on school meals, Georgia Grown produce, USDA foods, and food safety, as well as conducting student taste tests, making recipe modifications, and submitting professional-style recipe photographs. With 55 schools signed up across the state and a two-week deadline to submit all required documents, our team is working hard to represent Turner County with excellence.

Our Turner County team created a Chicken Broccoli Pesto Pasta recipe and prepared it for the first time this week—with delicious results. The student team includes Jaida Caldwell, Alyssa Howell, Brooklynn Bateman, and Vanessa Olguin, with guidance from Mrs. Blanks, FACS teacher, and Artemio Gomez, Nutrition Director. If Turner County is selected to advance in the competition, students will move on to the next stage, where they will compete against other participating schools and prepare their meal in a live setting. As teams progress further in the competition, they will have the opportunity to earn scholarship awards. We are proud of our students for taking on this exciting challenge and look forward to seeing how far they go in the competition!

Turner County Schools proudly continued its teacher recognition tradition during the second nine weeks, celebrating even more educators for their dedication, professionalism, and consistency. Led by Superintendent Christy Wray in partnership with each school principal, this round of recognition reflected meaningful growth—52% more teachers were honored compared to the first nine weeks. This increase highlights the positive momentum across the district as more educators met key expectations tied to reliability and instructional preparedness, all in support of student success.

At Turner County Elementary School, the 95% Crew honored teachers who recorded no more than two tardies for the entire grading period, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and dependability while still offering grace for rare circumstances. Elementary honorees included Kristen Carter, Kathy Hille, Nikki Johnson, Andrea Kelly, Deborah Lane, Suzi Mathis, Leigh McCard, Shelley McRae, Jessica Mitchell, Melissa Pate, Eilene Perry, Marie Shiver, Joseph Thompson, Kaylee Walls, and Jonathan Williams.

For grades 6–12, the Planning Pro Award recognized teachers who achieved 100% on-time weekly lesson plan submissions, celebrating strong instructional preparedness and professionalism. Middle school recipients were Melissa Folsom, Caroline Gore, Lori Wooten, Renee Smith, Ashley Purvis, Melissa Goulden, Jennifer Harris, Kendel Purvis, and Shelby Wilkerson. High school honorees included Kim Guess, Dawn Warren, Lauren Pearce, LeahAunna Rodgers, Caroline Stubbs, Lisa Greene, SFC Christopher Lee, and CSM James Jackson.

All recipients received a handwritten note from Superintendent Wray, a Titan-branded gift, and a Golden Ticket worth 30 minutes of time off — small tokens of appreciation for the big impact these educators make each day.

In partnership with school principals, Superintendent Wray recently held a special recognition event to celebrate students who demonstrated outstanding commitment to school by earning perfect attendance and passing grades in all content areas. This districtwide celebration honored both academic responsibility and reliability, reinforcing the importance of showing up, staying engaged, and giving consistent effort in the classroom.

Middle and high school students were recognized with a certificate and an ice cream social during their lunch period, creating a fun and memorable way to celebrate their achievements. Elementary school students were honored with a certificate, a plush hugger, and a token for the book vending machine, rewarding both their attendance and academic success in a meaningful way.

A total of 44 students were recognized at Turner County Elementary School, 41 at Turner County Middle School, and 10 at Turner County High School. We are incredibly proud of these students and their dedication to learning, and we encourage them to continue setting high goals, showing up every day, and striving for excellence.

Turner County Schools is pleased to announce that the Dental Van will return for its spring visit in April or early May, providing students with convenient access to dental care during the school day. This is a great opportunity for students to receive needed dental services without missing instructional time. Only students with a completed consent form will be seen, so families are encouraged to complete the registration process as soon as possible.

Parents can pick up a paper form from the front office of their child’s school. All completed forms must be returned by February 13 in order for students to be scheduled. This valuable service is made possible through the hard work and dedication of Patricia B. Harris, Executive Director of Family Connection of Turner County, Inc., along with other community partners who support student health and wellness. We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to help keep students healthy and ready to learn.

Turner County Schools recently hosted the District Spelling Bee, welcoming six talented students for a spirited morning of learning and competition. This year’s event introduced a new oral vocabulary round, which added an extra layer of challenge and showcased students’ depth of word knowledge. Competing for Turner County Elementary School were John Bealsey, Seven Wilson, and Terale Felder, while Turner County Middle School was represented by Qwan Rowe, KJ Flagg, and Jayla Green. Each student demonstrated impressive preparation, confidence, and perseverance throughout the competition.

