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Burgos Poster Winner of Statewide Seatbelt Safety Contest

(May 2008) Cynthia Burgos of Heard County High School in Franklin has been announced as a winner in a statewide seatbelt safety poster, public service announcement and essay contest. Cynthia, in tenth grade, won the poster contest first in school level, first in county level, and second in state level. She is the daughter of Yolanda and Vicente Burgos. She has been participating in the poster contest since elementary school.

In February of each year the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute (GTIPI) conducts a statewide contest on “Why You Should Wear Seatbelts and/or Use Child Safety Seats.” Students in grades K-12 in all public, private and home schools statewide are encouraged to participate. State-level winners receive a monetary prize contributed this year by Georgia Power Company.

This is the twenty-first year GTIPI has held the contest. More than 30,000 students from 242 schools competed in this year’s event. The first place winners at the school level compete at the county level, and those winners move on to compete at the state level. The winners for this year will be featured in the 2009 calendar distributed statewide.

GTIPI’s goal in sponsoring the contest is to increase awareness about the importance of wearing seat belts and using child safety seats properly. “Vehicle crashes are the number one killer of people between the ages of 1 and 34,” says Frankie Jones, GTIPI Director. A seat belt is your best protection in a crash, saving more than 12,000 lives each year according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). The single most important decision you can make about your personal safety is to wear a seatbelt,” Jones Said.

Georgia law requires adult riding in the front seat to wear safety belts, and all occupants under age 18 in a vehicle to be secured by proper restraint devices. NHTSA recommends all children less than 4’9” in height be secured in child restraint systems approved for their age, weight and height, installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

GTIPI is a part of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Supported by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, GTIPI is the largest traffic safety education outreach program in Georgia.

Skills USA Competes at State Conference

(April 2008) Congratulations to the Heard High SkillsUSA Team! The team recently competed in the following events at the State Conference:

Heard High Announces Writing Contest Winners

(March 2008) Heard County High School recently announced the winners of the school wide Young Georgia Author’s Writing Competition. This competition is held annually to recognize the top writers in Georgia schools. This year’s winners from Heard County include Bethany Lawton, Brooke Jackson, Marissa Seabury, and Jennifer Harris. Each of these students will be eligible to compete at the RESA and state levels later in the year.

Margaret Ruggiano, chair of the literature department, was pleased with the format of the contest, which allowed young writers to choose the genre that was best for them. “I believe the students gained confidence in their writing abilities just by knowing we wanted them to participate in a contest,” claimed Ruggiano. “The fact that the contest was open to any genre of writing made it easy for them to slip into a comfortable writing situation.”

A graduating senior who plans on attending the University of Georgia next fall, Harris won with an essay entitled An Adventure to an Awakening. Ruggiano praises Harris’ writing ability, and points to the fact that Harris took first place in a writing competition at Southern Union’s Language and Fine Arts Tournament as proof. “Jennifer has always exhibited strong writing skills in classes she has had with me previously", said Ruggiano. “This, her very descriptive essay about a trip to a Caribbean island, evoked such imagery that the reader can imagine actually being there."

Seabury, who took home the top prize for the junior class, wrote a short story called Life or Death. “[Seabury’s] story was so imaginative that it caught the reader's attention from beginning to end. It was based on a creative writing assignment I gave several weeks back, and she expanded on that story", asserted Ruggiano. “Imagination is essential in writing, and Marissa certainly has that.”

Lawton, the winner for the freshman class, won with a short story entitled Bloody Love. Sophomore Jackson won for a speech in which she debated the creation v. evolution arguments. “I'm always proud of our students when they reach for the limits of their abilities,” exclaimed Ruggiano.

(left to right): Bethany Lawton, Brooke Jackson, Marissa Seabury, and Jennifer Harris.

Hunt Accepted to MIT

(December 2007) Heard County High School student Davey Hunt received an acceptance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on December 15. Hunt, a national merit scholar and editor of The Warcry, chose to apply for early admission into MIT because he knew it was where he wanted to go. “MIT is the best engineering school in the world,” claimed Hunt. “If I could get in, then I knew it was where I would go.” MIT is universally accepted as the top mathematical and engineering university in the world, claiming seven Nobel Prize winners as faculty members. Last year, MIT accepted only 13% of applicants, and graduates from the engineering program earn an average of over $80,000 in their first year out of college.

