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Pope ends Johns Creek volleyball season 3-1 By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek volleyball’s 10-game winning streak came to an end Oct. 22, along with their season after a 3-1 loss to Pope High in the third round of the 5A state tournament. Gladiators head coach Ally Hall made it to the Elite Eight in her first year in the hot seat after Johns Creek’s first-round exit last season. She said she feels lucky to have coached such a connected and genuine group of girls. “I wish more than anything that I could have these seniors for three more years,” she said. “Abby Baker has been just selfless, stepping up to play middle when we needed someone. I’m proud of everyone for playing together and all the adversity we’ve gone through this season, they’ve grown not only as volleyball players but really, really incredible young women.”
See GLADIATORS, Page 21
Test scores show room for growth in Fulton County By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga — Students in Fulton County showcased various levels of proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math after the district reviewed scores on the 2025 Georgia Milestones during its Oct. 23 meeting. Woodland Middle School was the only school that did not surpass the state’s growth benchmark of 65 percent proficiency on either Milestones test. Other schools – Briar Hills (formerly Conley Hills) Elementary School, McNair Middle School, along with Tri-Cities High and Banneker high schools – scored below the state’s growth benchmark on the English Language Arts (ELA) Milestone. Results from the Math Milestones showed three elementary schools and three middle schools that scored beneath the state’s growth benchmark of 65 percent of students proficient in the subject.
See SCHOOLS, Page 19
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Above, Johns Creek senior setter Adonia Haile, center, celebrates after a Gladiators point in the Elite Eight matchup against Pope at Johns Creek High School Oct. 22. Haile has racked up over 700 assists this season, putting her in the top 10 in Class 5A at No. 8. At right, Gladiators senior Mary Henley Sims serves at Johns Creek High School Oct. 22.
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