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< RETURN TO GEORGIA ACADEMIC DECATHLON HOME Georgia Academic Decathlon GAD Forms GAD Season Registration Order GAD Honor Cords Order USAD Curriculum State Competition registration information can be found on the State Competition page after Wild Card teams are invited in mid-January. National Competition registration information will be emailed directly to the coaches of the qualified teams. < RETURN TO GEORGIA ACADEMIC DECATHLON HOME Back to Top CONTACT: Michelle Crawford GAD State Director mcrawford@pageinc.org 404-414-3041

PAGE Coaching supports and empowers educators by providing the assistance they need when they need it. It’s available in all areas of the state. It’s completely confidential. And, most importantly, it works. PAGE COACHING PAGE Coaching supports and empowers you by providing the assistance you need when you need it. It’s available in all areas of the state. It’s completely confidential. And, most importantly, it works. Are you experiencing burnout and in need of support, resources, and strategies? PAGE Coaching can help. Do you need insight to help refine classroom management plans or effectively counter disruptive behavior? PAGE Coaching can help. Seeking proven strategies for dealing with parental complaints or concerns? PAGE Coaching can help. Would you like information and assistance as you address challenging situations with students, peers, or administrators? PAGE Coaching can help. Could you benefit from insight and encouragement as you consider growth opportunities and next-level career development? PAGE Coaching can help. REQUEST PAGE COACHING BY EDUCATORS FOR EDUCATORS: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PAGE COACHING A unique, personalized service by educators for educators, PAGE Coaching is an exclusive members-only benefit available to you throughout your career as a PAGE member. And, because PAGE Coaching is completely confidential, you’ll be able to address even the most difficult and sensitive topics. All PAGE coaches are experienced educators skilled at mentoring, counseling, conflict resolution, relationship building, and educator best practices. Areas of expertise include regular education, special education, and leadership. At your request, PAGE will pair you with a professional coach for one-on-one sessions dedicated to assisting with your specific challenge. You’ll meet virtually to identify foundational issues. Your coach will then work with you to determine next actions to effectively address those issues. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT PAGE COACHING “THE PAGE COACHING EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS ASSET TO ME. THE GUIDANCE AND WISDOM SHARED HAS BENEFITED ME REGARDING INSTRUCTION, COMMUNICATION, AND RELATIONSHIP SKILLS, ESPECIALLY WITH COWORKERS AND ADMINISTRATION. I CANNOT THANK MY COACH ENOUGH. NOT ONLY WAS SHE PROFESSIONAL, BUT SHE WAS ALSO SUPPORTIVE AND UPLIFTING DURING A TIME WHEN I NEEDED IT MOST. I APPRECIATE AND RECOMMEND THIS SERVICE TO ANYONE STRUGGLING IN EDUCATION.” -- A Member who completed PAGE coaching “AFTER COMPLETING THE SESSIONS, A MEMBER INDICATED THAT, AS A RESULT OF THE SUPPORT PROVIDED BY PAGE COACHING, SHE WILL REMAIN IN THE EDUCATION PROFESSION RATHER THAN LEAVE AS SHE HAD BEEN CONTEMPLATING DOING.” -- Reported by PAGE Coach "THE INTERACTION WITH MY COACH WAS MOST USEFUL. SHE ASKED QUESTIONS TO HELP ME GAIN INSIGHT INTO HOW TO BETTER PRESENT MY CASE TO MY PRINCIPAL. THIS YIELDED A GOOD RESULT." -- A Member who completed PAGE coaching

