CARROLLTON, GA — Carrollton High School students in the International Baccalaureate program furthered their education, making global connections to their studies with the support of the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation. During the 10-day trip at the end of May, five rising seniors, Samantha Berg, Juliet Browning, Blythe Browning, Nelson Quinonez, and Joe Jacobs, traveled internationally for the first time to Spoleto, Italy, where they lived with host families, experienced local schools, and learned about Italian culture. 

On May 17, students departed from Atlanta and began the roughly 5,000-mile trek to the Italian town. This incredible opportunity provided to students by the CCS Education Foundation was established in partnership with the University of West Georgia, which holds a strong connection with Spoleto, having led more than 20 study abroad trips there since 2012. 

They flew into Rome, where they met UWG Executive Director of Global Engagements and Cultural Programming Dr. Chad Davidson, before traveling to Spoleto and connecting with their host families. UWG Italian Liaison Elisa Bassetti placed CHS students with trusted local families for the duration of their stay, allowing them to be immersed in the culture. Bassetti is also the founder of ArteLingua, a language school that integrates gaining fluency with cultural experiences. In preparation for the trip, the foundation provided Italian lessons for students, coordinated by Bassetti, to develop practical speaking skills. 

From the cuisine to the classroom, they experienced the everyday life of an Italian teenager. CHS participants were matched with Spoleto peers during school sessions and received additional lessons and educational excursions through ArteLingua. This valuable exchange enabled the CHS students to share their knowledge as well, as they were given the chance to work with Italian high schoolers and elementary-aged students who are learning English.

Expanding their travels, IB Coordinator and CHS teacher Dr. Noah Brewer joined the latter part of the trip and took students on an excursion to Rome, leading the group through a journey of history, art, and culture—exactly the types of connections at the core of the IB curriculum. Brewer planned a tour of historical landmarks, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and many more.  

“All throughout school, we learn about history by reading textbooks and looking at the occasional photo. However, nothing compares to actually standing in the middle of it,” said Blythe Browning. “I don't think I ever could have appreciated these things as much if I had stayed in a classroom; you have to be there to feel and experience the weight of that much time.”

On their final day, Brewer and students, along with community leaders from Carrollton, were recognized by Spoleto’s Mayor Andrea Sisti and Minister of Education Luigina Renzi. The reception honored the cooperation between the cities, and many representatives from west Georgia were in attendance, including UWG President Dr. Mike Johnson, UWG First Lady Beth Johnson, Carrollton City Manager David Brooks, and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce President Rhyne Owenby. 

Supported by the CCS Education Foundation, what began years ago as a vision to offer international travel opportunities for students has now become a reality, with the hope that it could grow into an annual experience for future CHS students and a reciprocal opportunity for Italian students to visit Carrollton.

Reflecting on the trip, Nelson Quinonez noted that foundation support bridges the gap for students who otherwise could not afford to go.

“It is important for students to have access to experiences like this because not everyone has the same resources to attend. Specifically, trips like the one to Spoleto are important because they allow students to learn outside the classroom and see new places and perspectives,” Nelson said. “At the same time, funding also makes sure that all students can participate, no matter their situation.”

This enrichment experience marks an exciting milestone as CCS continues to expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom through field trips both locally and around the world. 

“International travel opportunities like this are an investment in our students’ futures. Experiences beyond the classroom broaden perspectives, build confidence, and deepen cultural understanding in ways that impact students for years to come,” CCS Education Foundation Executive Director Brooke Mobley said. “The Education Foundation is honored to support trips like this for our students.” 

The Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation is no stranger to providing students with global educational experiences–from Taiwanese debate tournaments to international ROV competitions in Canada. To learn more or to support enrichment experiences for students at Carrollton City Schools, visit www.carrolltoncityschools.net/community/foundation.
 

CHS students, from left, Joe Jacobs, Juliet Browning, Blythe Browning, Samantha Berg, and Nelson Quinonez Gomez visit the Colosseum on a touring day in Rome, Italy.
 

CHS rising senior Nelson Quinonez Gomez pieces together a collage during an ArteLingua class at the Piazza Collicola Art Academy Institute in Spoleto, Italy.

During their trip, Carrollton High School students and IB coordinator Dr. Noah Brewer (back row, far left) were honored by the mayor of Spoleto (not pictured) and Minister of Education Luigina Renzi (front row, far right). Host families and community members joined the CHS group.
 

CHS rising senior Blythe Browning is pictured in Spoleto, Italy.

Pictured from left, CHS IB Coordinator Dr. Noah Brewer, Blythe Browning, Samantha Berg, and Joe Jacobs tour historic ruins during their excursion.  

