Carroll County Schools officials and alumni speakers addressed a countywide senior assembly for the Class of 2026 to explain the district's G Plus certification and urge seniors to finish their final 30 school weeks with a clear plan to be "enrolled, enlisted, or employed." Superintendent Scott Cowart set targets and emphasized workplace skills, while Command Sergeant Major John Ballinger and attorney Catherine Gargan gave students advice on military service and college enrollment.

The G Plus program, presented during the event, endorses graduates who complete additional pathways beyond Georgia's standard diploma requirements. The district described three pathways'college-ready, military-ready and career-ready'and said participants complete targeted courses, certifications or experiences to earn the G Plus endorsement. A video and student testimonials were used to show how dual enrollment, certifications and internships translate into postsecondary advantage.

Superintendent Scott Cowart, superintendent of Carroll County Schools, framed the initiative as both a celebration and a call to action. Cowart said district data show current senior-year choices and that the district wants "100 of you to be able to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed" by commencement. He told students, "85% of your career success is based on 1 single thing. It's called soft skills," and urged seniors to "show up and show out" by cultivating attendance, punctuality and teamwork that employers seek.

Command Sergeant Major John Ballinger, state command sergeant major for the Georgia Army National Guard, spoke about leadership and service and encouraged students who feel called to enlist. Ballinger said, "Life goes beyond these walls, and it will not always be easy for you," and described the military as one of several paths that can build discipline and leadership.

Attorney and Temple High alumna Catherine Gargan addressed students on the college-enrollment process and recommended internships and dual enrollment as preparation. She told students, "There is a place in college for you to figure that out too," and described her own experience as an early dual-enrollment student at the University of West Georgia.

Students gave brief testimonials about experiences that supported readiness: Ava Smith, a Villarrica High School senior, said she will enter college with "30 plus college credit hours" through dual enrollment. Bella Rogers, a Villa Rica graduate speaking about career paths, said earning a CNA credential in high school allowed her to intern at Tanner and gain experience relevant to nursing school admissions.

Event logistics and encouragement: Superintendent Cowart asked students to choose an accountability partner and to photograph and text that partner a commitment message (enrolled, enlisted or employed). The district distributed color-coded wristbands as a daily reminder of that commitment. Scholastic Images owner Megan Castillo reminded students that her company provides caps and gowns, class rings and other senior services.

No formal board action or vote occurred at the assembly; the gathering was informational and motivational. District staff and speakers directed students to use school counselors, graduation coaches and local program resources to follow the G Plus checklist and to pursue dual enrollment, certificates or internships as appropriate.

The program included references to long-term graduation trends: speakers noted Carroll County's graduation rate rose from about 67% in 2011 to more than 90% by 2018 and to 97% in the most recent year cited at the assembly. District leaders portrayed the G Plus endorsement as a tool to improve postsecondary readiness beyond the diploma.

For students and families: Carroll County Schools recommended students consult their school's counselors or graduation coaches for the district's G Plus checklist, dual-enrollment options, professional certificate pathways and work-based learning internships. The district encouraged seniors who lack a plan to meet with school staff and to use the accountability partners and wristbands distributed at the assembly to help sustain momentum through the remaining 30 school weeks.