Newton Education Foundation

06/18/2026

What a pleasure it has been to connect community resources with the needs of students at Newton County Schools and support the vision and leadership of Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley. There are so many great things happening - check out this video of highlights for the school year that ended a few weeks ago. We know there are more great things ahead for Newton County Schools!

Superintendent Bradley shares highlights and accomplishments from t...

06/10/2026

We have loved partnering with Taylor Made Foundation and working with Darnell and look forward to continuing to partner with her in her new role at Washington Street Community Center.

🎉 Celebrating Darnell Taylor! 🎉

Some people lead with words. Others lead with actions. Darnell Taylor has consistently done both.

On behalf of the Taylor Made Foundation and Taylor Made University (TMU), we proudly congratulate Darnell on her new role as Executive Director of the Washington Street Community Center.

Darnell has always exemplified what it means to serve with purpose, lead with integrity, and invest in the success of others. Her unwavering commitment to strengthening our community, empowering families, and creating opportunities for growth has made a lasting impact on countless lives.

We have no doubt that under her leadership, the Washington Street Community Center will continue to flourish and become an even greater source of hope, opportunity, and transformation for those it serves.

Darnell, thank you for your dedication, your vision, and your servant’s heart. This recognition is richly deserved, and we are excited to watch you continue making a difference.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone. We are proud of you and wish you continued success and abundant blessings in this new chapter. 💙💛

With love and admiration,

Taylor Made Foundation!

06/10/2026

Check out another great grant we were able to fund at Heard-Mixon Elementary thanks to community support!

With a new listening station, students now enjoy cozy read‑aloud time, stronger early literacy skills, and stories in two languages.

06/03/2026

There were so many great ideas brought to life through the grants we made this year to Newton County Schools teachers and staff - more than we could share during the school year! Look for great impact stories, like this one from Heard-Mixon Elementary, during the weeks of summer!

Fourth- and fifth-graders are learning their first chords on grant-funded ukuleles, building confidence and creativity through hands‑on music.

06/03/2026

Grateful for a powerful NEF Board meeting yesterday as we continue advancing the mission of the Newton Education Foundation.

It was an honor to welcome our new board members, each bringing fresh energy, perspective, and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students across Newton County Schools. Together, we are strengthening partnerships, deepening impact, and investing in the future of our scholars.

Excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow, serve, and support excellence in education across our community. 💙📚

06/03/2026

Get to know new NEF Board Member, Stephanie Young!

Stephanie Young is a graduate of Berry College and the Georgia State University College of Law. Having learned the value of education early in life, she has long witnessed the profound impact that dedicated adults can have on young learners. Deeply invested in her community, Stephanie serves on the boards of the Kiwanis Club of Covington and the Law Library Committee for the Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr. Judicial Center. Additionally, she volunteers as the Mock Trial attorney coach for Eastside High School, serves as the 2026 President of the Newton County Bar Association, and is a member of the Leadership Newton County Class of 2025/2026. Professionally, she is the owner of Stephanie Young Law, LLC, a family law and criminal defense litigation firm proudly based in Covington. Stephanie is married to a local firefighter, and they are the proud parents of three children who attend public school.

06/03/2026

Get to know new NEF Board Member, Monika Singh!

Monika Singh is a community driven development professional with a strong background in fashion designing, finance and public service. After moving to the United States in 2013, she built an 11‑year career as a branch manager in the finance industry before joining the City of Porterdale as Downtown Director in 2023. Monika has proudly called Newton County home since 2018 and is committed to supporting local growth and strengthening community connections.

06/03/2026

Get to know new NEF Board Member, Sally Anne Short!

Sally Anne Short is a retired educator now serving as the water conservation manager for the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority. She is committed to raising awareness about the importance of water conservation for all ages. An avid reader and relationship-builder, Sally Anne believes in the power of connection whether it’s with people or the natural resources that sustain us. A native Georgian, Sally Anne enjoys spending time with her husband Shane and daughter Savannah.

06/03/2026

Get to know new NEF Board Member, Zayvion Sheppard!

Zayvion Sheppard is a community builder, emerging leader, and passionate champion for building stronger, more inclusive communities across Georgia. A 2025 Graduate from Georgia State University, he made history as a freshman by becoming the youngest person ever elected Student Body President. Professionally, Zayvion has worked at the intersection of community development, business growth, and urban investment through roles with the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Downtown Reimagined initiative and T. Dallas Smith & Co.’s Knowledge Transfer Program. He currently works at Georgia State University as a Manager of Local and Community Affairs. Zayvion is also the President & CEO of For Atlanta By Atlanta, a nonprofit he co-founded in college to fight poverty by investing in grassroots organizations and community-driven solutions. Grounded in faith and family, Zayvion believes in the power of people working together to make every community a place to live, work, and thrive.

06/03/2026

Get to know new NEF Board Member, Catrice Perkins!

Catrice Perkins is a proud native of Newton County and a graduate of Newton High School. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Economics from Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, and began her graduate studies at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, before later completing her MBA at Strayer University. Catrice currently serves as a Commercial Underwriter with State Farm and is a graduate of the Leadership Newton Class of 2024. She is also an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter.
Passionate about advocacy, education, and community engagement, Catrice is dedicated to creating meaningful impact through service, leadership, and a continued commitment to empowering her community.