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  • Alan Fowler: Jobs, Hobbies, and Hope | Candidate Conversations — Episode 83

    Alan Fowler: Jobs, Hobbies, and Hope | Candidate Conversations — Episode 83
    2026/04/21
    In Episode 83 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall continue their Candidate Conversations series with Alan Fowler, Republican candidate for the Newton County Board of Education District 5 seat. With current board chair Abigail Coggin retiring from the position, Fowler will appear on the November ballot, and this episode gives listeners an opportunity to hear directly from him about his background, philosophy, and vision for public education in Newton County.For many in the community, Alan Fowler is already a familiar face. After all, he spent 26 years at Eastside High School, where he served as band director and helped shape generations of students. But this conversation goes much deeper than résumé lines or campaign language. It offers a look at the heart of a longtime educator, husband, father, music leader, and community member who believes deeply in public schools and the people they serve.The episode begins with Fowler sharing the personal foundation of his life: his family. He describes himself first as the father of two daughters and the husband of his wife, Susan. That opening set the tone for the rest of the discussion. Before Alan Fowler is a candidate, he is a family man whose life in Newton County has been built over decades of service, relationships, and roots.Fowler and his wife moved to Newton County in 1995 after graduate school. He took a job at Salem High School, while Susan began teaching at Livingston Elementary. Not long after, the band director position at Eastside High School opened, and Fowler moved there the following year. That transition would become one of the defining turns in his life and career. What started as a professional opportunity became a long-term commitment not only to one school, but to an entire community.One of the more charming stories from the interview involved the couple’s first introduction to Newton County. While looking for a house, they picked up a copy of The Covington News and read about a July 4th concert by the community band on the Square. Fowler recalled that one of their earliest experiences in the county was attending that celebration, meeting local people, and seeing the community gather around music. Looking back, it feels fitting that his introduction to Newton County came through the arts and public life—two things that would define his years here.Listeners also got a fuller picture of Fowler’s background before Newton County. He was born at South Fulton Hospital, spent part of his childhood in Delaware, graduated from North Clayton High School, and later attended the University of Georgia. Both he and Susan were involved in the Redcoat Marching Band, though they somehow never met until their senior year despite overlapping in the same organization for three years. Their eventual connection, sparked by a key to a storage room and followed by a whirlwind early romance, made for one of the most memorable and warmest parts of the conversation.As the conversation shifted toward education, Fowler offered a thoughtful reflection on what he learned over more than three decades in the classroom. He described three major lessons that shaped him.The first was that leadership is not about the individual—it is about the team. He traced that lesson all the way back to his early days at Eastside, when he was tasked with building a marching band program from the ground up, with students who had never marched before and without much funding. He quickly realized that success would require teamwork from students, staff, helpers, graduates, and the broader community. That mindset clearly still guides him today.The second lesson came through fatherhood. Fowler spoke candidly about how becoming a parent made him a better educator. When his oldest daughter was born, he said he immediately understood with greater clarity that he was teaching other people’s children—their “little babies”—and that realization carried a new weight of responsibility. Later, when his daughter moved through the school system and eventually joined the band program, the work became even more personal. His students were no longer just young people he was helping along their journey; they became part of his own journey too.The third lesson may have been the most philosophical and perhaps the most revealing. Fowler shared how deeply he had been influenced by the statement often heard from Principal Jeff Cher at Eastside High School: “There’s no such thing as an unimportant person or an unimportant day.” Over time, he came to believe that the statement was even more powerful without the limiting phrase “at Eastside High School.” In his view, there is no unimportant person or unimportant day anywhere—not at Eastside, not at Newton, not at Alcovy, and not in any school or community. That belief seemed to capture the heart of his public service philosophy: people matter, every day matters, and every school matters.When asked how those ...
