Tift Graduate Rate Above State's, Below Area

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Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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Tift County High School's Class of 2025 celebrate in May at Brodie Field.

TIFT GRADUATION RATE EXCEEDS STATE'S BUT BELOW AREA RATES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Georgia has just released its 2025 high school graduation rates, and Tift County Schools says it's proud that its rate exceeds the state average – but data shows that Tift County High School's graduation rate is below that of other schools in surrounding counties.

Tift's 88.59% four-year "adjusted cohort graduation rate" – the percentage of students who finish high school within four years, with adjustments made for those who transfer in or out – is better than the state average of 87.2%.

However, other local schools have recorded higher graduation rates for the period, according to data from the Ga. Department of Education. Turner County High has a 97% rate; Worth County, 93%; Irwin County, 94%; Fitzgerald High, 91%; Cook County, 99%; and Berrien County, 97%.

The graduation rate in some other area counties for 2025 are: Colquitt, 91%; Lowndes, 94%; Valdosta High, 93%; Thomasville High, 91%; and Thomas County Central High, 97%.

"Graduation rates can be a complex indicator. High rates may indicate effective support for students requiring grade or credit recovery, but they could also signal less stringent grading practices," said Dana Spurlin, communications chief for Tift County Schools.

"As a system, we are working to strengthen our assessment practices to ensure our students are assessed at the rigor of the standards and grades demonstrate full mastery of the standards. Further, as a school system we transitioned away from only utilizing online tools for credit recovery and grade repair as had been the case in the past," Spurlin said.

She explained that during the 2024-2025 school year, Tift County students worked directly with their teachers to complete missing work and receive targeted instruction.

"As such, students are being held to a higher standard to demonstrate mastery of the standards to fulfill grade repair and credit recovery requirements. Students' work reflected a true demonstration of knowledge and skill proficiency, ensuring students are better prepared for future coursework and academic success," Spurlin said.

"It is our goal to work towards an increase in our graduation rate while simultaneously holding to our commitment to mastery-based learning. We are also working to prove our dedication to academic integrity, equitable support, and long-term student achievement," she said.

Tift County's new four-year graduation rate has declined from 2024's 91.8%, according to the state. Spurlin said that "it’s important to understand how this figure is calculated."

Since 2012, Georgia has used the federally required adjusted cohort graduation rate, which calculates all students who began ninth grade together in the same cohort, adding those who transfer in and subtracting those who transfer out. Students who withdraw or drop out remain in the cohort, which affects the final percentage.

"If a student withdraws from school and doesn’t tell us where they enrolled, they can count against us in graduation rate since the state doesn’t remove them from our cohort calculations unless we have proof of the student’s new school of enrollment," Spurlin explained.

"We are continuing to improve our processes for tracking students who withdraw at any point in time in their high school career to help ensure our graduation rate is as accurate as possible," she said.

In Tift County, "our educators, counselors, and support staff continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every student crosses the finish line, whether in four years or five. The strong five-year graduation rate of 93.46% underscores the effectiveness of our programs and reflects our commitment to helping all students succeed, no matter their path or timeline."

OCILLA MAN, A 'CAREER CRIMINAL,' SENTENCED TO NEARLY 20 YEARS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

An Ocilla man, who authorities say is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal past, has been sentenced to serve nearly two decades in prison after he was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm while outside a Dollar General store in Valdosta.

Donald Patrick Parr, 69, of Ocilla, and formerly of Valdosta and Jennings, Fla., was sentenced Thursday in federal court as a federal armed career criminal to serve 235 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Parr was found guilty at trial May 13 of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.

“The penalties are steep for armed career criminals caught illegally possessing firearms in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “I want to thank the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and ATF for helping us hold repeat offenders accountable for their continued disregard of the law.”

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, a Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a call concerning a man — later identified as Parr — sitting inside a car at a Dollar General parking lot for more than an hour and periodically falling asleep. Authorities discovered Parr was wanted on drug charges in Palo Pinto County, Texas.

Law enforcement found a little over a gram of methamphetamine, a bag of marijuana, and a .22-caliber revolver in Parr’s vehicle. Parr has multiple prior felony convictions for possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, making terroristic threats, aggravated fleeing, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, authorities said.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

TIFT COUNTIAN LOSES $30,000 IN SCAM, SHERIFF SAYS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Tift County resident has lost approximately $30,000 in an ongoing phone scam in which the caller claims to be a Tift County Sheriff's deputy threatening to serve an active arrest warrant unless payment is made.