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2024 STAR Region Winners STAR Region 1 Grayson Sneed STAR STUDENT Mr. Billy Singletary STAR TEACHER Whitfield County Coahulla Creek High School Kiwanis Club of Dalton STAR Region 3A Pranaya Balaji STAR STUDENT Mr. Joe League STAR TEACHER Cobb County George Walton High School Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3A Andrew David Fang STAR STUDENT Mr. Doug Wolfe STAR TEACHER Cobb County George Walton High School Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3A Omer Mustafa Inan STAR STUDENT Mrs. Tamara Hollingsworth STAR TEACHER Cobb County George Walton High School Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3A Parv Mahajan STAR STUDENT Ms. Julia Rachkovskiy STAR TEACHER Gwinnett County Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Partnership Gwinnett STAR Region 3A Kinley Michelle Sikes STAR STUDENT Mr. Jason Hardin STAR TEACHER Cherokee County Creekview High School Canton Lions Club STAR Region 3A Jillian Vacha STAR STUDENT Mrs. Andrea Boyce STAR TEACHER Gwinnett County North Gwinnett High School Partnership Gwinnett STAR Region 3A Henry Yu STAR STUDENT Mr. Kent Ames STAR TEACHER Forsyth County South Forsyth High School Cumming Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3B Rush William Maples STAR STUDENT Ms. Christie Leanza STAR TEACHER Fayette County Starr's Mill High School Kiwanis Club of Fayette County STAR Region 5 Raymond Yao STAR STUDENT Mrs. Storie Atkins STAR TEACHER Muscogee County Columbus High School Rotary Club of Columbus STAR Region 6 William Steinfeld STAR STUDENT Mrs. Alisha Rochon STAR TEACHER Baldwin County Georgia Military College High School Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce STAR Region 8 Emiline Wayde Baxter STAR STUDENT Mr. AJ Goldman STAR TEACHER Chatham County Savannah Country Day School Kiwanis Club of Savannah STAR Region 9 Evan Jacob Ariail STAR STUDENT Mr. Charles Gammel STAR TEACHER Thomasville City Thomasville High School Kiwanis Club of Thomasville STAR Region 11 Cody Bryan Page STAR STUDENT Mr. Jess Coleman STAR TEACHER Ware County Ware County High School Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce STAR Region 2 Yumeng He STAR STUDENT Mrs. Nicole Ager STAR TEACHER Rabun County Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Rabun County Chamber of Commerce / Forward Rabun, Inc. STAR Region 3A Katherine Taylor Carter STAR STUDENT Ms. Alissa Jean STAR TEACHER Cobb County Wheeler High School Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3A Sebastian Flores STAR STUDENT Ms. Caitlen Stovall STAR TEACHER Forsyth County Denmark High School Cumming Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3A Gordon Lichtstein STAR STUDENT Mr. Henry Tsay STAR TEACHER Decatur City Decatur High School Decatur Rotary Club STAR Region 3A Kyan Nguyen STAR STUDENT Mr. Paul Chance STAR TEACHER Cobb County Wheeler High School Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3A Alexander Thomas STAR STUDENT Mr. Brad Davis STAR TEACHER Forsyth County Alliance Academy for Innovation Cumming Kiwanis Club STAR Region 3A Jillian Sara Yoder STAR STUDENT Mr. Elliott Reid STAR TEACHER Atlanta City North Atlanta High School Kiwanis Club of Atlanta, Inc. STAR Region 3A Hudson Zhou STAR STUDENT Ms. Saru Bhardwaj STAR TEACHER Forsyth County Lambert High School Cumming Kiwanis Club STAR Region 4 John Nesbit STAR STUDENT Mr. Jake Forrester STAR TEACHER Oconee County Oconee County High School Oconee County Chamber of Commerce STAR Region 6 Shiva Kevin Soundappan STAR STUDENT Mr. Daryl Leslie STAR TEACHER Houston County Houston County High School Perry Area Chamber of Commerce STAR Region 7 Samuel Joseph Hobbs STAR STUDENT Mr. Steven Hahn STAR TEACHER Columbia County Evans High School Harlem Woman's Club STAR Region 8 Eli Compton STAR STUDENT Mrs. Ashley Thompson STAR TEACHER Bulloch County Statesboro High School Bulloch County Foundation STAR Region 10 James Lanford Scott STAR STUDENT Mr. Jonathan Payne STAR TEACHER Lowndes County Lowndes High School Azalea City Civic Club