Important Announcement:

Staph Infection Information

(November 2007) For the past several weeks, the Atlanta media has been covering a Staph infection outbreak in the metropolitan area. Cases of drug resistant Staph infections have been reported recently in numerous school systems that include Atlanta, Cobb County, Coweta County, Fayette County, Fulton County, and Henry County. However, at the time this edition went to print, there were no reported cases of MRSA Staph at Heard County High School or at any school in the Heard County School System.

Despite the lack of a reported case, all of the schools in the Heard County system are taking precautions. “Everyone is taking this situation very seriously,” stated Heard County High School principal Russell Sowell. “We are doing everything possible to be preventive.” Part of effort is the use of antibacterial spray by the custodial staffs at all the schools in the system. Door handles, bathrooms, and other areas where students may come into contact with germs are being disinfected thoroughly and consistently. The school administration issued an official statement.

Click here for the official statement from the School System

Braves Head to Playoffs

(November 10, 2007) The Heard County High School football team completed the regular season this past Friday night with a 34-9 victory over Lamar County. The victory allowed the Braves to finish in a three-way tie for second place in region 5-AA. However, the Braves will take the fourth seed out of the region due to region tiebreaker rules. This will force the Braves to travel to Calhoun High School to play the region 7-AA champions this Friday night.

Braves Crush Lamar Co. 34-9

(November 9, 2007) The Heard County High School football team completed the regular season with a 34-9 victory over the Lamar County Trojans on Friday night. The Braves (7-3, 6-2) finished as the fourth seed from region 5-AA and will open the state playoffs next Friday on the road against Calhoun High School (9-1). The victory over the Trojans represented the Braves sixth victory in their last seven games, and also served as senior night for Heard County. “It was really exciting for the seniors to go out on a winning note,” claims head coach Tim Barron. “This senior class will finish with more wins than any class in school history.”

The Trojans (1-9, 0-8) took the opening kickoff and maintained a drive for over six minutes before it fizzled out inside the Braves’ five yard line. Lamar County settled for a field goal and led the game by a score of 3-0 with 5:43 remaining in the first quarter. The Braves struck back quickly with a two play drive that was capped by a sixty-three yard touchdown run by sophomore quarterback Santez Emory to give Heard County the 6-3 lead. The Trojans were able to put together another drive on their next possession, however, this drive also stalled deep inside Braves’ territory, and Lamar County failed to convert on a field goal attempt.

On their second possession, the Braves were able to increase their lead when sophomore running back Jeremiah Hill ran thirty-five yards for the touchdown. Junior kicker Jake Yates added the extra point to give the Braves the 13-3 lead. After both teams had stalled drives on the next two possessions, the Braves were able to capitalize on a nice punt return which set Heard County up inside the Lamar County twenty yard line. The Braves scored two plays later when Emory connected on a touchdown strike to senior tight end Davey Hunt. Yates added the extra point to give the Braves a 20-3 lead going into the half.

The Braves took possession to start the second half and drove down the field using up as much of the clock as possible. Emory capped the drive on an 11 yard scamper with 7:26 remaining in the third quarter to give the Braves a 27-3 lead. The Braves then committed some unforced errors, and the Trojans were able to capitalize, pulling the score to 27-9. However, that was as close as Lamar County would get on the night. After a blocked punt by senior Ryan Viva, the Braves took over at the Trojans’ fifteen yard line. Three plays later, senior running back Lawrence Vaughn scored up the middle for a one yard touchdown to give the Braves a 34-9 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Emory led the Braves with 116 yards on nine carries with two touchdowns, and passed for another score. Vaughn added seventy yards rushing on nine carries and a touchdown. Hill rushed for thirty-three yards and a score on only two carries.

Barron knows that the team will need to prepare hard for the state playoffs, having led the team to the second round of the playoffs in each of the last two years. “We just need to work hard starting Sunday,” said Barron. “We will have to be focused on the task ahead each day of practice in the coming week.”

Braves Stun Callaway/Tied For Region Lead

(October 18, 2007) On Thursday night, the Braves traveled to Callaway to take on the undefeated Cavaliers in a key region 5-AA matchup. Coming into the game, the Cavaliers had outscored their opponents by a combined total of 241-67 points. However, the Braves left a stunned Callaway Stadium with a 10-7 victory that gives the Braves (5-2, 4-1) a share of first place in the region.

