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Miss ECMS crowned
0412 Miss ECMS 2011
Camille Vernava, left, was crowned Miss Effingham County Middle School 2011March 5. Anna Snooks, right a sixth grader, was selected first runner-up.

Camille Vernava, left, was crowned Miss Effingham County Middle School 2011 during the “Candy Land” themed pageant held March 5. Vernava, a sixth grader, also won formal wear and casual wear awards.

Anna Snooks, right a sixth grader, was selected first runner-up and seventh grader Kirria Williams was awarded second runner-up. 

Eighth grader Jamia Johnson placed third and sixth grader Kassidy Oswald placed fourth. Oswald also received The Spirit of ECMS Award.

The award for Highest GPA went to seventh grader Shelby Wilson. Denisha Brickhouse, a seventh grader, was voted Miss Photogenic.

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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