It’s 9:30 a.m. on a Monday, and Henry County Schools’ dual enrollment culinary arts students are preparing for classroom instruction at the Academy for Advanced Studies (AAS). However, it is not a typical day. Chef Tricia Vera introduces two guests interested in learning about the program and instructs students to change into cooking gear and...
When Sheena Castellanos decided to go on a mission trip with other Strong Rock Christian School families to Nicaragua, the original plan was to help build ranchitos – small sheds – while also teaching families about the love of God. However, a new mission arose when Castellanos arrived at the village and observed the food...
In 2003 a Master Gardener steering committee took Daniel Webster’s quote – “Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of humanity.” – to heart with an interest to design and build the county’s first community garden. With the assistance of the director of the Heritage Senior Center...
I am a proud husband, parent, & pastor. If you share any of these labels, you (like me), have probably asked yourself the question, “where has the time gone?”. I’m not too old to have forgotten begging for time to speed up when I was a child and now it truly seems as though we’re...
Despite its name, the Italian Cream Cake may have roots in Texas… or is it Canada? It is said that the first record of the Italian Cream Cake was in 1913 in Canada, while the first known publication of the recipe is the Plano News in Texas. It’s believed to have been the creation of...
On our recent trip to Costa Rica, my wife and I were eager to escape the daily grind and immerse ourselves in the beauty of my native country. We’d spent the past few days exploring rainforests, relaxing on sandy beaches, and indulging in the local cuisine. But, despite the stunning scenery, the everyday stresses of...
When asked his favorite things to do, Austin Dennard is quick to answer with basketball, gaming, and praying for others. A freshman at McDonough High School, he is a leader both on the basketball court and off. Austin spends much of his time reaching out to the youth in the community and encouraging them to...
Creating art does not come naturally to everyone, but sometimes, the urge to get creative can bring beautiful results. McDonough resident Yasna Grainger has not been an artist her entire life, but she has found a calling in working with acrylic paint. Acrylic, according to Grainger, is “her favorite medium due to its forgiving nature.”...
Athletes are often faced with intense competitions, losing games and stressful situations, and one organization wants to recognize students who can shine outside of that. “About 98 percent of kids who play high school sports won’t go on to play in college, but they all will go on to be productive members of society,” says...
Dr. Andrea Carter may have settled into her retirement home in Henry County, but she is far from being retired. In recent years, the career educator has embarked on a new venture that allows her to “stay in the conversation,” as she puts it, on a topic that is near and dear to her heart—student...