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    57 分
  • Alana Sanders: Ready on Day One | Candidate Conversations — Episode 82

    Alana Sanders: Ready on Day One | Candidate Conversations — Episode 82
    2026/04/16
    In Episode 82 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall continue their Candidate Conversations series with Georgia House District 113 candidate Hon. Alana Sanders. Representing a district that now covers only Newton County, Sanders joined the show to talk about her story, her preparation for state office, and the issues she believes matter most to local families.As with the best Town Square conversations, this one was not just about policy. It was about purpose, pain, perseverance, and public service. Sanders shared a deeply personal story of loss, a strong vision for Newton County, and a clear message to voters: she believes this role is not a place to learn on the job, but a place to arrive prepared and ready to work.A story shaped by family, education, and lossSanders begins by sharing her roots. Originally from Louisiana, she moved to Georgia in 1999 and to Newton County in 2007. She comes from a family of educators. Her father was a history teacher and band director, and her mother taught economics and social studies. Education, she said, was never optional in her household.That foundation shaped the course of her life, but so did tragedy. Sanders lost both of her parents when she was still very young—her mother around the time of her high school graduation, and her father about a year and a half later. She described a frightening head-on collision the night of graduation, the emotional weight of her mother’s terminal diagnosis, and the painful reality of walking through those seasons while still trying to become an adult.Those experiences, she explained, forced her to grow up quickly. They also deepened her sense of purpose. Rather than becoming defined by grief, Sanders chose to carry forward her parents’ legacy of service, advocacy, and investment in young people.Why Newton County became homeThough she first purchased a home in Henry County, Sanders said a friend introduced her to Newton County in the early 2000s. After visiting and seeing the area for herself, she made the move and has now spent years raising her daughter and serving the community here.That long local connection has shaped the way she sees public service. Over the years, residents have known Sanders in a variety of roles: commissioner, professor, lobbyist, organizer, and community advocate. Throughout the conversation, that wide range of experience came through clearly. She did not speak like someone new to public life. She spoke like someone who has spent years learning how systems work and how decisions affect everyday people.A leader built in many roomsOne of the most interesting parts of the interview was hearing Sanders describe how her different roles have prepared her for higher office. Before serving locally, she worked behind the scenes in political organizing and on campaigns for state representatives. As a lobbyist, she has spent time at the Capitol fighting for issues, navigating legislation, and building relationships. As a professor and trainer, she has taught and presented on policy, technology, and leadership.She said all of those experiences have prepared her for what would be a different level of public service in the Georgia House. Unlike county government, where a commissioner works with a small board, the legislature requires navigating far more personalities, more competing interests, and broader coalitions. Sanders argued that because she has already been in those rooms and already worked on legislation, the transition would not be a dramatic learning curve.That readiness became one of the recurring themes of the episode.People over politicsAgain and again, Sanders returned to a phrase that captures her political philosophy: people over politics.For her, the biggest issues facing families are not truly partisan issues. Housing affordability, mental health, Medicare, education, and property taxes are not just Democratic or Republican talking points, she argued. They are people issues.That framework fit neatly with the spirit of The Town Square Podcast, where Trey and Gabriel often talk about the messy middle—the place where disagreement does not have to destroy relationships and where public conversation can still be civil. Sanders echoed that same posture, saying that elected officials should be able to fight hard for their districts and still sit down together afterward. Politics should not be personal. It should be purposeful.What success would look like in the Georgia HouseWhen asked what the most important responsibilities of the job would be, Sanders focused first on communication and accountability.She said state legislators should host pre-session and post-session town halls so constituents understand what their representatives are supporting, how they are voting, and what actually happened during the legislative session. In her view, representation is not just about casting votes in Atlanta. It is about keeping residents informed, educated, and engaged.She also ...
