career

Growing up in Oglethorpe County shaped how OCHS grads Shane Watson (clockwise from top left), Jayda Jones, Ben Beasley, Macie McDaniel, Nick Orlowsky and Mathew Soto approach life. They look back with fondness of their time in the county and in the school system. (Submitted Photos)

Growing up in Oglethorpe County shaped how OCHS grads Shane Watson (clockwise from top left), Jayda Jones, Ben Beasley, Macie McDaniel, Nick Orlowsky and Mathew Soto approach life. They look back with fondness of their time in the county and in the school system. (Submitted Photos)

Where are they now: Former grads forge their paths beyond OCHS

Lucy Grey Shields
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
A high school diploma was just the starting point for these Oglethorpe County graduates.  From college to internships to early career experiences, they’re finding their footing beyond OCHS and the county.
Ora Nation stands on the steel framework of a building while working for Rain- water Construction in 1959. Nation has worked at the company for 67 years, holding various roles from steel erector to building consultant over the course of his career. (Submitted Photo)

Ora Nation stands on the steel framework of a building while working for Rain- water Construction in 1959. Nation has worked at the company for 67 years, holding various roles from steel erector to building consultant over the course of his career. (Submitted Photo)

Man of steel: Nation celebrates 67 years with same company

Margaux Binder
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Ora Nation left Oglethorpe County at age 18 to find a job in Atlanta and “strike it rich.”    There, he began his first job at Rainwater Construction as a steel erector, assembling the framework of steel buildings. Nation was excited to receive a wage of 75 cents an hour, a fair rate in 1957.