CHHS Shines in GCTE’s Fall 2025 Newsletter
Chapel Hill High School is proud to be featured in the Fall 2025 issue of Scribbles ’n Bits, the official newsletter of the Georgia Council of Teachers of English (GCTE).
Student Spotlight: Junior Ava Walker’s original poem, “The Door That Was Never Open,” appears on pages 18–19. Ava is also performing this piece in competition for the CHHS Speech & Debate Team’s Original Spoken Word category.
Faculty Spotlight: English teacher and Speech & Debate coach Kenya Taylor authored an article titled “Circling Back to Engagement: Using Literature Circles to Build Voice, Choice, and Comprehension,” featured on pages 13–15.
You can view the full issue of Scribbles ’n Bits on the GCTE website.
https://gcte.wildapricot.org/Scribbles-N-Bits
CHHS celebrates these achievements as we continue to highlight excellence in literacy, creativity, and student voice.
The Chapel Hill High School Game Day Competition Cheerleading Team brought home 1st place at their very first competition of the 2025–2026 season. The first-ever Game Day Competition title in CHHS history!
“The team has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming obstacles and building pride throughout our school and community,” said CHHS Cheer Program Director Jasmin Ellis. “Their dedication, teamwork, and Panther spirit set the tone for an exciting season ahead!”
Congratulations to our amazing athletes and coaches on this milestone victory!
#PantherPride #CHHSCheer #ExcellentOnPurpose
Your Lady Panthers Flag Football Team is on the Rise!
New Chapel Hill flag football head coach Calvin Nash is working to create a winning culture for the Lady Panthers.
This year’s squad is led by standout Zoye Anderson, who has four flag football offers, four-year letterman Natalie Turner and record-setting Faith Moore.
Nash said the focus and dedication of that trio have smoothed the transition to the new coaching staff, which includes assistants Angelo Sykes, Dannon Lindley, Bryan Leggett and TaMeka McKoy.
Chapel Hill is also fielding a junior varsity team this year for the first time in school history as the program builds for the future, with 10 freshmen on the roster.
The Lady Panthers have started the season at 7-5 overall.
“The Lady Panthers will emphasize attention to detail and will take each challenge one quarter at a time as they rebuild toward consistent success,” Nash said.
Chapel Hill Ranked #1 in Class of 2025 Graduation Rates
For the Class of 2025, the Douglas County School System achieved an outstanding 90.7% graduation rate, marking the first time in recent history that the district has surpassed the 90% threshold. Even more impressively, Chapel Hill High School exceeded the district average with a remarkable 94.3% graduation rate! We are incredibly proud of our Panthers for leading the way!
Significant Year-Over-Year Growth:
2025 Graduation Rate: 90.7%
2024 Graduation Rate: 86.7%
A 4-point increase in just one year!
Douglas County also outperformed the statewide average of 87.2%, further showcasing the hard work of our students, educators, and families.
Georgia graduation rate climbs to 87.2%, another historic high. Georgia Department of Education. (n.d.). https://gadoe.org/press-releases/georgia-graduation-rate-climbs-to-87-2-another-historic-high/
How does Chapel Hill High School rank among America’s best high schools? (n.d.). https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/georgia/districts/douglas-county-public-schools/chapel-hill-high-school-5874
You're invited to attend our annual school safety meeting on Wednesday, September 17, at 6:00 pm in the Chapel Hill High School theater.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Esports Tryouts
Tryouts are this Wednesday from 3:30–5:00 pm! If you completed the interest form, attendance is required.
Have questions? Stop by Mr. King’s room (E118) for more information.
Join us for Senior Sunrise on Friday, September 12, at 6:15 am on the Panther football field! Wear your senior jerseys and celebrate the start of your final year of high school.
Chick-fil-A biscuits will be available for purchase—don’t forget to bring money!
Congratulations to our 2025 Homecoming Court winners!
