Gwinnett Grads Travis Hunter, Caleb Downs among College Football Awards Finalists

Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast

GDP Script/ Top Stories for November 29th

Publish Date: November 29th

From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.

Today is Friday, November 29th and Happy Birthday to Vin Scully

***11.29.24 - BIRTHDAY - VIN SCULLY***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia.

1. Gwinnett Grads Travis Hunter, Caleb Downs among College Football Awards Finalists

2. These Gwinnett schools will pilot clear backpacks in January. Here's what we know

3. Rivian lands federal loan to restart Georgia EV plant

All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!

Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG

STORY 1: Gwinnett Grads Travis Hunter, Caleb Downs among College Football Awards Finalists

Gwinnett grads Travis Hunter and Caleb Downs have been named finalists for the 34th annual College Football Awards, airing live Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. on ESPN. Hunter, a Collins Hill alum and Heisman Trophy favorite, is up for the Bednarik, Biletnikoff, and Maxwell Awards, showcasing his standout performances as a wide receiver and defensive back at Colorado, where he’s amassed 82 catches, 1,036 yards, 11 TDs, three interceptions, and 31 tackles. Downs, a Mill Creek grad now at Ohio State, is a finalist for the Bednarik and Thorpe Awards, with 50 tackles and a 79-yard punt return touchdown this season. Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter, from North Gwinnett, is a finalist for the Butkus Award, while Georgia Tech’s Jess Simpson is nominated for the Broyles Award. The Heisman Trophy will be announced Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

STORY 2: These Gwinnett schools will pilot clear backpacks in January. Here's what we know

Gwinnett County Public Schools announced a clear backpack pilot program involving 33 schools, starting January 2025. Middle and high schools will pilot from Jan. 6 to 31, while elementary schools participate Jan. 13 to Feb. 7. The initiative aims to enhance student safety by deterring prohibited items, with a final decision on district-wide use expected by March 3, 2025. The program follows a school shooting at Apalachee High, which raised safety concerns. Participating students will receive free clear backpacks, with allowances for lunch boxes, pencil pouches, purses, and other bags. Principals will provide further details in December.

STORY 3: Rivian lands federal loan to restart Georgia EV plant

Rivian secured a nearly $6 billion federal loan to restart construction of a $5 billion EV and battery plant in Georgia, which faced doubts earlier this year over its future. The project, expected to create 7,500 operational jobs by 2030 and 2,000 construction jobs during build-up, marks a major boost for Georgia's economy. Announced as the state’s largest economic project in 2021, the plant will produce up to 400,000 electric SUVs and crossovers annually by 2028. Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, the loan is conditional, requiring Rivian to meet commitments before final approval.

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Break 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL

STORY 4: Lawrenceville IT Director Graduates from Government CIO Program

Kyle Parker, Information Technologies Director for the City of Lawrenceville, was honored by the City Council for completing the prestigious Certified Government Chief Information Officers Program. Parker stands out as the only 2024 graduate from Georgia among 53 U.S. IT leaders. The program, established in 2005, equips public sector technology leaders with skills in strategic planning, cybersecurity, leadership, and more, fostering innovation for public benefit. With over 2,000 graduates nationwide, the CGCIO program is renowned for advancing local government IT leadership. Parker, a computer science graduate from North Georgia College, has served Lawrenceville for 13 years, 12 as IT Director, with prior experience leading IT at Keck & Wood and founding Parker Technology Solutions, Inc.

STORY 5: America 250 Patriot Marker Dedicated at Lawrenceville Lawn

The America 250 Patriot Marker was installed at Lawrenceville Lawn as part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations, marking 250 years since American independence. The marker, a gift from the Philadelphia Winn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), was unveiled during a ceremony featuring Mayor David Still, Georgia State DAR Regent Helen Powell, and other dignitaries. The five-year project was led by DAR leaders, including America 250 Committee Chair Lydia McGill. Situated at the park's entrance, the marker aims to honor the nation’s patriots, inspire conversation, and educate future generations on the history of U.S. independence.

Break 3:

STORY 6: AROUND TOWN: New Event Venue At Lanier Islands Will Be A 'Perfect' Tribute

Lakeside Chapel and Garden at Lanier Islands Resort is under construction as a memorial to Virgil Williams’ late wife and daughter, offering an elegant venue for weddings and celebrations. Suwanee Police Department is partnering with the North Gwinnett Cooperative for their Santa’s Shop Toy Drive, accepting unwrapped toy donations through Dec. 9 to support local families. Additionally, Gas South awarded a $50,000 grant to Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation to enhance STEM education, funding student projects and participation in innovation competitions, fostering creativity and preparing students for future careers.

STORY 7: Gwinnett Cross Country Runners Earn All-Region Accolades

Gwinnett County cross country runners earned widespread accolades with numerous all-region awards for their stellar high school season. Recognized across Regions 8, 7, and 4 of Class AAAAAA, as well as Regions 4-AAAAA, 7-AAAAA, and AAA-A areas, these athletes excelled with top-10 finishes. Standout performances included Jameson Pifer of Collins Hill clocking 15:17 and Evelyn Schlitz of Mill Creek finishing at 17:47. Similarly, Brookwood's Alexander Thompson ran 15:26, while Kennedy Wardle posted 18:12. Beyond dominating local competition, this recognition celebrates the hard work and talent of Gwinnett’s cross country athletes.

Break 4: Ingles Markets (Quick Meal Foods) 6

Signoff –

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com

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