< RETURN TO GEORGIA ACADEMIC DECATHLON GENERAL FAQs Georgia Academic Decathlon Speech Competition FAQs Decathlete Questions Q: I've never given a speech. Where do I start? A: The best place to start is at the beginning: choosing a speech topic. It is up to you as a decathlete to select a speech topic and make sure you pick a topic that interests you and about which you enjoy speaking. When you choose your topic, research it well so that, if necessary, you can speak on the topic at will with no memorization necessary. Q: What are some resources for me when developing my speech? A: Try Toastmasters International where they have free online resources for you to use or you could join a local Toastmasters club where you can meet and talk to people who give speeches for a living or who want to improve their speechmaking skills. Another resource is your pastor/priest/rabbi/imam who has to give a speech every week. You can also talk to your school's theater/drama teacher who will tell you that giving a speech is a bit like putting on a play. YouTube is a great place to call up famous speeches and watch them whenever you can. Q: How do I practice my speech? A: One of the best places to practice your speech is to give it to anyone and everyone who will listen. Have your parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and relatives listen to your speech and score it for you. Have one of them record your speech so that you can watch it. Constant practice is your best friend. Q: What about impromptu speeches? I've heard those are really hard! A: Impromptu speeches are only difficult if you've never given them before. Successful impromptu speaking is easy if you: 1) Practice, practice, practice! and 2) If you know the subject matter well. Typically, competition impromptu topics range from current events and decathlon subjects to how you feel about personal topics. Q: How can I practice impromptu speaking? A: Whenever you practice your prepared speech, have those same people give you impromptu topics on which to speak. Also, watch any current political debates. Those are a perfect examples of impromptu speaking. Q: To whom will I be giving my speeches during state competition? A: You will be speaking in front of two or three volunteer adult judges. These judges come from all walks of life and ages. You may have a judge who is a college student, one who is a private sector professional, and one who is a retiree. Also in the room will be a timing judge, a student who has volunteered their time and whose sole job that night is to keep track of the timing of your speeches. Now, of course, if your prepared speech wins the top score at the state competition, you may be giving your speech at the awards banquet. Won't that be amazing? Q: I'm really nervous about speaking to strangers. A: Don't worry at all about giving your speech to the judges. Believe me when I say that they are just as nervous as you are and, if given the chance, they would hand everyone a medal who walks through their doors. Do your best, that's all they ask, and you best will be incredible with lots of practice. Coach Questions Q: I know the prepared speech topics are open to the choice of the decathletes, but what if there's one topic a decathlete has chosen that I really dislike? A: Give your decathlete a chance to develop the topic they've chosen, while choosing a second topic as a backup. Unless the topic is extremely offensive or derisive, your decathlete may surprise you with the topic they've chosen. Q: How can I encourage my decathletes to practice their speeches? A: Make sure they practice their speech, in front of you, at least once a week. Feel free to pull in other teachers from the school to give your decathletes a fresh opinion and perspective. You can even have those teachers score the decathletes speeches. If you have a set time each week, then you know they're at least practicing that much. Encourage them to practice in front of their parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. Invite someone from your local Toastmasters club to speak to the decathletes and offer assistance. Q: How can I encourage my decathletes to practice and develop their impromptu speaking skills? A: The USAD organization has a book of impromptu speech topics from past competitions you can use for decathlete practice. I encourage you to purchase this book (or find another coach who can let you borrow theirs), make copies of the pages, and cut up the impromptu topics into strips and put them in a basket. Have the students pick a topic out of the basket and give a speech, just like they would at competition. Again, do this once a week in lieu of prepared speech practice and I think your decathletes will be well-prepared. Judge Questions Q: I don't think I'm qualified to judge speeches. I mean, I don't give speeches so how can I properly judge them? A: If you have a desire to get to know more about young people today and don't mind volunteering several hours on a Friday evening to listen to said young people, then you are very qualified to judge the speech portion of the GAD competition. Don't worry about being thrown in the fire. You'll attend a workshop, before the speech competition begins, where you'll learn how to judge the decathletes' speeches. Q: What if all the speeches are about Lady Gaga or Facebook or things I just don't understand or enjoy? I'm rather out of touch with today's youth. A: Trust me, if there are any speeches about Lady Gaga or Facebook or anything else this current generation of young people holds dear, you will be enthralled and a fan before the night is over. These young decathletes are passionate about many things and will speak about many topics, not just current pop music. They may speak about their futures, their heroes, or how they deal with bullying. You'll be pleasantly surprised. < RETURN TO GEORGIA ACADEMIC DECATHLON GENERAL FAQs Back to Top CONTACT: Michelle Crawford GAD State Director mcrawford@pageinc.org 404-414-3041

