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WAYNESBORO, GEORGIA
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Vol. 141, No. 51 - Waynesboro, Ga. 30830 Established in 1882 Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - $1.00
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
REWARDED
Justin Russell and Keegan McDonald
STAR students to be honored
engaged. He always seems interested in the topics he’s teach
ing, which also makes me interested in what I’m learning,
regardless of the course content. When Mr. Russell is lectur
ing, I am undoubtedly invested in what he’s saying, even if
he gets a bit off-topic sometimes.
What my STAR teacher has taught me about life: If I
am going to be honest, I don’t recall any valuable life les
sons that Mr. Russell has taught me. Still, I feel like he has
had a sizable impact on me as both a student and a person.
He treats me like an individual and helps me when I need it.
When I wasn’t in his classes, he would often say hello to me
or ask me how I’m doing when we passed by each other in
the hallways. Things like that make me feel appreciated. So,
I guess if I were to say one thing about life that Mr. Russell
has taught me indirectly, it would be to always be kind and
willing to help.
Subject that has most influenced my life: I’d have to
say ELA is the subject that has had the most impact on my
life. Language arts classes have always been some of the
most enjoyable throughout my time as a student. They’ve
encouraged me to think critically when reading and use my
creativity as a writer. I’ve been exposed to a number of liter
ary works I would not have been interested in otherwise, and
many of them have taught me some valuable lessons, too.
These courses have helped me grow to be a creative person
and analytical thinker.
Favorite quote: “Our greatest glory consists not in never
falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In my spare time: I like to do regular teenage activities
such as playing video games, watching television, and lis
tening to music from the comfort of my bedroom. I also like
creating things. Whether it involves drawing, writing, coding,
etc., I like to occupy myself by making creative stuff.
Favorite historical figure: Franklin D. Roosevelt has to be
my favorite historical figure. As president, he not only fought
for what he believed, but also fought to save our country. He
pulled the United States out of the biggest financial crisis in
its history and successfully led us through the deadliest war
in possibly all of history. His accomplishments are impressive
and still positively impact America today.
STAR teacher name: Justin W. Russell
Hometown: Newnan
What is the best thing about being a teacher? Having the
amazing opportunity each day to spark students to wonder and
be curious about how everything, big and small in the physi
cal world, works, connects together and affects everything
else in some way.
What is your favorite lesson to teach? It’s SEE
really tough to choose one, but I’ll talk about STAR,
teaching about “Fingerprints.” They are an 13
Two seniors have been selected to represent their high
schools as the 2021-2022 STAR students.
Those receiving the prestigious distinction include Burke
County High School’s Keegan McDonald and Edmund
Burke Academy’s May May Fu. The pair, along with their
parents and their STAR teachers, will be recognized during
the annual awards ceremony, hosted by the Waynesboro
Exchange Club, on Thursday, Feb. 17. The district STAR
student will be revealed at this time.
Recipients of the STAR student award must meet certain
criteria to be selected for the honor. They not only hold the
highest SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) score at their
respective schools, but they must also be academically
performing in the top 10 percent of their class.
One of this year’s STAR teachers is a first time recipient
of the special honor: McDonald chose Justin Russell. At
EBA, Karen Reeves was picked by Fu, adding the 16th
selection for the beloved teacher.
BURKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
STAR student name: Keegan McDonald
Hometown: Waynesboro
Parents: Maggie and Thomas McDonald
College plans: I’ll be attending the University of Georgia,
pursuing a major in computer science.
Where I see myself in five years: I’ll be out of college,
hopefully employed at a software development company. I
like creating things, so I think I would be satisfied working
at a company that creates products people can utilize and
enjoy. I imagine that I could find a job at a place like that
within a year of my graduation. If not, I might just make
my own company! That would be an interesting experience.
In ten years: I’m not really sure! I thought I would just
figure that out when I get there. I can’t really judge the
course my life is going to take that far in the future. I can
only hope it’ll be good!
My STAR teacher’s best attribute: Mr. Russell always
goes above and beyond to be helpful and supportive for his
students. In my case, he has put in an effort that very few
other teachers have to get to know me and help me with
any projects he can. I once wrote an essay (for fun) about
a silly debate, and he was willing to read over it, make
comments, and give constructive criticism, despite being
my chemistry teacher. He was happy to write me a letter
of recommendation to college, and he even assisted me
with answering one of these questions when I wasn’t quite
sure what to put (not this one, though; this one was easy).
Certainly, he is one of the most helpful teachers I’ve had
throughout my entire life.
Why his teaching and my learning style click: He
brings a lot of energy to the classroom that helps keep me
Sharp decline in
COVID cases here
COVID 19 cases here, like those across the country, have
dropped dramatically over the past several weeks.
On Jan. 19, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported
46 new cases of the coronavirus in Burke County. By Feb. 6
that number had dropped to two.
The latest numbers show that Burke County has had 2,928
confirmed cases, with 218 hospitalizations. There have been
93 confirmed and probable deaths from the virus here since the
beginning of the pandemic.
Burke County Public Schools also report a dramatic downturn
in cases. On Jan. 7 the schools had a total of 46 cases among
staff members and 72 among students. As of Monday, there
were only three cases among staff members and 10 students.
The DPH reports that only 50% of the county’s total popula
tion has received two doses of the COVID vaccine, but that 94%
of those 65 and older are fully vaccinated.
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Contract awarded
The Georgia Department of Transportation announced
that Reeves Construction Company of Macon has been
awarded the $5.14 million contract to construct the new
west side Waynesboro bypass. The 2.1 mile truck route
will connect Highway 25 N. with a roundabout at the
intersection of Highway 56 S. and Highway 24 W.
We spent the time this week with a number of local youngsters,
and they weighed in on what to wear on a date and what would
they give their valentine.
Hear what they had to say, starting on page 2.