We are proud to recognize KJ Flagg as the District Champion, who will represent Turner County Schools at the Regional Spelling Bee in Bainbridge on Saturday, February 28. Congratulations also go to John Bealsey, who earned second place, and Seven Wilson, who placed third. All participants and winners received plaques, and thanks to a partnership with the Turner County 4-H Office, Mrs. Lynn Davis generously provided a custom rotating trophy that will be awarded annually to the champion’s school. The winner’s name will be added each year, establishing a meaningful tradition for years to come. Congratulations to all the spellers!!

Turner County Schools is excited to announce the addition of new mental health services designed to better support the social and emotional well-being of our students and families.

Through a partnership with Legacy Behavioral Health Services in Tifton and the APEX program, in-person counseling services will now be available at Turner County Elementary School. This partnership helps eliminate common barriers such as transportation and limited access to care, making it easier for families to receive support. Legacy Behavioral Health will provide individual therapy sessions, family therapy, assessments, and mental health evaluations for students. They accept Medicaid, all major insurance providers, and also serve families who may be uninsured.

In addition, Turner County Schools is welcoming Cartwheel to support middle and high school students with expanded telehealth mental health services. Cartwheel offers convenient, confidential telehealth appointments outside of school hours and provides services that include individual therapy, family therapy, parent support, and a focus on promoting regular school attendance. Like Legacy Behavioral Health, Cartwheel accepts Medicaid, all major insurance providers, and families who may be uninsured, ensuring that services remain accessible to all.

These new partnerships reflect our district’s continued commitment to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Families who would like additional information about either service are encouraged to contact Tosha Thornton at tosha.thornton@turner.k12.ga.us

We are grateful to expand these resources and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students and school community.

During the January teacher in-service day, Turner County Schools hosted two engaging AI for Educators professional learning sessions designed to build staff understanding and confidence in using artificial intelligence. More than 80 teachers, staff members, and district leaders attended the sessions, reflecting strong interest in innovative instructional and productivity tools. Both sessions were presented by Leanne NeSmith, Instructional Technology Specialist from Coastal Plains RESA.

The Beginner Session focused on what AI is and is not, differences between common AI platforms, foundational prompting skills, and practical ways AI can increase productivity for district staff. The Intermediate Session built on that foundation by exploring AI literacy, safe and effective classroom use, and hands-on demonstrations of Google for Education AI tools, specifically Gemini and NotebookLM. Turner County Schools is grateful for this valuable partnership and for the opportunity to continue equipping educators with future-ready skills that support teaching, learning, and operational efficiency across the district.

Over the Christmas break, Turner County Elementary School launched a Winter Read-a-Thon to encourage students to keep reading while school was out and to celebrate strong literacy habits. Students were challenged to choose a book on their reading level, read independently or with family, and document the number of pages they completed using a digital Google Form. They were also encouraged to post a photo of themselves reading over the break on the school’s Facebook Read-a-Thon post, helping build excitement and a sense of community around reading.

The following students were recognized - Pre K: Daniel Kimkowski, 1st: Isaiah Peterson, Kensley Lawson, Noah Humphrey, 2nd: Fitz Mathis, 3rd: Bentley Dove, Erynn Jackson, 4th: Taylar Stafford,

5th: Broxton Buchanan, Triystin Clark, O’zyhia Hampton

As part of the challenge, students expanded their vocabularies by learning new words such as pointless, recycle, task, straight, sneer, serpent, beagle, technique, trapeze, strangely, photographer, thrived, constellation, and metropolitan. The top readers were rewarded with a special lunch to celebrate their hard work and dedication, along with tokens for the book vending machine, stuffed animals, and a candy bag as additional incentives for their achievement.

We are excited to bring this challenge back over the summer break, so remember—always keep reading and learning new words to grow your vocabulary!

Pre-K students at Turner County Elementary School recently celebrated the 100th day of school by being “100 days smarter” with a day full of fun, hands-on learning activities. Students counted out and glued down 100 cereal pieces, practiced counting all the way to 100, and even took 100 steps as part of a movement activity. Throughout the day, students participated in lessons that reinforced important early math skills such as counting, number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, and understanding quantities. This special celebration made learning both meaningful and memorable while helping students build a strong foundation in early numeracy skills!

