Five Gwinnett County students recently graduated from the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program along with 45 other high school students from across the region.
The Gwinnett graduates are:
- Demilayo Akinmade, Peachtree Ridge High School;
- Maisha Labiba, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology;
- Emily Lee, Parkview High School;
- Yusuf Naviwala, Parkview High School; and
- Cydni Walker, South Gwinnett High School.
MARC students explored real-world issues such as housing affordability, responsible water usage, and the impact of limited transportation options as part of the six-month program. They spoke with local changemakers about equity and resilience and offered their own reflections on ways we as a region can better serve our diverse population. Along the way, they heard from regional leaders on various topics and visited The Water Tower and F. Wayne Hill Water Reclamation Facility, Chamblee City Hall, Atlanta Community Food Bank, and the Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners.
Wrapping up its 25th year, the MARC program is accepting applications for next school year’s class through May 2.
For the 2024-25 MARC program, students currently in 9th and 10th grades who reside or attend school in the 11-county Atlanta region may apply. The class meets once a month on Saturdays for six months, beginning in August 2024. There is no cost to participants. Applications are due by May 3.
Jackson EMC recognized Right Choice home builders
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Jackson EMC’s Right Choice homes program recently honored local home builders who have long championed building energy efficient new homes.
Right Choice homes are built exclusively within Jackson EMC’s service area and meet rigorous energy-efficiency standards. To earn the Right Choice designation, homebuilders must follow advanced building practices that enhance comfort and reduce energy costs for homeowners.
The following list of winners includes the location where they are currently building Right Choice homes.
Builder of the Year winners include:
- Chafin Communities (Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall counties), diamond class;
- Oxford Properties (Gwinnett County), multi-family class.
The Leadership Award recognizes a builder’s or superintendent’s individual efforts. The Leadership Awards included:
- Allen Cooper, Richardson Housing Group (Gwinnett County), diamond class;
- Brian Simmons, MB Endeavors, LLC (Gwinnett and Jackson counties), platinum class; and
- Matthew Gresham, Oxford Properties, LLC (Gwinnett County), multi-family class.
Retire Wise LLC moves office to Lawrenceville
Retire Wise, LLC is now open at the company’s new location at 344 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville. The five year old company was previously located in Snellville.
Shawn Maloney, founder and CEO, who has over 20 years experience in the field, says: “Our company chose Gwinnett because of its business- friendly environment and great residents and we are honored to be celebrating our ribbon cutting with the Gwinnett Chamber. We look forward to serving the Gwinnett community and helping residents prepare for retirement using our Retire Happy Framework.” The online address of the firm is www.retirewisepro.com.
Maloney, born in Ohio, has lived in Georgia since 1981, when his family was transferred here. He is a resident of Monroe, and his wife, Debbie, works at Graystone Church in Loganville.
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