CHS Assistant Principal Aprill Jones-Byrd, left, and former CHS AP Susan Gordy were recognized for being named finalists for the same honor a year apart – the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals’ Assistant Principal of the Year award.

Assistant principals recognized for service

The Carrollton Board of Education recognized two Carrollton High School assistant principals during its December 7 board meeting for reaching a pinnacle achievement in their respective careers by being named finalists in the Georgia Association of Secondary Principals Assistant Principal of the Year competition.

Susan Gordy received the honor for the 2019-2020 school year and Aprill Jones-Byrd in 2020-2021.

Because of a pandemic-related suspension of special recognitions at board meetings for more than a year, the board had not had an opportunity to honor Gordy and Jones-Byrd until now. 

 “I am glad we finally have the opportunity to formally recognize them for a well-earned honor,” said Dr. Mark Albertus, superintendent. 

The honor is awarded by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals annually. Gordy, who has been a stalwart of Carrollton City Schools leadership for almost three decades as a teacher, coach and administrator, retired in June but still serves the district in a part-time capacity. Jones-Byrd, who also has been with the district for years first as a teacher then administrator, currently serves as an assistant principal and director of the CHS Performance Learning Center.

During their recognition, CHS Principal Ian Lyle, who is serving his first year as leader of the school and previously was an assistant principal alongside Gordy and Jones-Byrd, spoke of his appreciation for the work of his colleagues. He also noted he was a student at Carrollton Junior High School when Gordy taught math and Jones-Byrd science. Dr. Albertus, who also worked with both of them when he was the principal at CHS, also shared praise for them as determined champions of children.

Carrollton High School seniors nominated for U.S. Presidential Scholars are, from left, Olivia Berry, Kaydee Martin, Jay Patel and Charlie Robinson.

National honors to be announced in spring

Carrollton High School seniors Olivia Berry, Kaydee Martin, Jay Patel and Charlie Robinson are among other academically aggressive students from Georgia who are competing to participate in the highly regarded United States Presidential Scholars program.

Inclusion in the program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

Olivia, Kaydee, Jay and Charlie were chosen at the school level because of their outstanding academic performance both in the classroom and on the SAT/ACT college entrance exams, said Courtney Walker CHS assistant principal. They are also involved in leadership positions in numerous extracurricular activities.

According to the state Department of Education, Georgia can nominate only 20 students to be considered for the next round of competition. In late March, semifinalists are chosen nationwide by an independent, national committee of educators. In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will make the final selection of the 2022 award recipients.

“All four of our representatives are strong ambassadors for Carrollton High School,” said Ian Lyle CHS principal. “In addition to their exceptional academic performance, they are well-rounded, involved student leaders. There is no doubt they have bright futures ahead and I look forward to following their successes.”

CHS Healthcare Science instructor Shannon Bright observes senior Shamari Vaughn performing a therapeutic ultrasound on student-athlete Micah Patton. Bright said therapeutic ultrasound is one of the modalities students in healthcare have an opportunity to learn about. Ultrasound can be used as a thermal modality to expedite tissue healing.  

CTAE program latest to receive industry certification

A Carrollton High School career-technical program that earned industry certification with flying colors last spring is using that momentum to better prepare upcoming graduates for real-world work while, at the same time, providing an important service to the student body. 

The CHS Healthcare Science Program earned industry certification in April through the state Department of Education's Career, Technical, Agricultural Education department following a rigorous, year-long process. Shannon Bright, CHS Healthcare Science instructor and athletic trainer, was the lead on the project. 

"Being industry certified is a huge distinction for a CTAE pathway," said Bright. "It means even more because it is evaluated by our local healthcare providers. Knowing that our program meets the standard of the industry of healthcare helps me ensure that my students are being exposed to the best program we can offer. I already know we have the best facilities and support (the CHS state-of-the-art lab is only two years old), but to have the seal of approval from actual providers in our community means a lot to me personally and professionally." 

The Healthcare Science program consists of two pathways – Allied Health and Medicine and Sports Medicine. Bright's training in both allows her to work with students with a dual purpose that also benefits their peers. 

"One of the unique opportunities we can offer our students is the ability to interact with the athletes at our school," said Bright. "Athletes of any sport who are injured can come to my class and have their evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation done here. It gives my students an opportunity for a real-life hands-on clinical experience and gives our student athletes the opportunity to be seen and evaluated without having to miss school or practice." 

Bright said her healthcare students benefit as well by teaching them not only the technical aspects of patient care but also the importance of good communication with the other members of the healthcare team. Students who have a particular interest in sports medicine also can apply to intern with the school's Sports Medicine program, under the direction of head athletic trainer Patrick Rothschadl, with assistance from Bright.

CHS Principal Ian Lyle, who was the CHS CTAE director last year during the certification process, credited Bright for taking Healthcare Science to a higher level. 

"It was Ms. Bright who added the field of sports medicine to the pathway," said Lyle. "She has taken real ownership of the Healthcare Science program and our school, students, and community all benefit as a result." 

Lyle noted Bright's diligence in strengthening relationships with local healthcare providers and related industries and how she leans on them for guidance. 

"We have great partnerships with them because of her willingness to reach out," he said. 

The CHS Healthcare Science program joins Finance and Account, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Graphic Communications, other CTAE programs that are also industry certified, according to current CTAE Director Elizabeth Sanders.  

“It is important that we do all we can to ensure we are meeting the expectations and needs of businesses and industries in order for us to be successful,” said Sanders. “Accomplishing industry certification for Healthcare Science is just another example of this commitment.”