Jennifer Yauck

Twona Price (left), Chase Watkins, Marquita Arnold Freeman, Kayden Watkins, Debbie Watkins and Randy Watkins pose for a photo at the rotary club on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Kayden was named star student of the year. (Photo/Jasmine Milbourne)

Twona Price (left), Chase Watkins, Marquita Arnold Freeman, Kayden Watkins, Debbie Watkins and Randy Watkins pose for a photo at the rotary club on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Kayden was named star student of the year. (Photo/Jasmine Milbourne)

OCHS STAR student is Watkins’ latest accolade

Jasmine Milbourne
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Oglethorpe County High School science teacher Jennifer Yauck said what senior Kayden Watkins has accomplished is remarkable.  “He's followed a path of excellence ever since I have known him,” Yauck said, “and that is amazing.
Oglethorpe County Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish said the school system is constantly reviewing trends — called “data digs” — to improve curriculum and test scores. Enrollment in AP classes has also increased. (Photo/Cassidy Hettesheimer)

Oglethorpe County Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish said the school system is constantly reviewing trends — called “data digs” — to improve curriculum and test scores. Enrollment in AP classes has also increased. (Photo/Cassidy Hettesheimer)

Teachers, students find what works as schools boost their curriculum

Drew Bearden and Ella Jones
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Oglethorpe County teachers say the clearest progress in student learning this year hasn’t come from a single test score, but from the way the classrooms have changed.
Oglethorpe County High School assistant principal Ean Sonnier discusses a grant worth $80,000 during the BOE meeting on Tuesday. The money has been earmarked for a new tractor, a welding cutter and other equipment for the agriculture program. (Drew Bearden/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County High School assistant principal Ean Sonnier discusses a grant worth $80,000 during the BOE meeting on Tuesday. The money has been earmarked for a new tractor, a welding cutter and other equipment for the agriculture program. (Drew Bearden/The Oglethorpe Echo)

BOE purchases two new propane buses

Ella Jones
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education decided to purchase two propane-powered school buses to replace older models Tuesday, in order to keep the district’s transportation program running efficiently. Each bus will cost $155,033, with $88,110 in state bond funds applied to each purchase.
Jennifer Yauck smiled after her kiss with Boo. Celebrating her birthday, the hundreds of students in the cafeteria sang in unison. Paige Clarke/The Oglethorpe Echo

Jennifer Yauck smiled after her kiss with Boo. Celebrating her birthday, the hundreds of students in the cafeteria sang in unison. Paige Clarke/The Oglethorpe Echo

Teacher kisses goat to mark FFA week

Paige Jeneane Clarke
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Jennifer Yauck kissed Boo, a 7-year-old Nigerian dwarf goat, in the Oglethorpe County High School cafeteria Friday afternoon while hundreds of students cheered her on. Friday also happened to be Yauck’s birthday, creating a one-of-a-kind birthday celebration.