Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School combines its strong academic program, mountain setting, and Presbyterian heritage to inspire young people eager to learn and grow.

Living its motto, “Work Study Worship,” the community nurtures and challenges students of diverse backgrounds as they prepare for college and a lifetime of service.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (RGNS) graduating 77 seniors in 2011.

The following area students graduated from Brevard College in Brevard, N.C. during its 158th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 14.

— Derek Sean Church of Franklin earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Leadership.

— Gregory Chase Henry of Franklin earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

— John Zachery Christy of Highlands earned a bachelor's degree in Integrated Studies with cum laude honors.

Adam Queen advances to nationals

Recently Franklin High School Career and Technical Education students competed at the Skills USA state competition in Greensboro, N.C.

This involved competing in various areas such as carpentry, welding, debate, promotional bulletin board and tool identification.

Competing in Greensboro were Chris Southard, Ansley Taylor, Justin McClure, and Charlie Bell, Adam Queen, Anthony Comesanas, Kory Emery, Sean McCall, and Bobby Parrish.

Reasons for East Franklin principal’s suspension still unclear

With the reasons for his January suspension still unclear, East Franklin Elementary principal, Terry Bradley, resigned at the end of the 90 day investigation period. At a faculty meeting of East Franklin teachers last week, Superintendent Dan Brigman announced that he had received a letter of resignation from Bradley the previous Friday on April 29.

The resignation will be brought before the school board for approval at its next regular meeting, said Brigman on Monday, adding that he could not comment on the issues surrounding Bradley's suspension or the reasons given for his resignation. In line with public employee records statute, the letter of resignation will not be made part of Bradley's publicly available employee records.