CARROLLTON, GA – Over spring break, two Carrollton High School students visited Washington, D.C. to present an app they designed to members of Congress, thanks to funding provided by the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation.

In January, Carrollton High School junior Omar DeJesus, sophomore Wade Ballard and freshman Alaina Dhople won the Congressional App Challenge for Georgia's Third District, securing the CHS computer science program a victory for the seventh year in a row. This is Omar’s second consecutive win as a part of the team creating an app for this competition. The challenge, spearheaded by the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to inspire middle and high school students to delve into coding and contemplate future paths in computer science.

Omar, Wade, and Alaina collaborated to develop an app called Trojan Advocate, an AI-driven application that provides self-advocacy tools for students with disabilities. This year, the challenge encouraged participants to incorporate AI into their app. In addition to the Congressional App Challenge, Trojan Advocate earned the highest distinction, the Platinum Prize, at the 2025 Computer Science for Georgia (CS4GA) Student App Competition at the end of March. 

As winners of the challenge, the students were given the opportunity to present their app to members of Congress. Due to a previously scheduled commitment, Alaina did not travel to D.C. with the team but contributed to the app creation and preparation. Omar and Wade represented the group to share their app and celebrate their accomplishments. 

The #HouseOfCode 2025 event hosted by Congress is the largest student app demonstration event in the country, allowing students the unique opportunity to share their winning applications with representatives. 

“Connecting with innovators and decision makers from across the nation allows students to strengthen their skills and see their work in action,” said CHS teacher Robby Blakemore. “The generosity of the CCS Education Foundation made this unforgettable experience a reality for our team.”

Omar said he is thankful to the CCS Education Foundation for making trips like this possible and for their ongoing support of students. 

“It was an honor to be able to go to D.C. and share our app,” said Omar. “I am incredibly grateful for the chance to represent our school and community on such a big stage.” 

Kristen Gill, executive director of the CCS Education Foundation, said she was proud to see the students’ hard work recognized nationally.

"These students put in tremendous effort to create an app that has the potential to help so many people,” said Gill. “Having the chance to present their work in Washington, D.C., was an incredible experience for them — and I’m proud the Foundation could help make that possible."

In 2024, the Foundation significantly expanded opportunities for student learning beyond the classroom by allocating nearly $150,000 for field trips. This was made possible, in large part, by a generous donation earmarked specifically to support field trip experiences across the district.

Thirteen unique experiences across various destinations were approved. These trips included visits to Chattanooga, TN, Zoo Atlanta, Walt Disney World, New York City, the Georgia Aquarium, Truist Park, Washington, D.C., and Jekyll Island, among others.

To learn more about the CCS Education Foundation, visit https://www.carrolltoncityschools.net/community/foundation. 

To download the Trojan Advocate application, visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trojanadvocate/id6744109497. 

Carrollton High School students Wade Ballard (center) and Omar DeJesus (right) with CHS Computer Science teacher Robby Blakemore (left) visiting the White House during their trip to present at the Congressional App Challenge #HouseOfCode 2025 event. The Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation helped fund the students' trip. 

CARROLLTON, GA – Carrollton Elementary School debuted the newly installed Lü Interactive Playground in the gymnasium at the beginning of March. By transforming the traditional physical education space into an immersive experience for students, teachers connect physical fitness and educational games, allowing students to enjoy the benefits of play. 

Students were introduced to Lü by throwing balls at targets, working as a team in games, and practicing calming breathing techniques. The Lü system uses a combination of motion detection programming and a projector system to create the ability for participants to interact. Squeals of excitement could be heard throughout the gym as students played various games that reinforce academic skills while exercising.  

“The Lü is an incredible addition for all students at CES,” said CES Principal Dr. Kylie Carroll. “As an interactive playground, the Lü provides endless opportunities to combine fun, physical activity with grade-level curriculum.”

Teachers echo Dr. Carroll’s enthusiasm for the engagement factor that the Lü system brings. 

Funded by a combination of district funding and generous donations raised by the Parent-Teacher-Volunteer Organization (PTVO), the Lü playground provides a structured yet fun way to promote overall well-being and a positive learning environment.
 

Pictured from left, Carrollton Elementary students Mya Toure (left), Levi Koon (second from left), and their classmates practice warm-up exercises with the  Lü Interactive Playground system.

CARROLLTON, GA – An evening of special recognition was the highlight of the Carrollton Board of Education meeting Tuesday, which included honoring eight Carrollton High School seniors who are this year's inductees into a unique class of CHS alumni: AAA recipients.

Since the Class of 2007, Carrollton High School has annually identified seniors who represent the “Three A’s,” a designation honoring personal achievements in Academics, Arts and Athletics. The esteemed recognition celebrates the students’ abilities and determination to balance all three, said CHS Principal Ian Lyle.

“When you understand the dedication needed to achieve success in any of these areas, it is amazing to witness students who demonstrate excellence in all three,” said Lyle. “The AAA seniors are incredibly well-rounded and exemplify devotion to their passions.”

Nearly 70 CHS alumni have been honored with this award. Those students are distinguished amongst their peers through their work ethic that translated into their adult lives as well, starting with successful college careers and later the transition to their professional lives. This year’s inductees will join the other honor recipients in a display on the third floor of the high school's main academic building.
     
