Blake Witmer following in her father’s footsteps as UGA orientation leader

Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast

GDP Script/ Top Stories for July 23rd

Publish Date: July 23rd

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

Today is Tuesday, July 23rd and Happy 59th Birthday to rocker Slash.

***07.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – SLASH***

I’m Keith Ippolito.

and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia

1. Blake Witmer following in her father’s footsteps as UGA orientation leader
2. Gwinnett Tech Hosts GiveWorx Program in Partnership with 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta
3. Some Asian-American Lawmakers from Gwinnett Backing Harris' Presidential Run

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: M.O.G.

STORY 1: Blake Witmer following in her father’s footsteps as UGA orientation leader

Blake Witmer, a rising junior at the University of Georgia, secured a coveted role as an orientation leader this summer, following in her father's footsteps. Each year, only 20 out of over 100 applicants are chosen for this role, which involves introducing new students and families to campus life. Blake was delighted to learn she would be "Saucy 6," the same number her father had as an orientation leader. She's deeply involved in campus activities, including student government and journalism, and plans to pursue a career in publishing despite her family's teaching background. Blake finds fulfillment in mentoring new students and enjoys the dynamic atmosphere of UGA's orientation sessions, which she describes as a highlight of her summer experience.

STORY 2: Gwinnett Tech Hosts GiveWorx Program in Partnership with 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta

Gwinnett Technical College has partnered with the GiveWorx Construction Program to empower resilient students through a comprehensive 14-16 week initiative. This program offers academic training, hands-on skills development in construction, mentoring, job shadowing, and job readiness workshops. Collaborators include Home Builders Initiative, Home Depot, and 100 Black Men Atlanta. Gwinnett Tech recently hosted a tour highlighting post-high school options and emphasizes the "3 E’s": Enrolled, Employed, and Enlisted. Dr. Glenn Cannon, president of Gwinnett Tech, praises the partnership for supporting diverse educational pathways. Karen Foote, program director, emphasizes closing educational and employment gaps, celebrating the first graduating class of 26 students. The program awards a PACT CORE certificate, preparing graduates for careers or further education.

STORY 3: Some Asian-American Lawmakers From Gwinnett Backing Harris' Presidential Run

Following President Joe Biden's decision not to seek re-election, Asian-American lawmakers from Gwinnett County swiftly expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's potential nominee for the presidency. Harris, of mixed Jamaican and South Asian descent, would be the first Black woman and the first Asian-American to hold the office if elected. State Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes and other Democratic legislators from Gwinnett, including Reps. Sam Park, Marvin Lim, and Farooq Mughal, endorsed Harris, highlighting her historic candidacy and praising her and Biden's engagement with Georgia's AAPI community. Not all Asian-American lawmakers in Gwinnett support Harris; Rep. Soo Hong, a Republican, remains aligned with his party. Meanwhile, other Democratic lawmakers, both AAPI and non-AAPI, also voiced support for Harris on social media.

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We’ll be right back

Break 2: TOM WAGES

STORY 4: Gwinnett Police Foundation awards six college scholarships

The Gwinnett County Police Foundation recently awarded scholarships to children of active Gwinnett County Police Department personnel. These scholarships, totaling $1,500 each, honor fallen officers and support academic achievement and leadership. Recipients include Logan Sage, Camaurion Johnson, Cole Guck, Hannah E. Deming, Aiden Jackson, and Macee E. Still. The Foundation also received a donation from First American Bank and Trust to aid officers and K-9s during emergencies and support community programs like the Citizens Police Academy. The Foundation operates as a non-profit, benefiting from Georgia’s 'Law Enforcement Strategic Support Act' tax credit for public safety contributions.

STORY 5: Gwinnett County Recognized For Digital Innovation

Gwinnett County Government has earned recognition from the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. They ranked seventh in the Digital Counties Survey Awards' "1 Million or More Population" category at the NACo Conference. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson highlighted the county's commitment to leveraging technology for improved resident services. The survey identifies counties leading in technology practices, focusing on service delivery efficiency, data analytics, cybersecurity, and innovative technology applications. Gwinnett County aims to continually enhance its technological capabilities to meet the needs of its growing population.

STORY 6: The Forum Peachtree Corners Sets Main Plaza Opening Date

Niki and Tanya Pattharakositkul, owners of 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar, are returning to The Forum Peachtree Corners where they used to hang out as teens, now as business owners in the upcoming Politan Row food hall. The revitalization efforts by North American Properties include opening the main plaza with celebrations starting August 8, featuring amenities like a stage and screen for events. Politan Row will house seven food vendors, including Sheesh Mediterranean and Gekko Kitchen, aiming to enhance the area's dining options. Future plans for The Forum include additional recreational areas, jewel box restaurants, and potential developments like apartments and a hotel.

STORY 7: Dacula Grad Will Hinton Has High Hopes for Paris Olympics

Will Hinton, a sharpshooter from Dacula, Georgia, is gearing up for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris where he will compete in Men’s Trap shooting. An Army staff sergeant and instructor at Fort Moore, Hinton exudes confidence in his abilities, having secured his spot on Team USA by winning the Olympic Trials. He has been preparing intensely, participating in World Cup events and refining his technique to peak performance levels. Hinton, using his own Krieghoff K80 shotgun, aims not just for Paris but also eyes future Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Australia. His family will join him in France, marking their first international trip, adding to the significance of his Olympic journey.

We’ll have final thoughts after this.

Break 4: INGLES 9

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 gwinnettdailypost.com

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