The
FREE
PAPER
Vol. 8, No. 4 H August 2024
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou.
What to Do, See and Eat
August 3 … Market Day in downtown Newnan August 5 … Senoia Area Blood Drive August 8 … NewnaNights August 10 … Kids Fashion Show & Charity Event (look for ad) August 10 … Children Connect Museum’s Launch Party! August 16 … True Balance Summer Self-Care Fair August 16 … Senoia Alive! After 5 Ice Cream Fest August 16 … PTC’s Night Market August 17 … Sharpsburg Market August 17 … Beer, Bourbon and Wine Tasting (look for ad) August 23 … Jazz in the Park August 24 … West Central Georgia Black Chamber’s Business Resource Expo (look for ad) August 24 … College Football Kickoff Breakfast with Tony Barnhart August 24 … Cornerstone UMC Coweta Health & Wellness Expo (look for ad) August 28 … Ladies Night at The Classic Market August 30 & 31 … Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales August 31 … Sunrise on the Square Road Race 5K
Look inside and in future issues for more information on these and other events and on our website wintersmedia.net
POSTAL CUSTOMER
www.wintersmedia.net
Out & About with Katie Anderson
A New Era for Newnan High School
Newnan High School began a new era on August 1: the first day of school in their rebuilt facility. A catastrophic tornado in 2021 damaged the structure, causing students to attend online school, then multiple classes in trailers, with ninth graders moving to CEC’s campus. After three years, four months, and three days, the school is now fully open for business. NHS Principal (and NHS graduate) Dr. Gamal Kemp is looking forward to having all of the teachers back on one campus. “It has been three years since teachers were able to have collaborative meetings with their departments. Each department will finally get to plan together in one meeting place. We’ve been saying this week, ‘We are Better Together!’” Operating a high school during construction has provided challenges. “We’ve been trying to make school as normal as possible while our new facility was being built. We had an average of 300 - 600 construction workers on campus daily, with 18-wheelers and dump trucks coming and going each day, dropping off materials and operating loud drills. We made the best of what we had, and our teachers and students showed resilience and persevered through all of it,” Kemp said. Andrew Copeland, Coweta County School Board Chairman and District 5 representative, which includes the school, (and NHS graduate), said the school was rebuilt to last at least another 100 years. “Although the building carries a classic facade by design, it is truly state-of-the-art. From the academic halls to the FEMA-graded storm shelter to the athletic facilities, students will be able to achieve great things. “I would like to thank all the individuals who worked tirelessly to get us to this point – Executive Director of Facilities Ronnie Cheek and his team, the administration, faculty, and staff of Newnan High School, Dr. Horton and central office staff, Parish Construction, and Southern A&E. We truly would not be here without them, and we on the board are all grateful. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the community for trusting us and the process throughout these challenging times. Despite these setbacks, the community’s unwavering support and trust were truly remarkable.
September 12-22, 2024 (look for ad)
PRESORTED STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEWNAN, GA PERMIT #120
“You believed in our commitment to not only rebuild Newnan High School but to do so in a manner that honors the legacy of those who came before us. Your patience and understanding allowed us to focus on creating a facility that future generations will be proud of,” Copeland said.
Andrew Copeland, Coweta County School Board Chairman and District 5 representative, speaks at dedication ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony was held in the Max Bass Gym on July 28. Speakers included Dr. Gamal Kemp, NHS Principal; Jamie Glover, Assistant Principal; Andrew Copeland, School Board Chairman; Charlie Griffis of Parrish Construction; Newnan Mayor Keith Brady; Dr. Evan Horton, Superintendent of Schools; and Barbara Landreth, beloved retired NHS teacher. Afterwards, the public was invited to tour the rebuilt and restored facility. Dr. Kemp said, “The public will see what a modern school looks like with state-of-the-art upgrades, while still holding on to all the Newnan High traditions. From the new and improved auditorium, media center, storm shelter, classrooms, and desks, it is truly a sight to see! “Our teachers and staff have been through a lot over the past three years. Their focus has remained on our students throughout the rebuild. I am so proud of the work they have put in and want the community to know how great the staff is here at Newnan High School.” Look for more photos inside and on website: wintersmedia.net.
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