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Three ECCA students to head to SkillsUSA nationals
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Winners at the state SkillsUSA Skills and Leadership Conference included Bridget Washington in promotional graphics. - photo by Photo provided

Students from the Effingham College and Career Academy competed March 21-23 at the Georgia SkillsUSA Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta. This year the Effingham College and Career Academy was awarded the “largest increase in membership” of 1,500 percent.


Graphics student Jessica Harder, logistics student Callie Howard and logistics student Luke Usher placed first in the career pathway showcase contest, and they will compete this summer at the National SkillsUSA Skills and Leadership Conference in Kansas City. Harder also placed first in pin design.


Chad Mock placed second in restaurant services, and Bridget Washington placed in promotional graphics. Adam Bacon, Blake Peacock, Cameron Edwards, Casey Boyette and Schyler Jones placed third in engine rebuild.


Andrew Clayton competed in architectural drafting, Justin Hand competed in architectural drafting display, and Robby Godby competed in technical drafting. Graphics students Austin Walsh and Kiyana Jackson competed in promotional bulletin board, James Prill competed in photography, Robert Logan competed in  T-shirt design and Megan Hobby competed in advertising design.


SkillsUSA is a national, nonprofit student organization that has developed more than 10 million workers through active partnerships between employers and educators. Hundreds of American industries have turned to SkillsUSA as the source for employees who exemplify “champions at work” in both skills and attitudes.


SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA Georgia is focused on serving high school students involved in architecture, construction, communication, cosmetology, public safety and transportation pathways.

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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