By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
National Honor Society inducts high achieving GSU freshmen
Phi Eta Sigma initiated 317 freshmen in March
Placeholder Image

STATESBORO—On March 8, the Georgia Southern chapter of Phi Eta Sigma initiated 317 students in a ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on Georgia Southern’s campus.

Provost Dr. Linda Bleicken presided over the ceremony. Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshmen whose goal is to recognize and promote academic and service excellence among first-year students.

Phi Eta Sigma is also a student organization. Their philanthropy is The Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs. To be eligible for membership, initiates had to earn at minimum GPA of 3.6. The university is proud of these high achieving students and the outstanding freshman class.

Phi Eta Sigma is the oldest and largest freshman honor society and was founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923. Phi Eta Sigma now has more than 350 chapters throughout the United States and more than 900,000 inducted members. For more information on Georgia Southern’s chapter, see http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/fye/PhiEtaSigma.htm.

The following students from this area were initiated into Phi Eta Sigma:

Jessica Dennis majoring in pre-education early childhood

Zachary Dyals majoring in GTREP/electrical engineering

Morgan Elliott majoring in pre-ed early childhood education

Taylor Johnson majoring in pre-ed early childhood education

Joshua Mock majoring in pre-business

Rebecca Rawski majoring in pre-ed health and PE

Cristen Ray majoring in chemistry

Victoria Webb majoring in pre-nursing/nursing

Lana Williams majoring in pre-ed special education

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.
Keep reading for free
Enter your email address to continue reading.