First-grade students from Turner County Elementary School recently enjoyed a special field trip to the Victoria Evans Memorial Library, where they were welcomed for a fun and engaging introduction to their local library. During the visit, students listened to a story, participated in an exciting scavenger hunt to explore different areas of the library, and enjoyed a group parachute activity that added movement and energy to the experience. They also learned how to sign up for a library card so they can check out books and continue reading at home.

This partnership between Turner County Elementary School and the Victoria Evans Memorial Library has been a meaningful addition to the school year, giving all TCES students the opportunity to visit the public library and learn about the resources it offers. Experiences like these help build a strong foundation for lifelong reading habits, support literacy development, and connect students and families to valuable community resources. Turner County Schools is grateful for this collaboration and its positive impact on student learning and engagement!

Ms. Wood’s class was selected as a winner in the M2 Holiday Magic program, earning a special pizza party for their classroom while they were piloting the M2 AI Robot in their classroom. As part of the Holiday Magic initiative, M2 added fun, seasonal whole-class activities into the Group Guides section of the platform. These zero-prep activities allowed the teacher to click and run a festive lesson with the class, making it an easy and engaging option during the busy holiday season. Ms. Wood’s class participated by completing a creative whole-group lesson centered around hot chocolate, which caught the attention of the program organizers and earned them recognition.

Thanks to M2 Holiday Magic, the class received four Pizza Hut pizzas to enjoy together, turning their hard work into a fun and memorable celebration. It’s always rewarding to see our students recognized for creativity, participation, and effort, and we’re grateful for partnerships like this that bring extra smiles to our school community while supporting meaningful learning experiences.

Mrs. Johnson’s first grade class has begun an exciting pilot with Just Right Readers, a collection of decodable books designed to support phonics and early reading success. Decodable books allow students to practice reading text that aligns closely with phonics skills they are learning, helping them apply their decoding knowledge with confidence and build fluency over time.

Each student received a Turner Titan branded bag and three sets of 10 leveled decodable books, giving each learner 30 books tailored to their current reading level. During independent reading time each day, students read from their assigned set. After two weeks, they take that set home and receive a new set of ten, building their home libraries throughout the six-week pilot period. By the end of the program, students will have 30 additional books to enjoy at home—supporting both classroom learning and literacy development beyond the school day.

Second-grade students in Mrs. Carter’s class are extending their learning by regularly practicing cursive writing as an enrichment activity. While cursive writing is formally introduced as a third-grade standard under the newly released Georgia ELA standards, students are enjoying the opportunity to get an early start. Through guided practice, they are learning how to form the flowing curves and connected letters that make cursive unique. This engaging extension activity supports fine motor development, builds confidence in writing, and helps prepare students for future literacy expectations.

Pre-K students at TCES have been practicing writing their names in a fun, hands-on way while strengthening their fine motor skills. Students glued pieces of tissue paper onto the letters of their names written on poster board, helping them reinforce letter naming and connect letters with their corresponding sounds. This engaging activity also supported the development of hand strength, coordination, and focus, all of which are important for early writing skills. Through creative learning experiences like this, our youngest learners are building a strong foundation in both literacy and motor development.

During math flex time, Ms. Woods’ kindergarten class has been building strong math skills through hands-on learning with math cubes. Students practiced adding and subtracting by modeling problems with the cubes and then writing their addition and subtraction equations correctly. The lesson also focused on helping students understand and use the correct math vocabulary, including addition, subtraction, plus sign, and minus sign. This engaging approach supports both conceptual understanding and confidence in early math learning.

Pre-K students in Mrs. Robinson’s and Mrs. Freeman’s class enjoyed a fun and engaging winter-themed learning experience through their very own classroom Hot Cocoa Stand. As part of a dramatic play area, students learned how to order and purchase a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows, practicing real-life skills in a playful setting. Students took turns taking orders and working the cash register, then switched roles so everyone could participate. At the end of the week, students enjoyed real hot cocoa and marshmallows! This hands-on activity supported early math, communication, and social skills while making learning both meaningful and memorable.