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    56 分
  • Everton Blair: A New Generation of Leadership | Candidate Conversations — Episode 81

    Everton Blair: A New Generation of Leadership | Candidate Conversations — Episode 81
    2026/04/14
    The Candidate Conversations series continues on The Town Square Podcast with a conversation that widens the lens beyond local races and into the national arena. In Episode 81, Trey Bailey sits down with Everton Blair, a Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.For listeners in Newton County and across the district, this conversation offers something the modern political cycle rarely provides: time. Time to hear a candidate explain not just what he believes, but why he believes it. Time to hear the story behind the résumé. Time to move beyond campaign signs, social media posts, and party talking points into a fuller picture of a person asking to represent hundreds of thousands of people in Congress.Blair enters the race with a background that combines public education, local governance, and community-rooted leadership. He is not new to public service, and he is not unfamiliar with the pressures that come with leadership during turbulent times. In fact, some of the most compelling moments in the episode come when he reflects on serving on the Gwinnett County Board of Education during the pandemic and how those years shaped his perspective on what it means to lead during uncertainty.A Homegrown Story Rooted in Family and CommunityOne of the first things listeners learn is that Everton Blair’s story is deeply rooted in metro Atlanta. Born and raised in the Snellville and Stone Mountain area, Blair is the son of Jamaican immigrants who made their home in Gwinnett County during a very different era in the county’s history. As he describes it, he grew up watching a community change and diversify around him.That experience clearly shaped his identity.He attended Shiloh Elementary, Middle, and High School and describes himself as both a high-achieving student and a student leader. He was the kind of kid teachers noticed — the kind of student whose path was made possible in part because educators believed in him, challenged him, and opened doors for him.That early support mattered. It gave him both opportunity and perspective.From there, Blair went to Harvard, an experience that widened his exposure to ambition, talent, and influence. But instead of following many of his peers into finance or consulting, he chose a different route. He came back home and became a high school math teacher at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate. In the episode, he describes that work as both his most difficult and his most rewarding job.That detail matters, because it reinforces something listeners hear throughout the conversation: Blair’s public identity is not built primarily around political ambition. It is built around service, systems, and a desire to make institutions work better for ordinary people.From Public Education to Public LeadershipBlair’s background in education is central to the conversation. Trey, as a fellow public education advocate and school board member, is able to engage him in a way that opens up some of the most substantive moments in the interview.Blair explains that he was first elected to the Gwinnett County Board of Education in 2018, a historic moment in several ways. He became the youngest person ever elected to the board, its first person of color, and its first openly gay member. He was not just entering office; he was entering as a symbol of change in one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the state.But as he notes, being first is not always easy. The “first” can quickly become “the only,” and being the only often comes with pressure, scrutiny, and weight that others do not have to carry.Still, he stepped into the role.And then, just a few years later, he found himself in one of the most difficult leadership contexts imaginable: chairing the board during the COVID-19 pandemic.For listeners who served in public leadership during those years — especially in education — this part of the conversation will resonate. Trey reflects on his own experience during that same period, and both men acknowledge something many in the public still may not fully appreciate: just how difficult those decisions were.School boards were making choices that affected children, families, teachers, budgets, safety, and the emotional well-being of entire communities. In Gwinnett’s case, that meant making decisions for roughly 185,000 students. Blair talks about the pressure, the uncertainty, and the importance of using federal relief funds to provide hotspots, laptops, meals, and flexibility for families and staff.He also expresses confidence in the decisions he and the board made, even when those decisions were unpopular. That willingness to stand by difficult choices is part of the leadership profile he brings into this congressional race.Why Congress? Why Now?One of the clearest themes in the interview is Blair’s argument that Congress needs generational change.He does not dance around that point.He argues that ...
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    49 分
  • Brett Mauldin: Faith, Freedom & Local Control | Candidate Conversations — Episode 80

    Brett Mauldin: Faith, Freedom & Local Control | Candidate Conversations — Episode 80
    2026/04/09
    The Candidate Conversations series continues on The Town Square Podcast with Brett Mauldin, Republican candidate for Georgia House District 114. Covering Morgan County and parts of Newton and Walton counties, House District 114 includes communities that are deeply shaped by agriculture, small-town identity, conservative values, and growing concerns about development, taxation, and the future of local control.For many listeners in Newton County, this episode may have served as their first introduction to Mauldin. Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall opened the conversation by helping listeners understand exactly who he is, where he comes from, and what motivates him to run for office. What followed was a candid, often personal conversation about family, faith, business, public service, and the kind of government Mauldin believes Georgia needs.A Small-Town Background Rooted in FamilyMauldin described himself as a “small town guy,” someone who grew up around Greene, Putnam, and Morgan counties and who still identifies deeply with the country mindset and rural values of the region. He comes from a small-business family and says those experiences shaped the way he sees money, responsibility, and leadership.He also spoke warmly about his family. He and his wife, Candice, recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. They have three children, and throughout the conversation Mauldin returned again and again to the importance of family life, raising children well, and creating a future worth passing on to the next generation.His