Granting Opportunity in Ben Hill County < Back to Membership News Granting Opportunity in Ben Hill County GRANTING OPPORTUNITY: PAGE Educator Grants are helping members achieve goals with students and further their career pursuits. Diane Lhotte at Ben Hill Middle School used grant funds to purchase kiln repair parts and permanent kiln furniture. Pictured with her is Assistant Principal Martellis Curtis. Each year, PAGE awards up to $100,000 as individual $500 grants to members throughout the state. Are you a PAGE member who is interested in applying next year? Applications will open fall semester 2024. Stay tuned to PAGE social media, email, and PAGE One for announcements. < Previous Next >

Serving members in Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County < Back Gina Tucker Membership Services Representative gtucker@pageinc.org Since 2018, Gina has worked as PAGE MSR to educators in Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Schools. She is a native of Sandersville, Georgia and a graduate of Washington County High School, the University of West Georgia,, and Walden University where she earned a BS and an M.Ed. in middle grades education. She spent 17 years instructing students in elementary and middle school settings. Gina has two lovely children and has been married 21 years. Gina is passionate about promoting an environment that values education and teamwork as well as helping individuals reach their full potential.

< RETURN TO GEORGIA ACADEMIC DECATHLON HOME Georgia Academic Decathlon GAD Curriculum ATTENTION USAD PARTICIPANTS**: The U.S. Academic Decathlon® is excited to announce that the overall curricular theme for 2025-2026 is The Roaring Twenties. Following is some general information on the topics in each of the subject areas. For information on the current year's curriculum, ordering materials, curriculum updates, etc. please visit usad.org/curriculum . Reminder: Curriculum, Practice Tests and other study materials are ordered directly from USAD and not through GAD. ▪ ART : The art curriculum will offer an introduction to the art of the Jazz Age. ▪ ECONOMICS : The economics curriculum will cover fundamental economic concepts, microeconomics, and macroeconomics and will include a thematic section on the U.S. economy in the 1920s. ▪ LITERATURE : The literature curriculum will present an introduction to the literature of the Jazz Age and will include critical reading, one long work of literature, and selected shorter works. The long work of literature will be The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. ▪ MATHEMATICS : The mathematics curriculum will provide an overview of algebra and trigonometry.* ▪ MUSIC : The music curriculum will focus on the music of the Jazz Age. ▪ SCIENCE : The science topic will be an introduction to electricity and magnetism. ▪ SOCIAL SCIENCE : The social science topic will be the Roaring Twenties. * The 2025-26 mathematics curriculum and materials will be the same as were used for the 2022-23 U.S. Academic Decathlon. ** USAD requires all participants to purchase the official USAD Curriculum package to participate. If your school is new to USAD or has not participated in the past seven years, please complete the Curriculum Grant Form (available from your State Director). USAD Calculator Policy - pdf The 2025-26 Calculator Policy is linked in this section's header. It applies to Rounds 1, 2, & 3 (state) competitions. Calculators will NOT be used at Nationals this year. The Nationals math test is being written so that a calculator will not be needed. < RETURN TO GEORGIA ACADEMIC DECATHLON HOME Back to Top CONTACT: Michelle Crawford GAD State Director mcrawford@pageinc.org 404-414-3041