Mrs. Mitchell’s small group put a creative spin on math by using Play-Doh as manipulatives to solve subtraction problems. Students were given a math equation on a flash card and asked to model it by building the number of shapes needed to represent the problem. As they worked, students read the mathematical equation out loud, modeled the expression, stated the answer, and then showed the solution by taking away part of their Play-Doh model. This hands-on activity helped reinforce subtraction concepts while strengthening students’ understanding through visual, verbal, and kinesthetic learning.

Students recently had the opportunity to taste the lettuce they grew in their Ag class with Mrs. Walls. Some students discovered they enjoyed the fresh greens, while others decided it wasn’t their favorite—but everyone agreed it was a fun and memorable experience. The taste test gave students a hands-on connection to the growing process and helped them learn where food comes from. It also opened the door for conversations about healthy eating and agriculture. It was an engaging way to celebrate their project, and it’s an experience we can’t wait to do again.

Turner County Schools is excited to share a new career exploration opportunity for Turner County Middle School students through Find Your Grind, an innovative future-ready learning platform made possible by a grant supporting rural districts across Georgia. This initiative will serve 6th–8th grade students, who will participate during their STEAM elective class, led by Mrs. Kendel Purvis. Through the grant, our district received 250 student licenses, and a teacher professional development session at no cost, all designed to strengthen college, career, and life-readiness programming at the middle school level.

Using the Find Your Grind platform, students will begin by completing a Lifestyle Assessment to identify their interests, values, and personality traits. From there, they will explore curated career pathways, watch short videos featuring real professionals, and build personalized learning plans that connect their interests to postsecondary options and real-world careers. This engaging, student-centered experience will support meaningful conversations about goal-setting, future planning, and workforce readiness as students begin to envision possibilities for their futures.

Turner County Middle School teachers recently participated in a short professional learning session focused on leveraging free classroom resources from Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) and PBS LearningMedia to support instruction. The session was led by Jenny Hale, a GPB representative, who introduced educators to a wide range of standards-aligned videos, lesson plans, interactive activities, and digital tools that can be used across content areas to enhance student engagement and understanding. GPB works in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education to ensure these resources align with state standards and instructional priorities.

Teachers explored how these high-quality, no-cost resources can be easily integrated into daily instruction to reinforce key concepts, support diverse learners, and provide meaningful enrichment opportunities. The session emphasized practical classroom applications and highlighted how GPB and PBS LearningMedia can serve as ongoing instructional supports for both teachers and students.

Turner County Middle School recently partnered with Mrs. Singletary, Instructional Specialist with the Georgia Department of Rural Education and Innovation, to provide high-quality professional learning focused on increasing student engagement and strengthening explicit instruction strategies. This collaborative session supported teachers in refining their instructional practices with practical, research-based approaches that can be immediately implemented in the classroom. The training emphasized the importance of clear modeling, active student participation, and intentional pacing to maximize learning for all students.

Mrs. Singletary highlighted several simple yet do-able strategies drawn from Anita Archer’s work, helping teachers see how small shifts can lead to meaningful instructional impact. Through engaging videos and demonstrations, teachers explored effective ways to implement “turn and talk” routines and teacher modeling techniques that promote student thinking and accountability. The session was both energizing and empowering, equipping educators with tools they can use right away to boost engagement, clarity, and confidence in their instruction. TCMS is grateful for this partnership and the continued commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

Students in Ms. Harris’ class are strengthening their editing skills during intervention time by working collaboratively in small groups. Using writing samples from their Read 180 assignments, students engage in peer editing to provide constructive feedback and improve clarity, grammar, and overall writing quality. They discuss suggestions with one another and make revisions based on the feedback they receive, helping them take ownership of their writing. This collaborative process builds confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of strong writing practices.

Students in Mrs. Purvis’s GATE class took on an engineering challenge by designing and building bridges using limited supplies—just 30 sheets of paper and a specified length of tape. The project was connected to a real-world farming application, where students learned how shippers transport crops from rural Georgia across the US, making strong bridges essential. Working in collaborative groups, students brainstormed ideas, planned their designs, and created structures with the goal of holding the weight of a real brick. Throughout the process, Mrs. Purvis asked probing questions to guide student thinking and encourage problem-solving, helping students develop teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Students also tested and refined their designs, learning firsthand the value of perseverance and design improvement!

Turner County High School recently celebrated an exciting milestone with the announcement of the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. The special event brought together parents, family members, teachers, administrators, and community members to honor the outstanding academic achievements of these top seniors. The atmosphere was filled with pride, anticipation, and applause as the honorees were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout their high school careers.