story included a year of football at the University of West Georgia, time at Lee University near Chattanooga, and a few laughs about his rugby days. But beneath the humor was a clear theme: his life has been shaped by discipline, teamwork, faith, and a willingness to work hard.Leadership Shaped by ListeningOne of the more interesting parts of the conversation came when Mauldin reflected on how different perspectives have shaped him. He spoke about the influence of his wife, noting that she came from a different socioeconomic background than he did. That experience taught him that leadership requires openness, humility, and a willingness to listen.He shared a line from a mentor that captured his philosophy well: “Minds are like parachutes. The only time they work is when they’re open.”That outlook has informed both his personal leadership style and the way he runs his business. Rather than surrounding himself with “yes men,” Mauldin said he values challenge, input, and honest disagreement. In his words, if all he wanted was agreement, he could just buy a parrot.That idea carried throughout the episode. Even while articulating strong convictions, Mauldin presented himself as someone who believes leadership is strongest when it is accountable, participatory, and rooted in listening to others.Business Experience and Decentralized LeadershipMauldin currently leads his family’s cabinets and countertops business, which travels throughout the Southeast. He discussed the company’s journey, including the hardships of the Great Recession and the lessons learned through navigating both challenge and growth.The company was recently recognized as a Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, but Mauldin was quick to redirect praise to his team. He described his leadership style as “decentralized command,” emphasizing that not every decision should run through one person. Instead, he believes strong organizations invite participation, encourage buy-in, and empower others to lead.That same principle showed up repeatedly in the conversation as he described how he thinks government should work. In business and in government, Mauldin believes the closer power is kept to the people affected by it, the better the results will be.Why He’s RunningMauldin said the opening of the House District 114 seat created an opportunity for someone new to step forward and serve. But for him, running is about more than filling a vacancy. He believes good people must be willing to step into public life, especially when politics feels frustrating, divisive, or dirty.He argued that one reason many good people avoid politics is because they do not want to deal with the messiness of it all. But in his view, that is exactly why strong, grounded men and women should be willing to step up. He believes public service should not be left only to the ambitious or the loudest voices, but should include people with real-world experience, strong values, and a desire to serve.Throughout the episode, Mauldin emphasized that disagreement is not the problem. In fact, he sees disagreement as healthy. What matters is whether leaders are willing to challenge ideas honestly while still working toward the common good.Protecting the VulnerableOne of the strongest recurring themes in the interview was Mauldin’s belief that a just society protects its most vulnerable people. He connected this conviction both to his Christian faith ...
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    47 分
  • Karla Hooper: Integrity, Healing & Representation | Candidate Conversations — Episode 79

    Karla Hooper: Integrity, Healing & Representation | Candidate Conversations — Episode 79
    2026/04/07
    The Town Square Podcast continued its Candidate Conversations series with Karla Hooper, candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 113. As Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall explained at the top of the show, the goal of this series is not to create more political noise, but to give voters a fair, thoughtful way to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. In a climate where partisanship often drowns out substance, this episode aimed for something different: a calm, honest conversation about background, motivation, policy, and public service.That framing fit Hooper’s tone well. Throughout the episode, she presented herself not as a career politician chasing office, but as a longtime community advocate who sees this campaign as an extension of work she has already been doing for years.Hooper began by sharing a little of her story. Born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, she moved to Georgia in 1992 as a student at Emory University and eventually decided this was where she wanted to build her life. She has now lived in Newton County for more than 24 years, longer than she lived in her hometown in Arkansas. Her daughters were born and raised here, and she made clear that Newton County is not just where she lives, but home in the fullest sense.Her entry into community involvement came from a very local frustration. After returning from a trip, she noticed a cell tower had appeared near her subdivision and wanted to know why and how that had happened. That curiosity led her to attend a Board of Commissioners meeting, which opened the door to understanding how decisions are made in local government. What started as one concern in her own neighborhood eventually grew into a broader commitment to civic engagement and public advocacy.One of the most memorable parts of the episode came when Hooper discussed her father’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. She shared that he was among a small group of men from Arkansas who traveled to Alabama to march in Selma. In an especially moving story, she explained that seven years ago, on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, reporters were looking to interview her father because he was believed to be the last surviving member of that group. Remarkably, he passed away the very day they were trying to reach him.Hooper said she did not even know about his role in Selma until she was in middle school and interviewing him for a school project. She recalled him telling her that when Dr. King spoke, it felt as though even the leaves stood still to listen. But she also explained that he and others were pulled over and jailed on the way back from Alabama, and that much of what followed was likely wrapped in trauma he never fully unpacked with his children. That family history clearly shaped her understanding of justice, advocacy, and public responsibility.She connected that legacy to her own path. Hooper described herself as someone who has long felt drawn to leadership and service, whether in school, work, church, or the broader community. She mentioned being the first Black student government president and first valedictorian in her hometown, and later working for Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992. Rather