King Trey Isles-Webster & Queen Abigail Resendiz
Prince Fabian Santilliana & Princess Victoria Carruthers
Prince Braxton Brown & Princess Alyse Brewer
Prince Ryan Wells & Princess Ava Carter
#CHHSPanthers #Homecoming2025 #GreatnessGrowsHere
The Chapel Hill Counselors are powerful examples of being Excellent on Purpose. Every day, they guide, encourage, support, and celebrate our students. Thank you, Ms. Hix, Ms. Hutcherson, Ms. Lee, and Mr. Pratt, for helping greatness grow at Chapel Hill!
#GreatnessGrowsHere #ExcellentOnPurpose
Youth Leadership Douglas (YLD) – Applications Now Open!
Youth Leadership Douglas (YLD) is a leadership development program for high school juniors that focuses on:
Community awareness
Civic engagement
Unlocking leadership potential
Why YLD?
Leadership isn’t just a natural talent—it’s a skillset you can develop! Through immersive experiences and interactive learning, students gain insight into local government, business, and civic life while sharpening leadership abilities.
Who is Eligible?
Current Class of 2027 juniors
Click to Apply Today!
https://business.douglascountygeorgia.com/form/view/35646
The Chapel Hill Speech and Debate Magnet Program empowers students to build confidence and develop strong leadership skills. Through writing, research, and public speaking, participants sharpen their ability to think critically, speak with clarity, and engage with current issues. From delivering compelling speeches to debating real-world topics, Speech and Debate students gain the skills they need for academic, professional, and personal success.
How can Speech and Debate help your student grow?
#greatnessgrowshere
Congratulations, Class of 2028 Superintendent Scholars!
Dr. North, Dr. Plummer, and the CHHS administration and staff proudly recognized 106 students at our Superintendent Scholar Honors Night. These exceptional Panthers completed their first year of high school with a 3.5+ GPA and no major discipline infractions.
Their effort, determination, and discipline are setting the foundation for future success in school and beyond.
Congratulations, Scholars — Greatness grows here!
Attention Seniors & Families!
Douglas County Schools invites you to the 2025 Probe College Fair
Thursday, October 23
6 pm - 8 pm
Legacy Arena, 9030 GA-5, Douglasville, GA 30134
Meet with representatives from colleges, universities, apprenticeships, and military branches to explore your future opportunities.
FREE Admission (pre-registration required)
Scan the QR code or visit www.registerprobe.com to register today!
Participation in clubs and organizations helps students plant a seed of belonging, cultivate friendships, and grow in personal success. CHHS clubs and organizations are yet another reason why Greatness Grows Here!
Chapel Hill has its eyes set on a state playoff berth in 2025.
The Panthers have 12 returning starters under Head Coach Brad Stephens, who is in his fifth season at the helm.
“Our team's goal is to make the state playoffs because without the state playoffs, you can't play for a state championship,” Stephens said at the recent DCSS Fall Athletic Media Day at Legacy Arena. “From last year to this year, at this point, we're a much better football team. The kids are balling more. They've been committed all year and off-season, and in the summer, and they're all really coachable. We've got a great group of kids who do right, and we look forward to a great season with our kids.”
Stephens highlighted four key players:
RB/LB Justus Packer
QB Jordan Spencer
RB/S/ATH Nehemiah Clark
OT Chidi Eziakor
Organizers praised Clay’s written application and video submission for its insightfulness, passion, and work ethic—qualities the council specifically sought during the selection process.
Dr. Melisha Plummer, Principal of Chapel Hill High School, expressed pride for Clay’s special recognition.
"We are so overwhelmingly proud of Ashley for this wonderful accomplishment,” Plummer said. “I can't say that we are surprised, as each day she exudes the characteristics of a leader amongst her peers. Whether in class or in the hallways, her unwavering commitment to excellence is always evident."
Overall, GSBA received 163 applications from outstanding students across the state, and nine were chosen to serve on the 2025 Council.
“Ashley is truly the embodiment of what it means to ‘Be Excellent on Purpose.’ We can’t wait to see all that she will continue to achieve,” emphasized Dr. Plummer.
Friday Night Lights
Join us at Panther Stadium on Friday night for Panther Football! Purchase tickets on GOFAN. https://gofan.co/app/school/GA4896
Dress up in spirit-themed gear to show your support.
