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Georgia Southern College of Education faculty awarded grant for local literacy initiative | Newsroom

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Georgia Southern College of Education faculty awarded grant for local literacy initiative | Newsroom


College of Education building on the Statesboro Campus.

Georgia Southern University professors Sally Brown, Ph.D., and Alisa Leckie, Ph.D., have been awarded the Research Grant Initiative for Implementation Research to Improve Early Language and Literacy Outcomes by the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy at Georgia College & State University.

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The $50,000 grant will be used for Brown’s and Leckie’s enterprise to engage families in early literacy development through their new program, PAGES+ Literacy Initiative: Parents and Generations Engaging Through Stories and Language.

Modeled after a government-funded, national reading room program in Mexico, PAGES+ Literacy Initiative will bring in educators, community leaders and education students from local universities to lead reading groups in public libraries, churches and other community spaces in the Savannah and Chatham County area. Through these reading rooms, Brown and Leckie hope to enhance literacy in children up to 5 years old, a key developmental window, and to educate families on how they can establish their own reading practices and connect them with other readers.

“Think about language as nutrition for the brain as much as food is nutrition for the body,” Leckie suggested. “We need to give our kids language nutrition so their brains grow and develop. They need exposure to lots of language and experiences that connect words and objects.”

Funding will support the involvement of 30 community leaders and educators from Georgia Southern, Savannah Technical College and Savannah State University for three semesters. Thirty education students will also be supported, giving them the opportunity to gain practical experience from interacting with young learners and their parents as they prepare to enter the teaching profession after graduation. The grant will also cover the cost of developing training materials and books.

“It really is to instill the love of literacy and reading and give parents tips in a non-threatening environment,” Leckie continued. “They’ll get to know other people in their communities that are reading and make those connections, as well.”

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PAGES+ Literacy Initiative builds on a bridge established by Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero, who united Georgia Southern, Savannah Tech and Savannah State in their efforts to promote public literacy through the Regional Education Collaborative. Strengthening the groundwork already laid, PAGES+ will move the region into sustainable literacy solutions.

“I’m so proud of Drs. Brown and Leckie and their groundbreaking work to improve early language and literacy outcomes,” said Amy Lingo, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education. “This grant will not only advance critical research in early literacy but also create tangible impacts within our University and the broader community. By advancing early language and literacy development, their work will help bridge educational gaps and empower young learners with a foundation for lifelong success. 

“This initiative aligns with our mission to foster excellence in education while elevating our community, and we look forward to the transformative outcomes their research will bring.”



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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says

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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says


A McDuffie County man is facing multiple felony charges after Georgia authorities say he trafficked and sexually exploited a 17-year-old girl.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that Jimmy Mance, 40, of Thomson, has been charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a child. 

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the case stems from allegations that the teenager was sold for sex, with the victim later recovered in December 2025. 

“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in every corner of this state,” Carr said in a statement. “If you buy or sell a child for sex, we will find you, arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” 

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Charges filed

Authorities say Mance is facing several charges, including:

  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (harboring a minor)
  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (providing a minor)
  • Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child involving explicit material

Warrants were taken out on April 13 by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. 

Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and arrest, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, Thomson Police Department, and sheriff’s offices in Columbia and Bibb counties. 

Statewide crackdown on trafficking

The case highlights Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly involving minors.

The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit — created in 2019 — has secured more than 70 convictions and helped rescue or assist over 200 children, according to state officials. 

Carr expanded the unit last year to include additional prosecutors and investigators serving Augusta and surrounding counties, part of a broader push to target trafficking networks statewide. 

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Officials say the unit works alongside local and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases involving sexual exploitation and forced labor.

What happens next

Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. 

The case remains under investigation.



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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit

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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit


Hurst’s development could go in two distinct directions. If he emphasizes precision, refines his routes, and adds a little muscle to his frame, Hurst could become an aspiring A.J. Green – a big-play primary receiver who can defeat press-man coverage and run the full route tree.

If Hurst bulks up further and his route tree is limited, he could become a big-play possession option like Tee Higgins who isn’t asked to run as full of a route tree and wins with his size at the boundary.

There’s reason for optimism that Hurst will become a weekly contributor in the league. It’s probably a stretch to believe Hurst will become a top-end primary receiver, but others with his athletic gifts have done it before.

Hurst has a medium-high floor with a high ceiling. That’s worth the investment.

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National


AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 12: Russell Henley of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Get

While Rory McIlroy took home the green jacket, local favorites and former University of Georgia standouts made a major impact at Augusta National this year.

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2026 Masters: Rory McIlroy survives late drama to win second green jacket

What we know:

Russell Henley delivered the best performance among the former Georgia Bulldogs in the field. 

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The Macon native surged into contention during the final round, finishing in a tie for third place at 10-under par. He ended the tournament just two strokes behind McIlroy.

By the numbers:

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Several other players with local ties finished under par for the tournament:

  • Patrick Reed: The Augusta University alum finished in 12th place at 5-under par after a final-round 73.
  • Harris English: The former Bulldog kept a steady pace to finish tied for 30th at 1-under par.
  • Brian Harman: The 2023 Open winner finished tied for 33rd at even par.
  • Sepp Straka: The UGA alum finished at 2-over par in a tie for 41st place.

Dig deeper:

Not every local star saw the weekend. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson missed the cut after finishing 5-over par on Friday. 

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Joining him on the sidelines was 18-year-old Mason Howell, a future Georgia Bulldog who was the youngest player in the 2026 field. Howell finished at 9-over par.

Local perspective:

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The strong showing by Henley and other University of Georgia alumni provided plenty of highlights for local fans. 

With multiple players finishing in the top 40, the “Bulldog pro” presence remains a dominant storyline at Augusta National.

The Source: Information in this article comes from Augusta National tournament scoring records.

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