than treating public service like a new interest, she framed it as part of a lifelong throughline.Professionally, Hooper serves as Executive Director of the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, where she has worked for more than 18 years. That work gave depth to much of what she said later in the conversation about healthcare, working families, and affordability. She talked about seeing firsthand how many people do what society tells them to do — work hard, support their families, and check all the expected boxes — yet still cannot afford the medications, supplies, or insurance coverage they need. She described this reality as one that keeps her grounded and connected to the struggles of ordinary people.That theme of groundedness came up repeatedly. Hooper pushed back on the idea of being seen mainly as a politician, saying she identifies more with being a public servant. She described her candidacy as something that came through prayer, reflection, and a sense of calling. In one striking moment, she said that when something burdens you so deeply it moves you to tears, you have to respond. She gave the example of calling a developer about another proposed gas station in an area already saturated with them. As she spoke to him about what the community needed, she became emotional — not because of political theater, but because of genuine concern for the people who live there.When asked why she is running again after a previous campaign, Hooper said this moment feels different because Newton County needs healing. That word became one of the episode’s anchors. She spoke candidly about the tension, disappointment, and frustration many residents feel after years of conflict, rapid change, and difficult public debates. In her view, the next chapter ...
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    47 分
  • Councilman Dwayne Turner: Transparency, Tradition & Growth — Episode 78

    Councilman Dwayne Turner: Transparency, Tradition & Growth — Episode 78
    2026/03/31
    In Episode 78 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with newly elected Covington City Councilman Dwayne Turner. With Gabriel Stovall away on assignment, Trey leads a one-on-one conversation designed to help listeners get to know one of Covington’s newest public servants, understand what drives him, and hear how he is thinking through some of the city’s most debated issues.Turner is still early in his first term, but he is already stepping into the kind of tough, public-facing decisions that come with city leadership. In this conversation, he talks about his background in public service, what led him to run for office, how his experience in law enforcement shapes his perspective, and why he keeps coming back to a few key themes: transparency, representing the people, protecting Covington’s traditions, and making sure growth doesn’t outpace infrastructure.From Pennsylvania to CovingtonTurner shares that he is not originally from Newton County. He was born in a small town in Pennsylvania south of Pittsburgh, later lived in New York, and then joined the Army. After 11 years of military service and living in different places, he eventually landed in Covington, where he decided to put down roots.That journey matters because it helps explain how he views public service. Turner comes from a family deeply connected to service-oriented professions. His father served in the military and law enforcement. His mother and grandmother worked in nursing. Other family members served in transportation and public-facing roles. For Turner, service was not some abstract idea. It was modeled for him throughout his life.That background ultimately led him into law enforcement, which he still describes as his dream job. Today, he works in investigations with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, a role he says he genuinely loves.A Neighborhood Mindset That Became a Citywide CampaignOne of the more interesting parts of the conversation is how Turner explains the leap from local neighborhood involvement to elected office. Before serving on city council, he was involved in HOA leadership, where he learned firsthand how quickly neighborhood concerns can pile up. What starts as a few complaints about trash, lawns, or rules can quickly become a full-time exercise in listening, explaining, and solving problems.Turner sees that experience as meaningful preparation for city government. In both spaces, people want to be heard. They want communication. They want follow-through. And often, they are frustrated not just by the issue itself, but by the feeling that no one is talking to them clearly.That theme of communication came up repeatedly in the episode. Turner says one of the most surprising things he heard on the campaign trail was that many residents did not even know who represented them. That realization helped sharpen his approach. If he was going to serve, he wanted people to know who he was, how to reach him, and how he was thinking through major votes.“It’s About People, Not Politics”One of Turner’s central campaign ideas was that public service should be about people, not politics. In the interview, he unpacks what he means by that phrase.For him, politics can become about holding a seat, protecting status, or building influence. People-first leadership, by contrast, means listening to the residents who put you in office and trying to act on their behalf. It means not silencing their voices, not hiding behind vague language, and not pretending controversial decisions are easy.Again and again, Turner describes himself as a representative. He says his role is not to impose his will, but to carry the concerns of the people who elected him. Whether the issue is fireworks, growth, a special use permit, or city fees, he insists that his first obligation is to the residents he serves.That representative mindset is one of the clearest themes in the conversation.Transparency as a Core ValueIf there was one word that surfaced throughout the episode more than any other, it was transparency.Turner acknowledges that transparency can sound like a buzzword, but he believes the reason it gets repeated so often is because the public is hungry for it. People want to know what government is doing, why decisions are being made, and what elected leaders actually believe.He says that desire for openness shaped his campaign and continues to shape his service. That is why he posts updates online. That is why he explains votes publicly. That is why he says he wants people to contact him directly if they have concerns.In Turner’s view, transparency is not just about releasing information after the fact. It is about bringing people into the process, listening before the vote, and being honest afterward.Growth, Development, and InfrastructureTurner also spends significant time discussing one of the biggest issues facing Covington: growth.He is clear that he is not opposed to development in principle. He understands that ...
