community service

Kassie Mathews (from left), Alexis Brakhage and Madelyn Flores stand in front of the Eagle Scout project, sun shades for the Oglethorpe County marching band. Flores is the second female in the county to earn the prestigious honor. (Submitted Photo)

Kassie Mathews (from left), Alexis Brakhage and Madelyn Flores stand in front of the Eagle Scout project, sun shades for the Oglethorpe County marching band. Flores is the second female in the county to earn the prestigious honor. (Submitted Photo)

Flores soars: Second Oglethorpe County female earns Eagle Scout

Gabrielle Gruszynski
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Now, after six years of service and dedication, Flores has achieved that goal with the help of her troop, community and family.  “They (family and friends) definitely pushed me to make sure that I have it done,” she said.

Levine named incoming Rotary Club president

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Beverley Levine has a passion for the Rotary Club and a strong commitment to helping the club grow.  With a decrease in membership due to “aging” members, Levine said the club was “in danger of folding,” leading her to step into the role of president, starting in July.
OCREA President Leslie Jones hugs Bill Sloan, who is with the Georgia Retired Educators Association, at OCREA’s 50th anniversary celebration at Countryside Catering. OCREA held its first meeting in 1975. Paige Clarke/The Oglethorpe Echo

OCREA President Leslie Jones hugs Bill Sloan, who is with the Georgia Retired Educators Association, at OCREA’s 50th anniversary celebration at Countryside Catering. OCREA held its first meeting in 1975. Paige Clarke/The Oglethorpe Echo

OCREA marks half a century of service

Paige Jeneane Clarke
Thursday, April 17, 2025
At its first gathering in 1975, the Oglethorpe County Retired Educators Association (OCREA) had $2 annual dues and discussed advocacy via telegram to then-Gov. George Busbee.
The 2025 Miss Oglethorpes are (back row, from left) Jayda Hull, Neveah Calhoun, Abby Irwin, London Young and Kamryn King; (front row, from left) Taya Cochran, Ava Colquitt, AvaGrace Hammond, Scarlett Mathe and Harper Hasson. RaeLynn Bowman and Montana Barner also won titles. (Photo/Jennifer Xia)

The 2025 Miss Oglethorpes are (back row, from left) Jayda Hull, Neveah Calhoun, Abby Irwin, London Young and Kamryn King; (front row, from left) Taya Cochran, Ava Colquitt, AvaGrace Hammond, Scarlett Mathe and Harper Hasson. RaeLynn Bowman and Montana Barner also won titles. (Photo/Jennifer Xia)

Miss Oglethorpe honors newcomers, veteran queens

Jennifer Xia
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Decked out in ball gowns and sequins, 15 contestants walked under the stage lights in the annual Miss Oglethorpe pageant on Saturday. They were supported by nearly 100 family and friends who packed the high school auditorium.
The 2025 Miss Oglethorpe contestants are (top, from left): Taya Cochran, RaeLynn Bowman, Brooklyn Litz and Harper Hasson; (second row, from left) AvaGrace Hammond, Sadie Sammons, Scarlett Mathe and Amelia Mauldin; (third row, from left) Laura Spearing, Maggie Hulse and Ava Colquitt; (bottom, from left) Riley Sisk, Neveah Calhoun, London Young and Abby Irwin. (Submitted Photos)

The 2025 Miss Oglethorpe contestants are (top, from left): Taya Cochran, RaeLynn Bowman, Brooklyn Litz and Harper Hasson; (second row, from left) AvaGrace Hammond, Sadie Sammons, Scarlett Mathe and Amelia Mauldin; (third row, from left) Laura Spearing, Maggie Hulse and Ava Colquitt; (bottom, from left) Riley Sisk, Neveah Calhoun, London Young and Abby Irwin. (Submitted Photos)

Miss Oglethorpe 2025 under new leadership for this year

Jennifer Xia
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Fifteen contestants will take the stage this Saturday at the eighth Miss Oglethorpe Scholarship Pageant. Although it was canceled in 2024 due to a lack of participation, the pageant is under new leadership this year.
SARAH COYNE/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO Abby Horton, Oglethorpe County’s 2025 STAR student, started Oglethorpe Gives Back last year. The nonprofit is dedicated to recognizing unsung workers throughout Oglethorpe County.

SARAH COYNE/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO Abby Horton, Oglethorpe County’s 2025 STAR student, started Oglethorpe Gives Back last year. The nonprofit is dedicated to recognizing unsung workers throughout Oglethorpe County.

Horton claims mindset as her biggest point of pride

Paige Jeneane Clarke
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Abby Horton credits her academic success to hard work and keeping an open mind.  Named the Oglethorpe County High School 2025 STAR Student on Feb. 14, Horton said her willingness to embrace new perspectives and challenges has helped her grow. “The award itself is not what I'm proud of,” Horton said.