"These crooks prey on the elderly and are very convincing and successful," Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough said on social media.

Scammers call, claiming to be a deputy, even using the name and correct rank of Tift County Sheriff's Office personnel. Victims are told there is a warrant for their arrest, and if they hang up they will be arrested and taken to the Tift County Jail.

The scammers tell the victims to pay the Sheriff's Office with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies to avoid arrest. The caller instructs victims to go to a specified location that has a Bitcoin machine and deposit the cash. Then, victims are told there are additional charges and they must return to their bank, withdraw additional funds, and go to another location where a Bitcoin machine is located.

In this latest incident, the victim deposited funds in three different Bitcoin machines, the sheriff said.

"These criminals are very convincing and will threaten you with being arrested just to get you to follow their instructions," Scarbrough said. "It is very unlikely, if not impossible, to get any of these ill-gotten funds back once the funds have been deposited into Bitcoin devices."

Scarbrough has said that the "Tift County Sheriff's Office does not, and I repeat, does not call or text anyone to pay so that a warrant for your arrest will not be served or simply go away. Our agency also does not accept any cryptocurrencies for services. Do not give these individuals any personal information or pay them in any form or currency."

If anyone believes that they are being or have been scammed, they are asked to call 911 and file a report.

The Tift County Sheriff's Office can be contacted at 229-388-6021.

NATUREQUEST TO FOCUS SATURDAY ON GOPHER TORTOISES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Another NatureQuest free outdoor activity for children and youth is planned this Saturday, Oct. 4, at Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha.

"This month, we will be discussing gopher tortoises and their role in our local ecosystem," said Avanlee Kennedy, a natural resources student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and student coordinator of the program.

Scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday's session is free but preregistration is required. Parents must accompany their children.

All are encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, their own drinks and snacks – and to wear closed-toe shoes.

On the first Saturday morning of each month, the NatureQuest program is featuring free outdoor explorations focusing on a different topic. Last month, the session was about fishing – explaining the behavior of fish and various fishing techniques.

Contact Heather Brasell to register or for questions: heather.brasell@gmail.com, 229-339-3966.

Gaskins Forest Education Center is located at 3359 Moore Sawmill Road in Alapaha.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The voter registration deadline is fast approaching for the Nov. 4 elections.

Georgians must register or change an address by Oct. 6 in order to be eligible to vote.

In Tifton, two city councilmen are seeking re-election with no opposition. District 1 Councilman Josh Reynolds and District 3 Councilman Lester Cromer Jr. will be elected to their second terms on City Council.

There are no other races in the city.

In the City of Ty Ty, all incumbents are also unopposed. Longtime Ty Ty Mayor J. Keith Beasley, who first was elected to Ty Ty City Council in 1989, is unopposed for re-election as are Ty Ty Council members Tony C. Randall (Post 2), Kasey Luke (Post 3), and Linda Drawdy (Post 4).

In Omega, four City Council seats are on November's ballot with three of them contested. Christopher W. Ponder is running unopposed for Post 1; incumbent Cecile L. Gilliard and Rene Christian Martinez are vying for the Post 2 seat; Rodney D. Glaze and Ryan Voris are running for the Post 3 seat; and for the Post 4 seat on Omega City Council, incumbent Charles Alvin White faces Gwendolyn C. Robinson.

On the statewide ballot, a special election will decide two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. In District 2, Republican incumbent Tim Echols, who has served since 2011, faces Democrat Alicia M. Johnson. In District 3 on the PSC, are Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson, appointed in 2021, facing Democratic challenger Peter Hubbard.

Early voting is Oct. 14-31, with Saturday voting available Oct. 18 and 25. To check your voter registration and voting locations, Click Here.

ABAC TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL OCT. 2-4

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The roar of engines and the thrill of competition return Thursday through Saturday with the biannual Ag Engineering Technology (AET) Truck and Tractor Pull at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC).

First held in March 1974, the AET Truck and Tractor Pull has grown into one of ABAC’s most popular traditions. That inaugural event drew more than 10,000 spectators and featured ABAC’s tractor, Cracker Jack, claiming victories in the 7,000- and 9,000-pound classes.

This fall, the excitement spans three nights. Gates open at 5 p.m. daily, with events beginning at 7 p.m.

Thursday is Amateur Night: Pulling is open to the public. Tickets are $10, with free admission for children ages 5 and under.

