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Class Notes: North Hall teacher named to Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame
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A North Hall High School agricultural teacher has been inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame, joining a short list of ag educators since 1917.

Johnny Sutton, who has taught at North Hall for more than three decades, was honored for the induction during Monday's Hall County Board of Education meeting.

"We appreciate you and everything you do for this system," said Will Schofield, Hall County Schools superintendent.

Sutton said although the climate of agriculture is changing, its importance in everyday life is essential.

"It's important to our state and our entire nation," said Sutton. "It's changing, but it's extremely vital."

The hall of fame is sponsored by the Future Farmers of America Alumni Foundation.

School year increases for Hall special education students

Hall County Schools has announced its dates for the special education extended school year.

Students with disabilities who have not met their individualized education program goals, or those who could not keep up due to extended time off, will take classes this summer.

The program, however, is not summer school, but an extended school year, as the special education school year is determined by regression and recoupment.

About 300 students will take classes from June 18 until July 12, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

Instruction will be given at three county schools: Martin Technology Academy of Math and Sciences, Mount Vernon Elementary School and C.W. Davis Middle School.

Georgia's youth vote declined this year compared to 2008

On Super Tuesday, the young voters did not make quite the waves they did in 2008.

According to civicyouth.org, more than 70,000 young voters, ages 18 to 29, showed up to Georgia polls. That number represents only 5 percent of the eligible demographic. In 2008, about 21 percent voted in the primaries.

Georgia primary winner Newt Gingrich tallied 31 percent of the young Georgia vote, while Ron Paul earned 24 percent. Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum each had 22 percent of the young vote.

"I think that if more young people voted, then politicians would pay more attention to the views of the young people," said Douglas Young, a political science professor at Gainesville State College. "And if they ignored the requests and ideas, they would pay a hefty political price during the next election."

16 students enter video contest on substance abuse prevention

Sixteen Hall County students created videos addressing substance abuse prevention, submitting them for a video contest.

"Face It" is a video contest sponsored by The Drug Free Coalition of Hall County, and Hall residents can vote on their favorite video by visiting the coalition's Facebook page.

Voting is open until March 26.

Groups of middle and high school students were given the chance to create and deliver innovative and effective substance abuse prevention videos to their peers. To vote, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Drug-Free-Coalition-of-Hall-County/58581237487 and "like" your favorite.

Lee Johnson covers education issues for The Times. Share your thoughts, news tips and questions with him:
ljohnson@gainesvilletimes.com
facebook.com/TimesLeeJohnson