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Twenty-one balloons! Well, not quite
5.29 21 balloons
Effingham Christian students had the opportunity to learn about hot air balloons from Andy Clayton, solo distance world record holder. - photo by Photo provided
Staff Report
Updated: Jun 19, 2008, 9:00 AM
Published: May 28, 2008, 6:31 PM

The fourth grade students at Effingham Christian School recently read the book “Twenty-One Balloons” by William Pene du Bois.  

This classic fantasy adventure follows the journey of a professor attempting to fly a hot air balloon across the Pacific Ocean. Through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants and incredible balloon inventions.   

The students at Effingham Christian School received a visit from Andy Cayton, a local balloonist who holds the hot air balloon world record for solo distance. Cayton will also represent the U.S. in the Hot Air Balloon World Cup in October.  
The students were able to see and feel how a hot air balloon operates.

ECS provides a distinctively classical and Christ centered education and is located at 226 Goshen Rd., Rincon. For more information you can visit their Web site at www.effinghamchristian.org.
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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