Class of 2025 Honors:
Valedictorian – Chris Hernandez
Salutatorian – Laniyah Fulton

The announcement served as a meaningful moment to reflect on the perseverance, leadership, and academic focus demonstrated by both students. Their accomplishments represent years of effort and serve as an inspiration to their peers and younger students across the district. Turner County Schools is proud to celebrate these exceptional scholars and looks forward to honoring them again at graduation as they take the next step in their educational journeys.

Turner County High School’s Audio Visual class is excited to share its official YouTube channel, Turner Titan TV, where students showcase their creativity, technical skills, and school spirit through original video content. This student-run channel features a variety of productions, including school announcements, event highlights, interviews, and special segments that keep our school community informed and engaged.

Through this hands-on learning experience, students are developing real-world skills in video production, editing, storytelling, teamwork, and digital media communication. The channel also provides an authentic platform for students to share their voices and highlight the many positive things happening across our campus. Families and community members are encouraged to subscribe and support our students by watching and sharing their work at: https://youtube.com/@turnertitantv?si=1a_f2DaerhDyneCN

As part of ongoing Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Turner County High School continues to benefit from long-standing partnerships that support students as they prepare for life beyond high school. Recently, Dr. Tonja Tift provided targeted instruction to Ms. Mandi Cole's students, focusing on two critical service areas: Self-Advocacy and Workplace Readiness. These lessons were designed to prepare the students for success, while also providing them with practical tools to support successful transition into postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. Through engaging lessons and real-world activities, students developed greater self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills. Instruction emphasized advocating for personal needs, understanding workplace expectations, professionalism, teamwork, and responsibility.

Building on this work, Turner County High School has also maintained a strong partnership with the Joshua Tree Service Group, which collaborates with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and local school systems to provide vocational education to registered high school students. Working closely with Ms. Cole, instructor Julie Stevens meets monthly with students to teach workplace readiness, career exploration, self-advocacy, and post-secondary planning. This school year, students have explored 17 career clusters, learned about different employment types, and completed assessments to identify career interests, strengths, and workforce readiness. Additional topics throughout the year include résumé writing, interviewing skills, financial literacy, and workplace expectations.

Students in Mrs. Warren’s class brought learning to life by creating a mock crime scene in the hallway as part of an interactive classroom activity. After setting up the scene, the rest of the class took on the role of investigators, carefully observing details and asking specific questions about the evidence, timeline, and clues left behind. This hands-on experience encouraged critical thinking, close reading of visual details, and collaborative problem-solving as students worked to piece together what might have happened. The activity also strengthened students’ communication skills as they discussed their observations and defended their conclusions. The creative lesson made learning engaging and memorable while helping students practice inquiry skills and analytical reasoning in a meaningful way.

High school students at Turner County Schools are learning valuable life and leadership skills during Titan Block time through the Leader in Me program, now in its second year of implementation across the district. Several times a week, Titan Block is used to teach students about concepts such as the “See, Do, Get” Cycle, which helps them understand how their thoughts influence their actions and ultimately their results. Through these lessons, students are learning the importance of responsibility, making positive choices, accountability, taking initiative, and being resourceful. The Leader in Me program empowers students to develop strong habits that support both academic success and personal growth, helping them become confident, self-directed leaders inside and outside the classroom.

As the new semester begins, students in Mrs. Rodgers’ class started the term by getting to know their new teacher and learning important expectations for science class. Mrs. Rodgers introduced herself and reviewed essential lab safety procedures to ensure all students understand how to stay safe during upcoming hands-on science labs. Students discussed proper behavior, equipment use, and safety rules that will be followed throughout the semester. This introduction helped set a positive tone for learning while emphasizing the importance of responsibility and safety in the science classroom.

Turner County high schoolers now have access to free, one-on-one online tutoring through the GA Tutor program. Students can get help in English, math, science, and social studies from Georgia-certified teachers, with sessions available evenings and weekends. To participate, students simply book sessions through their individual Infinite Campus portal, making it easy to get the support they need when they need it most. Find out more here: https://gavirtuallearning.org/gatutor/

The Georgia Department of Education partnered with Tutored by Teachers to offer free, virtual SAT prep classes for high school students across the state. These lessons were designed to help students, especially those in 11th and 12th grade, build confidence and strengthen their skills in Math and Reading & Writing. The sessions included test-taking strategies, real SAT-style practice questions, interactive participation, and direct instructional support from certified teachers.

