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Exchange Club announces Youth of the Year nominees
0522 Youth of Year nominees
From left to right are: Joyce Studier, chair of the Youth Awards Committee; Alicia Jordrey and Holly Nance from Effingham County High School; Andrew Rushing and Emilia Truluck from South Effingham High School; and Yvette Carr, president of the Exchange Club of Effingham County. Not pictured: Kelsey Woodward from Effingham County High School. - photo by Photo provided

The Exchange Club of Effingham County has announced this year’s nominees for its Youth of the Year Award. Every year the Exchange Club accepts nominations from the local high schools for the award, which is presented to a young person judged to be the most outstanding achiever in school activities, community service activities, academics and special achievements as set forth by the National Exchange Club’s Youth of the Year Program criteria.

This year’s nominees are Alicia Jordrey, Holly Nance and Kelsey Woodward from Effingham County High School, and Andrew Rushing and Emilia Truluck from South Effingham High School.

The winner of this year’s award will be announced at class night tonight at Effingham County High School and on Thursday at South Effingham High School. The winner will receive a $100 check from the Exchange Club.

For more information on the Exchange Club of Effingham County, contact Carr at 657-5423 or vice president Lucille Tate at 978-0769.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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