Key Takeaways
- Newton County Schools students earned top honors at the regional Georgia Student Technology Competition (GASTC), with one team advancing to the state level and securing third place statewide in Video Production.
- Calvin Thomas (Alcovy High School) and Amelia Sigrah (Newton College & Career Academy) won first place regionally in the 11th–12th‑grade Video Production division and placed third at the state competition.
- Multiple elementary and middle‑school students from Live Oak Elementary, Newton County STEAM Academy, and Rocky Plains Elementary earned second‑ or third‑place finishes in categories such as 3D Modeling, Digital Photo Production, and Graphic Design.
- Participation in GASTC supports the district’s FY ‘26 organizational priorities—advancing academics, culture & engagement, and innovation & organizational stability—by providing technology‑rich, project‑based learning experiences.
- Dr. Jennifer Williams, Director of Instructional Technology and Media Services, praised the students’ creativity and problem‑solving, reaffirming the district’s commitment to expanding meaningful technology opportunities for all learners.
Overview of Newton County’s Success at the Georgia Student Technology Competition
The Georgia Student Technology Competition (GASTC) serves as a statewide showcase for K‑12 students to demonstrate proficiency in digital media, design, and emerging technologies. In the most recent competition cycle, Newton County Schools distinguished itself by earning recognitions across several grade levels and technology categories. The district’s achievements ranged from regional podium finishes to a state‑level placement, reflecting a broad‑based commitment to integrating technology into classroom instruction and extracurricular enrichment. These results not only highlight individual student talent but also underscore the effectiveness of the district’s instructional technology initiatives and the support provided by teachers, media specialists, and administrators.
Alcovy High School Team’s Video Production Triumph
Calvin Thomas, a senior at Alcovy High School, and Amelia Sigrah, a student at Newton College & Career Academy, partnered to enter the Video Production category for the 11th–12th‑grade division. Their project stood out at the regional level for its sophisticated storytelling, meticulous technical editing, and inventive use of digital media tools, earning them first place among regional competitors. Advancing to the state competition, the duo refined their work further, ultimately capturing third place statewide—a notable accomplishment given the high caliber of entries from across Georgia. Their success illustrates how students can blend creative narrative techniques with professional‑grade production skills, preparing them for future careers in film, broadcasting, or multimedia design.
Regional Winners at Live Oak Elementary School
Live Oak Elementary School contributed several standout performers to the regional GASTC results. Kamryn Duret earned second place in 3D Modeling for the 5th–6th‑grade bracket, demonstrating an ability to conceptualize and render three‑dimensional objects with precision. Jayce Hardge also secured second place in Digital Photo Production, showcasing strong composition, lighting, and post‑processing skills in his photographic entries. Harmony Fox placed second in Graphic Design, exhibiting adept use of typography, color theory, and layout principles. Additionally, Layla Johnson claimed third place in Graphic Design within the same age group, further underscoring the depth of talent nurtured at Live Oak Elementary in visual arts and digital design disciplines.
Additional Regional Recognitions Across the District
Beyond Live Oak Elementary, other schools within Newton County secured notable placements. Rudra Talati, representing the Newton County STEAM Academy, took second place in 3D Modeling for the 3rd–4th‑grade division, highlighting early exposure to spatial reasoning and digital sculpting. Adelaide Blackmon from Rocky Plains Elementary School earned third place in 3D Modeling for the 5th–6th‑grade category, reinforcing the district’s success in fostering technical modeling skills across multiple grade bands. These recognitions collectively demonstrate a district‑wide pipeline of student achievement in technology‑focused contests, spanning from early elementary through high school.
Purpose and Impact of the Georgia Student Technology Competition
GASTC is designed to encourage students to apply creativity, communication, and technology skills to authentic digital media projects. By challenging participants to solve real‑world problems through video production, graphic design, digital photography, and 3D modeling, the competition cultivates essential 21st‑century competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, and technical proficiency. For Newton County Schools, involvement in GASTC transcends award‑winning; it provides a structured, project‑based learning environment where students can experiment with industry‑standard software, receive constructive feedback, and iterate on their work—experiences that closely mirror professional workflows in creative and technological fields.
Alignment with District FY ‘26 Organizational Priorities
The accomplishments outlined above directly support Newton County Schools’ FY ‘26 strategic priorities. Priority I—Advancing Academics, School Improvement, and Student Supports—is reinforced through technology‑rich learning experiences that strengthen literacy, communication, and problem‑solving abilities. Priority III—Advancing Culture & Engagement—benefits as student showcases foster community pride, celebrate diverse talents, and encourage collaborative school‑wide events. Priority IV—Advancing Innovation & Organizational Stability—is addressed by expanding pathways that prepare students for careers in creative industries, media production, and technology‑related fields, thereby enhancing workforce readiness and sustaining innovative programs across the district. The competition thus acts as a catalyst for achieving multifaceted district goals while simultaneously enriching student learning.
Leadership Reflection and Commitment to Future Opportunities
Dr. Jennifer Williams, Newton County Schools Director of Instructional Technology and Media Services, expressed pride in the students’ performances, stating, “I am incredibly proud of our students participating in the Georgia Student Technology Competition. Their creativity, innovation, and problem‑solving reflect the future of learning, and we remain committed to ensuring every student has meaningful opportunities to create, design, and express their ideas through technology.” Her remarks highlight the district’s dedication to maintaining and expanding access to high‑quality technology education, investing in teacher professional development, and providing the resources necessary for students to compete at regional, state, and potentially national levels. Moving forward, Newton County Schools aims to build on this momentum by integrating more cross‑curricular STEAM projects, expanding access to cutting‑edge tools, and sustaining partnerships that enrich the student technology ecosystem.
Conclusion and Outlook
The recent GASTC results underscore Newton County Schools’ growing strength in fostering student excellence in digital media and technology. From elementary learners mastering 3D modeling to high‑school cineastes achieving state‑level recognition, the district demonstrates a comprehensive, grade‑spanning approach to technological education. These achievements validate current instructional strategies, align with strategic priorities, and inspire continued investment in innovative learning opportunities. As the district looks ahead, the foundation laid by these competitions promises to nurture the next generation of designers, engineers, storytellers, and technologists who will contribute meaningfully to both local communities and the broader workforce.