Scholarship Recipients PAGE Foundation Scholarships Scholarship Recipients 2025 PAGE Foundation Scholarship Recipients PAGE Professional Scholarships Jodi Bailey Reading Specialist/EIP Teacher Morgan County Elementary School Attending American College of Education Pursuing Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: Literacy Paige Burns 8th-grade ELA Teacher Harris County Carber Middle School Attending University of West Georgia Pursuing Ed.S. in Secondary Education ELA Justin Harrison School Counselor Colquitt County High School Attending Valdosta State University Pursuing Ed.S. in Elementary Education Christian Johnson EIP Teacher Ellijay Elementary School, Gilmer County Schools Attending Columbus State University Pursuing Ed.S. in Elementary Education Kim King K-5 Math Inst. Coach & Professional Learning Coord. Lowndes County Schools Attending Valdosta State University Pursuing Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership Elissa Lotter Kindergarten Teacher Hazel Grove Elementary School, Habersham Co Schools Attending Georgia College & State University Pursuing M.Ed. in Elementary Education Cam Neal 5th-grade Teacher Haw Creek Elementary School, Forsyth County Schools Attending University of North Georgia Pursuing M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Linh Pham ELA Teacher North Gwinnett High School Attending University of West Georgia Pursuing Ed.S. in Secondary Education - English Phyllis Silverio ESL Teacher Alpharetta Elementary School, Fulton County Schools Attending Augusta University Pursuing Ed.S. in Advanced Education Studies Stacy Thompson 7th-grade Teacher Pepperell Middle School, Floyd County Schools Attending Augusta University Pursuing Ed.S. in Middle Grades Education PAGE Jack Christmas Scholarship Nikki Cantrell 2nd-grade Teacher Mountain View Elementary School, Gilmer County Schools Attending Reinhardt University Pursuing M.A.T. in Elementary Education PAGE Charles "Coach" Cooper Scholarship Abby Carlson Computer Science Teacher Needwood Middle School, Glynn County Schools Attending Brenau University Pursuing M.A.T. in Middle Grades Math & Science PAGE Dr. Allene Magill Support Personnel Scholarship Randall Cummings Computer Lab Paraprofessional Van Wert Elementary School, Polk County Schools Attending Grand Canyon University Early Childhood Education Major PAGE Support Personnel Scholarship Haley Buxton Kindergarten Paraprofessional Johnson County Elementary School Attending Georgia Southwestern State University Elementary Education Major PAGE S. Marvin Griffin Scholarships Kayla Dutton Attending Truett-McConnell University Elementary Education Major Maddie Owens Attending Berry College Elementary Education Major PAGE Undergraduate Scholarship Abby Shoemake Attending Berry College Elementary Education Major PAGE Dr. Alton Crews Future Georgia Educators Scholarship Maddie Swancy Sonoraville High School graduate Attending Dalton State College PAGE Marcia T. Clanton Future Educator Scholarship Blanca Molina-Vazquez Putnam County High School graduate Attending Georgia Military College Return to Scholarships Home

Learn More About PAGE STAR. < Back to STAR Home Student Teacher Academic Recognition (STAR) STAR Banquet and Selection of Winners Selection of Winners The State PAGE STAR Student is selected from the STAR Region Winners by a panel of judges. The panel includes representatives from higher education, secondary education, education-at-large and the business sector. Each Region STAR Student submits written comprehensive biographical information to the judges. In addition, a statement from each Region STAR Teacher is provided in support of his/her STAR Student. At this point, the SAT is only one of many factors involved in the selection process. The judges interview the Region STAR Students and consider the following areas: Scholarship Extracurricular activities Academic ability Personal philosophy Leadership Initiative Citizenship Opinions Personal objectives Attitudes State PAGE STAR Banquet The State PAGE STAR Banquet, sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation, is held in Atlanta. Highlighting the banquet are interviews of the Region STAR Students conducted by an Atlanta television personality. Region STAR Students and Teachers are presented a hand-blown glass star. In addition to the Region Winners, all STAR Students and STAR Teachers are invited to attend the state banquet, be recognized and receive a special memento. Local sponsors and school contacts will receive banquet ticket information. The evening’s festivities end with the presentation of scholarships and awards to the state winners. The scholarships are provided by corporate, foundation and individual STAR sponsors. The State PAGE STAR Banquet is held each year in Atlanta in April. A link to purchase tickets will be provided here closer to the banquet date. For more information or questions, email STAR@pageinc.org or call 770-216-8555 or 1-800-334-6861 outside Metro Atlanta and ask for the STAR Program. RETURN TO STAR HOME Back to Top

Grady County: PAGE Grants at Work in the Classroom < Back to Membership News Grady County: PAGE Grants at Work in the Classroom PAGE GRANTS AT WORK IN THE CLASSROOM: Such a joy when we get a first-hand view of PAGE Educator Grants making a positive difference for students. Shiver Elementary School’s Lawren Phillips, center, a SY 2023-2024 recipient, utilized grant funds to purchase a variety of instructional materials and manipulatives that enable students to use hands-on learning experiences to build phonemic awareness and increase decoding skills to become fluent readers. With Lawren are PAGE Membership Services Representative Michele Dechman (left) and Mr. Todd Jones, Principal. Each year, PAGE awards up to $100,000 as individual $500 grants to members throughout the state. Are you a PAGE member who is interested in applying next year? Applications will open fall semester 2024. Stay tuned to PAGE social media, email, and PAGE One for announcements. < Previous Next >