Do you have an innovative lesson or classroom project you've been dreaming of bringing to life? This is your chance!

Flint Energies is celebrating 20 years of the Bright Ideas Teacher Grant Program, and you could win up to $2,000 to fund your creative classroom idea.

What began as the small railroad community of Wellston changed forever in 1941 when the federal government selected Middle Georgia as the home of what would become Robins Air Force Base. Almost overnight, farms and dirt roads gave way to military infrastructure, new neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and opportunity. Thousands of families relocated to the area, helping shape the community we know today.

Leadership doesn’t begin when someone receives a title—it begins when they realize they have something valuable to contribute.

That realization is exactly what many Taylor County students discovered through the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program, and in the latest episode of Front Porch Chats, recent graduates share how the experience helped shape their confidence, broaden their perspective, and prepare them for what comes next.

Designed to help high school students develop leadership skills and a stronger understanding of their communities, EMPOWER gives participants the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences, real conversations, and meaningful service.

The future of Talbot County is bright—and it’s being shaped by students who are learning what it means to lead with confidence, purpose, and heart.

In the latest episode of Front Porch Chats, we hear from recent graduates of the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program from Talbot County as they share how the experience helped them grow personally, develop leadership skills, and gain a stronger understanding of the communities they call home.

Designed to prepare high school students for future leadership roles, EMPOWER offers hands-on experiences that go far beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, students are challenged to step outside their comfort zones, engage with local leaders, and think more intentionally about the impact they can make.