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    1 時間
  • Dr. Adam Phyall: Access, Accountability & Action | Candidate Conversations — Episode 77

    Dr. Adam Phyall: Access, Accountability & Action | Candidate Conversations — Episode 77
    2026/03/24
    In this special edition of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall begin a new series designed to help voters better understand the individuals seeking to serve Newton County in public office. The goal is simple: create a space where candidates can share their stories, explain their priorities, and connect with the community in a meaningful way.Dr. Adam Phyall, a longtime educator and former Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County Schools, joins the show as the first guest in the Candidate Conversations series. Now running for the District 5 seat on the Newton County Board of Education, Dr. Phyall brings decades of classroom, district, and national education experience to the conversation.But before discussing policy or campaign platforms, the conversation begins where it always does on The Town Square Podcast — with story.From Tutoring Classmates to Teaching StudentsDr. Phyall didn’t originally set out to become a teacher.While attending Tuskegee University, he began tutoring fellow students in math. What started as a simple act of helping others quickly revealed something deeper.He discovered joy.Not the kind of satisfaction that comes from personal achievement, but the fulfillment that comes from watching someone else succeed.That moment changed everything.Instead of pursuing occupational therapy, he shifted his focus to education — eventually earning a degree in general science education and beginning his teaching career in 2002.That decision would shape the rest of his professional life.Finding a Home in Newton CountyAfter several years teaching in Clayton County, Dr. Phyall and his wife began searching for a place to raise their family.They found it in Covington.He described the community as a “Hallmark town” — the kind of place where families could grow roots, build relationships, and invest in the future.In 2006, he joined the staff at Alcovy High School, where he taught biology, chemistry, and other science courses.His favorite students?Juniors.Not because they were easier to teach, but because they were beginning to understand life.That transitional moment — when students start thinking seriously about their future — became one of the most rewarding parts of his work.The Moment Technology Changed EverythingOne of the most powerful stories in the episode centers on a laptop.While in college, Dr. Phyall received a scholarship from the United Negro College Fund. Along with financial support, the scholarship included something that would alter the trajectory of his career:A computer.At the time, his mother was battling breast cancer. That laptop allowed him to stay connected with her, research medical information, and communicate in ways that hadn’t previously been possible.It wasn’t just technology.It was connection.That experience shaped his understanding of what technology could do — not as a replacement for teaching, but as a tool to make learning more meaningful and accessible.Innovation in the ClassroomYears before podcasting became mainstream, Dr. Phyall was already experimenting with new ways to engage students.In the early 2000s, he introduced podcasting into his classroom — encouraging students to create audio content explaining biology concepts.The project quickly became a success.One student discovered that listeners from Ireland had downloaded their podcast.That single moment changed the way students saw themselves.Their voices mattered.Their work reached beyond the classroom.And their learning suddenly felt real.Leading the One-to-One Technology InitiativeAs his career progressed, Dr. Phyall transitioned into district leadership roles, eventually becoming Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County Schools.One of his most significant contributions during that time was helping lead the district’s transition to a one-to-one technology model — providing every student with access to a digital device.The decision wasn’t easy.It required careful planning, financial discipline, and long-term vision.But the result was transformative.Students gained access to resources that had previously been limited to computer labs or libraries.Teachers gained new tools for instruction.And the district built a foundation for future innovation.A National Perspective on EducationAfter years serving Newton County Schools, Dr. Phyall accepted a position with Future Ready Schools, part of the national education organization All4Ed.In this role, he works with school systems across the country — helping districts improve technology integration, expand access to resources, and prepare students for the workforce of the future.Despite working at the national level, he remains deeply connected to Newton County.He still collaborates with district staff, shares best practices, and advocates for opportunities that benefit local students.Why Run for the Board of Education?For years, Dr. Phyall had considered serving on the ...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76

    Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76
    2026/03/17
    At its best, a community invests in the next generation. In Newton County, few organizations embody that idea more clearly than Building Strong Futures (BSF).On Episode 76 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Michelle Norrington and Monica Banks, the co-founders and executive directors of Building Strong Futures. The conversation explores how a small idea that began in church nearly 25 years ago grew into a transformative nonprofit organization helping young people prepare for leadership, careers, and college.Recently named 2026 Organization of the Year by the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, BSF continues to expand its impact through leadership workshops, career development opportunities, and life-changing college tours.But behind the programs and recognition is a simple mission: expose young people to possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves.From Church Program to Community MovementLike many meaningful initiatives, Building Strong Futures began with a simple observation.Michelle Norrington was watching her teenage daughter and noticing something many parents eventually recognize: teenagers often reach the end of high school without truly understanding what comes next.They may not know how to prepare for college, how to present themselves professionally, or even basic etiquette and leadership skills.Michelle brought the idea to her friend Monica Banks.Together, they launched a small program at their church called Building Strong Women.Their goal was straightforward: teach young women leadership, confidence, etiquette, and life preparation through classes and mentorship.The program quickly gained traction.What began with a few girls at church grew into something much larger.Soon other churches and families across Newton County began asking to participate.Before long, they were organizing leadership classes, etiquette workshops, and an annual cotillion to celebrate the growth and development of the students involved.The response was immediate.And the mission began expanding.Why the Program Expanded to Include Young MenBy 2015, Michelle and Monica noticed something important.Parents of boys began asking a simple question:“When are you going to include our sons?”At the same time, the founders saw a growing need across the community—not just for etiquette training but for college exposure, leadership development, and career guidance for both boys and girls.So the organization evolved.Building Strong Women became Building Strong Futures, opening its programs to all students and expanding its mission to focus on broader youth development.The name change reflected a deeper vision.They weren’t just mentoring individuals.They were building futures—plural.And they were doing it one student at a time.What Building Strong Futures Actually DoesToday, Building Strong Futures operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving students across Newton County and the broader metro Atlanta region.The organization focuses on three core experiences:Leadership WorkshopsEach year begins with a series of workshops designed to prepare students for adulthood.Topics include:Financial literacyCollege admissions preparationProfessional image and presentationCareer explorationParent information sessionsStudent leadership panelsLocal professionals volunteer their time to speak with students, offering real-world insight into careers and life beyond high school.For many students, it’s the first time they hear directly from professionals about what different career paths actually look like.Career DevelopmentThe program intentionally exposes students to a wide range of careers.Not every student will go to college—and the founders acknowledge that openly.Students may pursue:College degreesTrade programsEntrepreneurshipTechnical careersThe key message is simple:“Find something you love and pursue it.”By introducing students to professionals from many industries, the program helps them imagine futures they may never have considered.The Annual College TourPerhaps the most powerful component of Building Strong Futures is the annual college tour.Each year, students travel to visit multiple universities, experiencing campus life firsthand.These trips include visits to both:HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions)This intentional exposure helps students explore different academic environments and determine which setting might best fit their goals.Recent tours have included visits to schools such as:Duke UniversityHampton UniversityXavier University of LouisianaColumbia UniversityNYUMedgar Evers CollegeFor many students, these trips are their first time flying on a plane.Sometimes it’s their first time leaving Georgia.And occasionally, it’s the first time they’ve ever stepped onto a college campus.Exposure Changes EverythingOne of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is the idea...
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