First Graders Earn Praises from City

Over two dozen first graders from were recognized for their excellent skills in and out of the classroom during the meeting of the on Thursday evening.

The “McCall Ambassadors” are two members of each first grade class that have shown outstanding leadership qualities, academic excellence and social expertise. These young men and women are chosen to represent the school and can often be seen welcoming parents and other important guests to the school, part of their official function as ambassadors.

School counselor Missy Bradley-Johnson and Principal Thomas Farrell got a hand from Mayor Tommy Allegood in handing out the individualized medals and certificates awarded to each child as he or she was recognized during the presentation. Parents amicably jockeyed for position inside the standing-room capacity council chambers to capture the memories of their son or daughters' special day.

“The students are truly our future leaders,” Johnson said. She went on to thank the parents of the Ambassadors for their work in providing the support needed for their children to excel in school.

Assistant City Manager Brandon Douglas gave a presentation recognizing the success of the recent . The event drew about 20,000 people to the Historic Downtown area. According to Douglas, roughly 16 percent of attendees were not from the local area or the Atlanta area. Over 140 artists were on hand to display their works, and a kids center was set up that allowed children to express their artistic creativity and bond with their peers. Douglas called to the podium area many volunteers who assisted with setting up the event, and recognized their tireless efforts to make this new tradition a masterpiece.

During the public comment session, Sharon Wilkie, wife of former Chief Michael Wilkie, thanked the Mayor and Aldermen for their decade of service together. Wilkie spoke warmly and emotionally about how much of an impact Acworth had on her family and life. Although the Wilkies are , Sharon was eternally grateful for her time in Acworth.

“May blessings continue to be with you and the City of Acworth,” she said.

The Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the consent agenda for this meeting. Notable items from the agenda are as follows:

• A new Chevrolet Caprice sedan will be purchased for the police department at a price not to exceed $45,524.48
• Scott Evans has been appointed to the Acworth Lake Authority. Evans' term runs through May 1, 2016.
• The city will purchase a Toro Sand Pro unit and relevant attachments for a price not to exceed $16,996.06
• City Clerk Regina Russell has been appointed the city's open records officer, making her responsible for future incoming open records requests.

The remainder of the agenda may be found here.