OUR HISTORY
The Oconee River Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center is one of 10 non-profit 501 (c) (3) Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers (GYSTC) throughout the state. Founded in 1997 by Deborah Riddleberger, the Oconee River GYSTC is now under the shared leadership of Will Dodd and the Oconee River GYSTC Board of Directors. Currently the Oconee River GYSTC supports science and technology instruction in 12 school systems including:
- Barrow County
- Clarke County
- Commerce City
- Elbert County
- Greene County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson City
- Madison County
- Morgan County
- Oconee County
- Oglethorpe County
- Social Circle City
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Oconee River GYSTC is to promote, interest, rigor, and enthusiasm in science and technology instruction. Hence, the primary purpose of the Oconee River GYSTC is to provide quality professional learning opportunities in the sciences and technologies for all teachers within the 12 membership school systems. In addition, the Oconee River GYSTC also offers a range of other programs such as Family Science Nights, STEM equipment lending, student programs, and professional learning sessions.
OUR BOARD
Directors:
- Board Chair – Mrs. Susan Daniel, Noramco, Inc.
- Vice Chair – Mr. Nathan Bartlett, Georgia Power Co.
- Treasurer – Mr. Stephen Shockley, Truist Bank
- Mr. John Chittom - Athens Janitor Supply
- Mrs. Laurie Allison - NEGA RESA
- Dr. Chris McMichael - Barrow County Schools
- Dr. Xernona Thomas - Clarke County Schools
- Dr. Joy Tolbert - Commerce City Schools
- Mr. Jon Jarvis - Elbert County Schools
- Dr. Chris Houston - Greene County Schools
- Dr. Philip Brown - Jackson County Schools
- Dr. Donna McMullan - Jefferson City Schools
- Mr. Michael Williams - Madison County Schools
- Dr. Virgil Cole - Morgan County Schools
- Dr. Jason Branch - Oconee County Schools
- Ms. Beverly Levine - Oglethorpe County Schools
- Dr. Robbie Hooker - Social Circle City Schools
Ex-Officio:
- Mrs. Amanda Buice, State GYSTC Office