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Quick thinkers at the Quick-Think-a-Thon
Winners PCrawley
From left, Jessica Gilliam, Morgan Walsh, Kaycee Kessler and Olivia Waterfield, with the Foozer, Patrice Crawley. - photo by Photo by Calli Arnold
Staff Report
Updated: Apr 21, 2011, 11:30 PM
Published: Apr 21, 2011, 11:38 PM

Jessica Gilliam of Guyton Elementary School, above right, was the champion of the Exchange Club’s 11th Annual Quick-Think-a-Thon on Wednesday at Ebenezer Middle School.

Second graders from each of the eight middle schools assembled in the gym to cheer on the 24 contestants as they answered hypothetical questions about how to be safe when a parent is not around.

First runner-up was Morgan Walsh of South Effingham Elementary; Kaycee Kessler of Ebenezer Elementary was second runner-up; and Olivia Waterfield from Rincon Elementary was the third runner-up.

Patrice Crawley, an Exchange Club member, served as “the Foozer,” the Quick-Think-a-Thon mascot, and WTOC-TV’s Sonny Dixon announced questions for the tournament.
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)
Updated: Jun 20, 2025, 1:18 PM
Published: Jun 20, 2025, 12:51 PM
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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