Friday and Saturday have Southern Pullers Competition. The Southern Pullers Association sanctions two nights of professional competition, featuring top drivers and powerful machines. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 6–12, and free for children ages 5 and under.

For information, call 229-391-5000.

SCARECROWS AGAIN FILL

'BOO-TIFUL' DOWNTOWN TIFTON

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Downtown Tifton was hopping with scarecrow decorators Tuesday as they rushed to meet the Sept. 30 deadline to mount their creations to light poles along Love Avenue and Main Street for the "Scarecrows on Main Contest."

Photos of the scarecrows entered in the contest will be posted on the Downtown Tifton’s Facebook page by 3 p.m. Wednesday, and voting will begin through "likes" on the pictures, according to Main Street Manager Hillery Culpepper.

Voting ends at noon Friday, Oct. 10, and first, second, and third place winners will be announced at noon Saturday, Oct. 11, on the Tifton Gardens stage during Downtown Tifton’s "Spooky Second Saturday."

Scarecrows will remain on display through Nov. 1.

“This is the fifth year of hosting this beloved community event,” Culpepper said.

This year’s participants are: Aero Boutique, Called to Care of Tift and Turner County, Coastal Plain CASA, Discover Life Vacations, GFWC Tifton Woman's Club, Little Hippie Chick, Moore Clarke DuVall & Rodgers, Noah's Playgrounds Play Cafe, Professionals Plus Realty Group, Quality Employment Service, Smile Doctors Orthodontics, Southeastern Credit Union, Tift County Recreation Department, Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, Tifton Junior Woman's Club, Tifton Merchants Association, Tifton Sweet Stop, TNR Tiftarea Cats, and Whimsy Works.

In the photo: Terry and Amy Hogan put the finishing touches on a scarecrow Tuesday night.

Some of the Tifton Woman’s Club volunteers stand with a mountain of supplies donated Saturday by Walmart shoppers. From left are Kaye Belle Jones, Laura Jones, Genie McCook, Shirene Daniell, and Miriam Jordan.

WOMAN'S CLUB COLLECTS DONATIONS

TO AID DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Last Saturday, the Tifton Woman’s Club joined clubs across the nation in a National Day of Service. The Tifton club aided local programs combatting domestic violence.

Members of the club and a daughter volunteered in front of the Tifton Walmart on U.S. Highway 82, collecting donations of toiletries, cleaning products, and other items for Ruth’s Cottage domestic violence shelter. Shoppers took shopping lists from the club members and returned the purchased items to a table.

Items donated included ladies’ pajamas, socks, children’s books, toys, devotionals, laundry detergent, water bottles, snacks, toilet paper and paper towels, hand towels and washcloths, shampoo, tissues, toothbrushes, hand soap, and school supplies.

The members who volunteered included Laura Jones and her daughter Kaye Belle Jones, Nancy Nehring, Melanie Hasty, Kathy Kerst, Gail Merlin, Jamie Stewart, Shirene Daniell, Debbie Thompson, Miriam Jordan, Terry Bennett, and Genie McCook. Jack Thompson loaded the supplies into members’ vehicles.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs set Sept. 27 as a National Day of Service in which all of GFWC comes together to highlight an area of need, take action to address it, and raise public awareness about its importance. The GFWC Georgia chose domestic violence awareness and support for the state’s Day of Service.

Within the United States, based on research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 16 million people are affected by domestic and/or sexual violence every year.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

At just 5 months old, "Sheba" is a little survivor that has already overcome so much. Sheba came to the animal shelter as a tiny, fragile kitten who needed to be bottle-fed around the clock by a foster volunteer. With love and care, Sheba’s grown into a thriving, healthy girl. While she only has one eye, that doesn't slow her down one bit — she plays, explores, and loves just like any other kitten. Her sweet spirit and resilience shine through in everything she does. Could Sheba be the little fighter who steals your heart? Visit her and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE STUMPS IN TIFTON

~ OCT. 1, 1964

U.S. Sen. Hubert Humphrey, Democratic candidate for vice president on the ticket with President Lyndon B. Johnson, campaigned in Tifton on Oct. 1, 1964, speaking to an audience of 3,000 at the Tift County High football stadium. Humphrey ripped off his jacket in the 90-degree heat as he lambasted the GOP ticket led by Barry Goldwater, who, Humphrey said, would "force farmers off your land ... to die in the city." Earlier in the day, Humphrey's wife, Muriel, was entertained at a coffee at the Tifton Elk's Club.

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