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Richmond County magnet schools receive national merit awards 

Three Richmond County magnet schools received awards from Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.

C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School and John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School were awarded National Merit School of Excellence Awards, the highest recognition offered by the organization. A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School received a National Merit School of Distinction Award, the second-highest recognition, according to a news release from the school system.

“These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts of our students and staff. We are deeply proud of C.T. Walker, Davidson and A.R. Johnson for their outstanding achievements and for representing Richmond County and the state of Georgia with excellence,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, Interim Superintendent of Schools.

C.T. Walker has received seven merit awards since 2018, while Davidson has a total of 12. As National Merit Schools of Excellence, both schools are eligible for the title of the nation’s top Elementary or Secondary Magnet School. Meanwhile, A.R. Johnson celebrates its second consecutive National Merit School of Distinction award. 

To qualify for a merit award, Magnet Schools of America members submit a detailed application reviewed by a panel of educators. Schools are evaluated on their ability to raise academic achievement, promote diversity, integrate curricula, and build strong family and community partnerships. Each Richmond County magnet school excels in its unique focus area: C.T. Walker Magnet emphasizes communications; Davidson Magnet specializes in fine arts; and A.R. Johnson Magnet focuses on health sciences and engineering, the news release said.

The schools will be recognized and receive their awards during a ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference from April 7-10, 2025, in Nashville.

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