Although the live registration period has ended, students and families can still benefit. A replay of the sessions is available to watch, allowing students to review the strategies and content at their convenience. This initiative ensures all Georgia students have access to high-quality preparation and helps level the playing field regardless of financial resources. Students can take advantage of this valuable tool to support their success and build readiness for the SAT. To watch the replay and access materials, click here.

Turner County High School’s FLEX program continues to provide students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences through a strong partnership with local business owners in Turner County and the Turner County Chamber of Commerce. Recently, five FLEX students enjoyed an amazing educational field trip to the Georgia State Capitol, where they toured the historic building and had the opportunity to personally meet Representatives Angie Osteen and Carden Summers, as well as Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. Students also heard from additional leaders who spoke about the importance of agriculture, legislation, and how government decisions connect to business and the economy.

Following the Capitol tour, students visited AmericasMart, a wholesale market open only to certain businesses and retail buyers. There, students explored a wide range of showrooms and learned how large-scale buying, marketing, and product development work in real-world settings. Several booth representatives took time to speak with students, share insights about their businesses, and offer advice and lessons learned from their own career journeys. Experiences like this highlight the purpose of the FLEX program, helping students build career awareness, professional skills, and community connections while preparing them for future success.

Turner County High School recently celebrated a historic milestone with the induction of the inaugural class of the TCHS Athletics Hall of Fame. The evening was filled with pride, excitement, and heartfelt appreciation as former athletes, coaches, and leaders were honored for their achievements, dedication, and lasting legacy. This historic ceremony honored individuals whose contributions have helped shape Turner County athletics for generations, celebrating both the past and the future of Titan excellence.

Honorees were recognized during a special induction ceremony, creating a memorable and meaningful celebration for all in attendance. The 2025 Hall of Fame honorees included:

• Clint Cawley – 3x State Champion (Wrestling)

• Edd Cunningham – 2x State Champion Coach (Track)

• John Dye – 2x State Champion Coach (Eureka) • Community Leader (Football)

• Jennifer Felton – 2x State Champion • 24 Gold Medals • FAOY ’95 (Track)

• Alan Hobby – Football Field Named in His Honor (Football)

• Ronalda Pierce – School Records • Civic Center Gym Namesake (Basketball)

• Erik Soliday – Winningest Football Coach in School History

• Ulysses Teague – All-Time Scoring Leader (Basketball)

• Ben Thomas – Auburn Standout • NFL Career (Football)

• Terry Walker – Auburn Standout (Football)

• Joe Wilson – 1976 State Champion Coach (Football)

The event marked an exciting beginning for this new tradition, honoring the past while inspiring future generations of Titans. Turner County High School is proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their incredible contributions to our school and community.

• Irwin County - February 3rd - @Home 6:00/7:30
• Brooks County - February 6th - @Away 6:00/7:30
• Fitzgerald - February 7th - @Away 6:00/7:30

• 1A Sectional - February 7th - @Commerce TBA

• Brooks County - February 5th - @Home TBA
• Clinch County - February 12th - @Away TBA
• Charlton County - February 19th - @Home TBA
• Lanier County - February 26th - @Home TBA

• Atkinson County - February 17th - @Home 4:00
• Echols County - February 19th - @Away 4:00
• Brooks County - February 24th - @Away 4:00
• Irwin County - February 26th - @Home 4:00

• Brooks County - February 13th - @Home 6:00
• Charlton County - February 17th - @Away 5:30
• Berrien County - February 18th - @Away 6:00
• Echols County - February 20th - @Home 6:00
• Irwin County - February 24th - @Away 6:00
• Lanier County February 27th - @Home 6:00

• Season begins in March

• Crisp County - February 12th - @Away 3:30
• Valdosta - February 19th - @Away 3:30

• Berrien County - February 26th - @Away 4:00

• Irwin County - February 9th - @Away 4:30
• Dooly County - February 12th - @Away 4:30
• Pulaski - February 16th/17th - @Home 4:30
• Berrien County - February 19th - @Away 4:30
• Wilcox County - February 23rd - @Home 4:30
• Irwin County - February 26th - @Home 4:30