Averaging over 40 points a game, the Callaway squad was limited to a single touchdown due to a well prepared and stingy Braves’ defense. The Cavaliers (6-1, 4-1) had some scoring opportunities, but the Braves took them away thanks to several key turnovers. Tied 7-7 at the half, the Braves got a break in the third quarter when Callaway turned the ball over in their own territory. The Braves had trouble moving the ball though, and had to settle for a field goal by Jake Yates that gave the Braves a 10-7 lead. That field goal turned out to be the winning score, as freshman Martez Winston intercepted a Callaway pass to end the Cavalier’s final scoring threat.

Braves Win Homecoming Contest

(L-R): Alicia Ware (2nd Runner Up), Kyla Smith (Homecoming Queen), Trisha Askew (First Runner Up)

(October 5, 2007) - The Heard County High School football team survived a tough region battle and defeated Crawford County 14-7 on Friday night. Along with being an important region contest for the Braves, the game also marked the conclusion of homecoming week. During the halftime festivities, senior Kyla Smith was crowned homecoming queen.

The victory improved the Braves (3-2, 2-1) chances of making the postseason for a third consecutive season, and gives the team momentum heading into the heart of the region schedule. Head Coach Tim Barron was pleased with the team’s effort, especially on defense. “Defensively, we played well for four quarters,” explained Barron. “We gave up some yards at times, but we made plays when we needed to.”

The Braves took the opening kickoff and quickly drove down the field and scored on a seven yard scamper by sophomore quarterback Santez Emory with 9:17 left in the first quarter. The Braves took a 7-0 lead when junior Jake Yates successfully kicked the extra-point. On Crawford’s opening possession, the Eagles (4-2, 2-2) had a nice drive snuffed out by an interception in the end zone by freshman defensive back Martez Emory. Both teams followed with drives that stalled, and the Braves ended the first quarter still clinging to the one touchdown lead.

Early in the second quarter, the Braves were driving when Eagles linebacker Brandon Lockett picked up a Braves fumble and returned it 37 yards for the score. Tied 7-7, the teams swapped possessions until the Braves mounted a drive deep into Crawford territory with time running out in the first half. The drive stalled, however, and the team missed a short field goal to end the half. “Offensively, I felt great about the first half, claimed Barron. “But we just couldn’t convert when we needed to.”

The second half featured more defensive stops, as neither offense seemed to be able to maintain any consistency. Both teams traded punts and turnovers, until the last few minutes of the game. With 3:11 remaining, the Braves took over at their own twenty-five yard line. Emory began the drive with a twenty yard run, which was followed by sophomore running back Jeremiah Hill’s thirty-nine yard carry. The drive was capped by a seven yard outside run by Emory that clinched the victory for the Braves.

Sophomore quarterback Santez Emory scores the winning touchdown.

Homecoming Activities Set

(October 1, 2007) Heard County High School will conduct its annual homecoming activities from October 1-October 5. During the week, each school day will have a theme that the students will dress up for. On Thursday afterschool, the Braves will host the annual homecoming parade, which will be followed by a community pep rally, a spirit-building bonfire, and the crowning of this years homecoming king. On Friday evening at 7:30, the Braves will play host to region foe Crawford County, and at halftime the homecoming queen will be announced. After the game, the school will host its annual homecoming dance.

Braves Crush Rival Bowdon

(September 28, 2007) - Football: The Heard County Braves football team traveled to Carroll County Friday night and returned with a 26-14 victory over archrival Bowdon. Shadawn Wood led the Braves (2-2) with 102 yards rushing and sophomore quarterback Santez Emory completed several long passes including a 47 yard strike to Angelo Brown. After years of struggling against Bowdon, the Braves have defeated the Red Devils three of the four meetings since head coach Tim Barron took over the program.

Marching Braves Head to Competition

(September 24, 2007) The Heard County High School Marching Braves will be traveling to Bowdon High School to perform in their first marching competition of the year. The competition will be this Saturday, September 29 at Bowdon High School. We are scheduled to perform at 6:10pm (may be slightly different depending on whether the competition is running on time). Everyone is invited to come and support the Marching Braves as they strive for excellence through every performance.