This year's AAAs Honor Roll includes:

Audrey Browning
Audrey Browning’s commitment to her passions goes beyond that of the average student. As a senior captain of the debate team, she led the team to capture a state title all four years and received international recognition. She is president of the Debate Honor Society and was named a National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American, exemplifying her devotion. Audrey is an IB Diploma student and an honored AP Scholar. As a junior, she served as an Honor Marshal. Her resume boasts numerous academic and extracurricular accomplishments, including various clubs and her athletic commitments to varsity track and cross country. Named “Most Likely to Change the World” by her class, Audrey certainly has the initiative and passion to do just that. She is the daughter of Joanna and Josh Browning. 

George Carden 
George Carden exemplifies humility and determination. Throughout his high school career, George took a dozen AP courses, earned dual enrollment credit, and set the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete. George participated in debate, lacrosse and football to begin his high school career before dedicating himself to wrestling. As a four-year varsity wrestler, he earned three individual and duals region championships, received the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Wrestler of the Year award, and led the team as captain. He competed in the Governor’s Honors Program as a nominee for math and semifinalist for social studies in addition to his recognition as a Junior Honor Marshal and participation in American Legion Boys State. He was named a University of Georgia Certificate of Merit student, Wofford Scholar, AP Scholar, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award recipient, and Presbyterian College Junior Fellow. A natural leader of the Trojan Nation, he was voted co-president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Spanish Honor Society, student ambassador with the Georgia Secretary of State, and a member of the Carrollton Youth City Council and CHS student council. George is the son of Sally and Bryan Carden.

John Cobb
John Cobb is the blueprint for a well-rounded student, excelling on athletic fields and in classrooms. As an IB diploma student, John organized a fundraiser on campus that funded literacy initiatives and provided books to young readers in the community. His transcript records a range of rigorous courses, and he shared his talents in Speech and Debate. John further demonstrated his creativity when he won the Laws of Life writing competition. He lettered in cross country and baseball and balances commitments with expertise as he is actively involved in student council, National Honor Society, Bring Change 2 Mind student mental health organization, and often leads the weekly Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings. From the pitcher’s mound, John has played on the varsity baseball team since his freshman year and has been honored as the Times-Georgian Pitcher of the Year along with regional and state team recognitions. He received the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit and served as a Junior Honor Marshal his junior year. He is the son of Tammy and Steve Cobb.

Lillian Colquitt
Lillian Colquitt takes involvement to the next level. Maintaining an impressive academic resume of AP and dual enrollment courses while holding leadership positions in student council, Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes is no small task. She was recognized as a five-sport athlete for cheerleading, game day cheerleading, swimming, flag football and soccer, rightfully claiming her superlative as Most Athletic. Being named team captain for both the swim and soccer teams, she demonstrated outstanding leadership as she encouraged and supported her teammates. With a creative flair, Lilli has performed in plays, drawn artwork for the Creative Writing Club magazine, and produced videos that won in state competition. She was named a University of Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient during her junior year. She is a state champion game day cheerleader and was named a top 30 finalist in the GCCA Cheerleader of the Year competition. Lillian is the daughter of Laura and Jason Colquitt. 

Blakelee Isbill
Blakelee Isbill, honored as “Best All-Around” by her class, exhibits this quality through her exceptional leadership capabilities and involvement in numerous organizations on campus. With an uncompromising dedication to studies, she has taken a combination of AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses to expand her academic horizons and artistic electives such as Graphic Arts and Speech and Debate. Her culminating years of service on student council led to Blakelee’s classmates voting her class president. She served in leadership positions for National Honor Society and was named a Junior Honor Marshal, University of Georgia Certificate of Merit student, and Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award recipient. From motivating her volleyball team all four years of high school to interning with the Special Education department, Blakelee’s heart for others is evident. Blakelee is the daughter of Liles Johnson and Bradley Isbill.

Kendall New
Kendall New demonstrates an incredible ability to balance her academic and athletic endeavors while achieving success across the board. A packed schedule of AP courses and dual enrollment along with her involvement in several clubs and honor societies serve as evidence of her exceptional academic accomplishments. She was named a Wofford Scholar, Presbyterian College Junior Fellow, University of Georgia Certificate of Merit student, and Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award recipient. She also served as a Junior Honor Marshal her junior year. Kendall learned more about the arts through Drama, where she learned about the inner workings of productions and performance art. Her athletic career has been record-breaking. During her years as a varsity gymnast, Kendall established a new school record, received a perfect score on her floor exercise, and placed in the state competition with her team and as an individual competitor. She is a game day cheer state champion and was named a top 30 finalist in the GCCA Cheerleader of the Year competition. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Scott New.

Kara Oakes 
Kara Oakes embraced all that CHS has to offer. She dedicated herself to taking advanced academic courses, receiving college credit before graduation for AP and dual enrollment. Her willingness to challenge herself through her art classes and athletic competitions demonstrates her strong work ethic. A recipient of the Three Sport Athlete award, she won a game day cheer state championship and numerous accolades for her cheer and gymnastics contributions. She was nominated for the National Society of Leadership and Success award from the University of West Georgia. In addition to her commitment to her academics and athletics, she is an active member in the National Honor Society. Kara is the daughter of Chastity Oakes. 

Laney Quinn
Laney Quinn’s high school career showcases her versatility as an academic, athlete, and performer. Her commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated through her rigorous course schedule and membership in honor societies, including the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Thespian Honor Society. She has been named a University of Georgia Certificate of Merit student. As an active participant in performing arts, Laney shared her talents as a member of the Trojan Trebles choral group for three years and was appointed to the District Honors Chorus in addition to starring in numerous theatrical productions. Laney qualified as a Governor’s Honors semifinalist and nominee in Dance and Voice. She is a leader on the varsity dance team and is a proud founding member of the program. Laney is the daughter of Amanda and Bryan Quinn.