CARROLLTON, GA – Two Carrollton High School students, Rose Meeks and Henry Carden, will serve on the 2026 Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Youth Advisory Council, where they have the unique opportunity to connect with educational leaders and public officials from across the state, learn more about educational policies and practices, and provide insight into the student experience. 

According to GSBA, the program was established so that “students and school board members can achieve greater awareness regarding academic programs and school climate.” By elevating student voice, the council will strengthen communications between elected officials and those in the classrooms on a daily basis. Through YAC, they will have the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills through participation in monthly meetings, council discussions, and public speaking opportunities.  

“We are proud of Rose and Henry for their hard work and commitment to representing our district through the GSBA Youth Advisory Council,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus. “An essential part of our mission is strengthening student leaders who are engaged in our community and are interested in shaping the future of public education.”

Rose and Henry are both actively involved on campus at CHS and have risen to be leaders within their extracurricular programs. 

YAC members will attend a retreat at the GSBA office in Atlanta on July 16-17, where they will make meaningful connections with committee leaders and other high schoolers pursuing similar goals. Rose and Henry will also attend GSBA’s annual conference in December. 

Carrollton High School students Rose Meeks (left) and Henry Carden (right) have been selected to serve on the 2026 Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Youth Advisory Council. 
 

CARROLLTON, GA — Carrollton City Schools has announced school leadership transitions for the upcoming year. Dr. Ian Lyle, Carrollton High School principal, has been promoted to a district-level position as Director of Personnel and Accountability. Dr. Eric Simmons has been named the new principal of CHS. Mrs. Amber Gable will take the lead as the principal of Carrollton Middle School.  

Approved at Tuesday night’s board meeting, these leadership promotions reflect the district’s commitment to strengthening schools and supporting district growth. Following the board's action, CCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus recognized each administrator and celebrated their new roles.

Over the last five years as principal of CHS, Dr. Ian Lyle has demonstrated a strong track record of increasing student achievement and implementing state-of-the-art extracurricular, career and academic programs to promote student involvement and enhance workforce development. A CHS alumnus with nearly two decades in education and nine years in a leadership role, Lyle will leverage his recent doctorate in School Improvement from the University of West Georgia to oversee school accountability and human resources operations for the district, including charter system governance, reporting and certification, enrollment, and professional development. Lyle brings extensive experience in leading teams, instructional leadership, and organizational strategies, while also representing the district in the community as an active member of Dawnbreaker's Rotary, co-chair of the Carroll County Chamber Workforce Development Committee, a member of the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors, and a graduate of Leadership Carroll. He and his wife, Brandi, a teacher at CES, along with their children, Charlie and Reid, are lifelong Trojans. 

With strong ties to CHS, Dr. Eric Simmons will take the helm as principal after demonstrating proven leadership for the past 10 years, including three years as principal at CMS and seven years as an assistant principal. In addition to his undergraduate and graduate degrees, Simmons recently earned his doctorate in Leadership from American College of Education. A Trojan alum and former teacher and coach at CHS, Simmons is familiar with the traditions of excellence and Gold Standard expectations at Carrollton City Schools. His experience improving student outcomes, managing facilities and discipline protocols, leading school initiatives, and supporting students and teachers has prepared him for this leadership role at CHS. Simmons is an active member of Dawnbreakers Rotary and the Georgia Track and Field Cross Country Advisory Committee, is a graduate of Leadership Carroll, and serves on the City of Carrollton Development Authority.  He is married to Janey, a teacher at CCS, and they have two children — Davis and English. 

Gable will transition from assistant principal at Carrollton Upper Elementary to principal at CMS, bringing 11 years of experience in leadership and instructional support. From teaching at CMS, Gable worked as an interventionist in Haralson County School System, guiding leaders through instructional planning before returning to CCS to serve as a literacy specialist and stepping into administration. In her most recent role at CUES, Gable’s passion for supporting students, fostering academic growth, and building relationships has given her a strong foundation for leading CMS. Her expertise sets the tone for maintaining a positive culture where people feel valued, supported, and encouraged while upholding high expectations. An active volunteer at Midway Church and Power of the Purse committee member, Gable is deeply invested in the Carrollton community. She and her husband, Scott, have two children — Madison and Sheffield.  

“One of our greatest strengths at Carrollton is the quality of people who serve our students each day and the depth of talent within our system,” said Dr. Albertus. “We are fortunate to have an incredible team that understands our students, staff and community, invests in our schools, and builds strong relationships across the district. I know each of these leaders will do an outstanding job in their new roles supporting our students and serving families.”