HCHS Band Gets Superior Ratings at Competition

(September 29, 2007)The Heard County High School Marching Braves traveled to Bowdon High School to perform in their first marching competition of the year on Saturday September 29th. The bands are rated on a 1-3 scale with 1 being superior. The band received a one for drum major, two for drumline, two for colorguard, and straight ones for band. The band received an overall superior rating. The band also placed 2nd in their class (AA) over Bremen who took 3rd place. First place in the AA class went Upson Lee.

Braves Bounce Back with Victory Over Marion County

Football - September 14, 2007: The Heard County High School football team claimed their first win of the season with a 28-21 victory over Marion County on Friday night. Recovering from the devastating loss of highly touted senior running back Dontavius Jackson in the season opening loss to the Bremen Blue Devils, the Braves (1-1) faced the undefeated Eagles at Staples Stadium in a region 5-AA match-up. Though down a couple of touchdowns early, the Braves players showed a lot of heart in attaining the much needed victory. “Effort,” claimed Braves’ head coach Tim Barron. “That is what made the difference tonight.”

The Eagles (2-1) had the ball to start the game and managed to score on the second play from scrimmage, as running back Alan McKay ran for an eight yard touchdown. The Braves turned the ball over on their opening possession, and, after the two teams swapped fumbles, Marion County extended their lead on a twenty yard scamper by quarterback Tramaine Wilson. Down 14-0 after the opening period, the Braves finally scored with 4:22 left in the second quarter on a ten yard sweep by senior running back Lawrence Vaughn. The defense continued to stall the balanced attack of Marion County, and in the closing seconds of the half, the Braves managed to tie the score at 14-14 on a three yard run by Vaughn.

The Braves carried the momentum into the second half and scored on the opening kick off with an 82 yard return by Vaughn that gave the Braves their first lead of the contest at 21-14. After stopping the Eagles on their first possession of the half, the Braves took over and capped off a short drive with a twenty yard touchdown run by junior running back Shadawn Wood to give the Braves a 28-14 lead. Marion County regrouped and maintained a five minute drive that ended with a twelve yard touchdown pass from Wilson. The teams exchanged unsuccessful possessions during the fourth quarter, as the Braves defense made the one touchdown lead hold.

Emory completed the evening with ninety-one yards rushing and two completions for thirty-three yards. Vaughn added eighty-six yards rushing and three touchdowns, while Wood contributed seventy-two yards and a score. Junior wide receiver Clint Lowery caught Heard County’s only two completions for thirty-three yards. Junior Jake Yates successfully attempted all four extra points for the Braves.

Junior Clint Lowery (#2) gains a first down for the Braves on a twelve yard pass from sophomore quarterback Santez Emory.

Brookstone Scrimmage Cut Short Due to Weather

August 24, 2007 (Football) - The scrimmage vs. Brookstone was cut short Friday night due to storms with heavy rain and lightening. The game was called 2 minutes into the second quarter. The Braves were leading 14-7 at the time. The Braves will play their first regular season game vs. Bremen at Home on August 31st.

Jackson Named to AJC's "Super 11"

Every year the Atlanta Journal-Constitution picks the states best eleven players and honors them with the title of the “Super 11.” These players represent the most athletic and successful players in the state of Georgia, and consequently the most heavily recruited. Only two years ago, Heard County High School had its first player ever selected to the list when quarterback/running back Carlos Brown received the honor. Now, Heard County High School running back Dontavius Jackson has been named to the AJC’s “Super 11.”

In his career, Jackson has rushed for 4,256 yards on 437 carries and has scored 49 rushing touchdowns. In 2006 alone, Jackson rushed for 2,462 yards on 247 carries and scored 29 touchdowns. Jackson led the state in both yards rushing and rushing touchdowns in 2006. Since he began playing at Heard County High School during the fall of 2004, the team has posted an overall record of 27-7.

Jackson is currently being recruited by colleges from across the nation, and has received scholarship offers from over 30 schools. Currently, Jackson is focusing his college selection on the University of Alabama, Clemson University, the University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, and Penn State University.

Marching Braves Prepare For New Season

The Marching Braves have been working hard to prepare for their upcoming season. The band has 68 members that will perform on the field this fall. This year's halftime performance will be a classic rock show featuring songs from the Doobie Brothers and AC/DC.

Click here to view pictures from Band Camp - July 2007