Champ Young

🏆 TWO SCHOOLS. TWO REGIONAL WINNERS! Congratulations to Eastside High School and Alcovy High School, both named 2025–2026 GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award winners in their respective regions! 🦅 Eastside — Region 8-AAAA 🐅 Alcovy — Region 8-AAAAA Sponsored by Georgia’s EMCs in partnership with the GHSA, this award recognizes schools that exemplify respect, fairness, honesty, responsibility and outstanding sportsmanship throughout their athletic programs. With only one school selected from each GHSA region, we’re incredibly proud to have TWO Newton County Schools earn this honor! Congratulations, Eagles and Tigers! Now THAT is Spirit, Pride, Excellence! 🏆

Last night was all about Eastside High School! 🎓 At our BOE meeting, we recognized Eastside students who earned the College Board’s two highest AP Scholar distinctions for 2026—AP Scholar with Honor and AP Scholar with Distinction. Of NCS’ record 239 AP Scholars, 136 were from Eastside, including 42 with Distinction and 23 with Honor! Congratulations to these outstanding students! 👏

Eastside High School is proud to announce its 2026 Homecoming Court. Members of this year’s Homecoming Court are pictured from left to right as follows: Back Row: Malik Williams (11th grade), Cameron Hannah (12th grade), Arni Tryggvason (12th grade), Amond Sands (12th grade), Daevion Clark (12th grade), Nigel Williams (12th grade), and Caudieu Dunlap (11th grade). Row 3: Jaina Thompson (9th grade), Alexander Killman (9th grade), Lebron Davis (9th grade), Wesley Stigburg (9th grade), Aaliyah Walker (10th grade), Afton Bostian (10th grade), and Cole White (10th grade). Row 2: Aleigha Adams (9th grade), Caroline Payne (9th grade), Bryleigh Loggins (11th grade), Ansley Hartman (11th grade), Etana Montague (11th grade), Reese Arnold (10th grade), and Antonious Glover (10th grade). Front Row: Crystlynn Glaze (12th grade), Ari Carter (12th grade), Abigail Barron (12th grade), Kennady Dennis (12th grade), Ella Cowan (12th grade), and Kennadi Smith (12th grade). Also selected to the 2026 Homecoming Court but not pictured are Santiago Rodriguez (10th grade), Brody Ewing (11th grade), and Azaan Keats (12th grade). Eastside High School will celebrate Homecoming on Friday, September 18, when the Eagles take on Dutchtown. The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced during halftime. Eastside High School congratulates all members of this year’s Homecoming Court and looks forward to celebrating them during Homecoming festivities on September 18.

🌟 TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Meet Mr. Rodrick O. Baker, Eastside High School’s 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year! Mr. Baker has spent all 10 years of his Newton County Schools career at Eastside. After previously teaching special education and ELA, he has taken on a new role this year teaching Business Education. Inspired by the teachers who believed in him and encouraged him to be his best, Mr. Baker now strives to do the same for his students. ❤️ Above all, he hopes students leave his classroom knowing that he truly cares about them, believes in their potential, and is committed to helping them succeed—in the classroom and beyond. Fun fact: Mr. Baker once piloted an airplane! ✈️ Outside of school, he enjoys live concerts, shows, and sporting events. Congratulations, Mr. Baker! 🏆 Who will be Newton County Schools’ NEXT Teacher of the Year? Follow along as we count down to our September 23 celebration!