CARROLLTON, GA – Carrollton High School captured the region literary championship, accumulating points through top finishes in various performing, writing and speaking categories. The Trojans secured first-place titles in eight events.

In performing arts, Joy Zimmer won Literary Interpretation Dramatic Solo, and then teamed up with Morgan Lee to win Literary Interpretation Duo. Lee also placed second in Literary Interpretation Humorous Solo. Malik Raphael (Boys Solo), Chyanne Cammon (Girls Solo), and Laney Quinn, Meira Lee and Lia Sosa (Trio) also earned first-place honors.

The Trojans excelled in writing and speaking as well. Audrey Browning (Argumentative) and Blythe Browning (Literary Analysis) each won their respective Personal Essay categories. Nathan Corbett placed second in Personal Essay. In Extemporaneous Speaking, Luke Zimmer won Domestic, and Eli Jarrett placed second in International.

The CHS literary team will compete for the state championship Saturday, March 15, at Buford High School.

Carrollton High School literary region champions are pictured. Fourth row, from left: Eli Jarrett, Luke Zimmer and Blythe Browning. Third row, from left: Nathan Corbett, Laney Quinn and Audrey Browning. Second row, from left: Malik Raphael, Joy Zimmer and Lia Sosa. First row, from left: CHS Principal Ian Lyle, CHS Chorus Teacher Julie Lowry, CHS Performing Arts Teacher Tommy Cox and CHS Speech and Debate Teacher Richard Bracknell. Not pictured: Morgan Lee, Meira Lee and Chyanne Cammon.

Courtesy of Carroll EMC, Brittany Shadix

Carrollton, GA—Two lucky high school students are heading out of state this summer for an all-expenses-paid, weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC). Sandra Rivera of Central High School and Carson Pullen of Carrollton High School were selected to represent the co-op during the Washington Youth Tour (WYT).  

For more than 60 years, the streets of Washington, D.C., have been filled with eager juniors and seniors from across the country during the month of June as they experience what the capital city has to offer. During the seven-day trip, delegates spend sunup to sundown touring landmarks like Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, National Archives, Lincoln Memorial and so many more. They are also given the opportunity to meet with Georgia’s congressional delegation and state senators. 

“I have attended the WYT as a delegate and a chaperone, and let me know tell you, it never gets old,” said Ryan Sammon, Carroll EMC’s Community Relations Specialist and WYT coordinator. “The energy is contagious, and it stays with you forever.” 

Each year, the trip is coordinated between the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and electric cooperative statewide associations. Participating EMCs accept applications and select their delegate(s) from the pool of applicants. After conducting a panel interview, Carroll EMC selected Rivera and Pullen as the top candidates based on academics, community involvement and good fit.  

Since Carroll EMC is only able to sponsor two students for the WYT, the co-op invites its other impressive applicants to the Georgia Co-op Council Leadership Conference in Covington, GA. The five-day conference is designed to enhance participants’ leadership skills and teamwork abilities through a series of exercises, training sessions and presentations. This year, Carroll EMC is sending Brady Otwell, rising junior at Mt. Zion High School. 

“Students have nothing to lose but so much to gain if they apply,” said Sammon. 

Applications for next year’s WYT will be available online at carrollemc.com/wyt beginning November 1, 2025. 

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 56,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

CHS junior Carson Pullen celebrating his selection to attend the Washington Youth Tour (WYT), an all-expenses-paid, weeklong trip to Washington D.C. sponsored by Carroll EMC. Pictured from left are CHS Assistant Principal Ashleigh Paulk, Carroll EMC Member Services Supervisor Carolyn Smith, Carroll EMC Accounting representative Karen Ewing, Carson Pullen, Carroll EMC Community Relations student Rory Delandero, Carroll EMC Community Relations Specialist Ryan Sammon and CHS Principal Ian Lyle.
 

CARROLLTON, GA — Four Carrollton High School students were recognized for their work this week when the Carrollton Creative Writers Guild and Carrollton Civic Woman’s Club announced the winners of its 2025 High School Creative Writing Awards. This annual competition features poetry and short stories by students in grades 9-12.

Adding to the anticipation, students did not know their placement until they arrived at the recognition event on March 4. Excitement filled the air as they opened their programs to reveal the award winners.

Senior Addison Lloyd has been honored several times in recent years for her writing talents and recently wrote a feature story for the Times-Georgian. For the second consecutive year, Addison was presented the guild's Special Recognition Award for her work. This year, she won with her short story, "Winter Ghost."

Junior Elliot Williamson won first place in the poetry category for her piece, “Fireworks.” Elliot is a part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and seamlessly balances her athletic and academic commitments while fostering creativity through writing.

Junior Brianna Ponder received her first writing recognition, winning second place for her poem “The Voice of a Female.” Brianna entered the writing competition for the first time this year as a way to share her creativity.

Freshman Lucy Slappey won first place in the short story category for “Invisible Threads.” Lucy is actively involved at CHS and placed third in the Optimist Club’s essay competition earlier this month. 

After the luncheon, the Carrollton Writers Guild provided workshops for the students to collaborate with guild members and discuss their writing processes.

Four Carrollton High School students were recognized for their creative writing skills at the 2025 High School Creative Writing Awards luncheon at the Carrollton Center for the Arts on March 4. Pictured from left are CHS Principal Ian Lyle, CHS teacher Jamie Biddle, freshman Lucy Slappey, junior Elliot Williamson, CHS teacher Noah Brewer, junior Brianna Ponder, CHS teacher Rosie Grubbs, CHS teacher Nichole Chetti, senior Addison Lloyd, and CHS teacher Hunter Spurlock.