| ISSUE# 064 | TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026 | HENRY COUNTY GA |
Happy Tuesday, Henry County. This is the view from the perch. 🦅👁️
Today is Georgia Primary Election Day. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 7 PM. Henry County has local races on the ballot, including the school system's SPLOST referendum that could shape classrooms for years. Find your polling place and sample ballot
We’ve also got a new Tales From the Perch today about the Henry County after school instructor kids know as “The Music Man.”
And while you're out doing your civic duty, here's some Henry County news to carry with you today.
Let's get into it. 🦅👁️
CORRECTION: In Monday's issue, we referenced Election Day as if it were happening that day. It wasn't. Georgia Primary Election Day is today, Tuesday, May 19. Polls are open across Henry County from 7 AM to 7 PM. We corrected the web version on Monday and wanted to be upfront with you here. Thanks to the readers who caught it.
26 Henry County Schools Just Made Georgia History
HENRY COUNTY - The Governor's Office of Student Achievement dropped its annual school recognition list, and Henry County showed up bigger than ever before. Twenty-six schools earned state recognition this year. Last year, nine.
Ola High School landed one of the most prestigious honors on the list: the Greatest Gains Platinum Award. Only five high schools in all of Georgia earned it.
This isn't a participation trophy. GOSA measures real growth in schools that moved the needle for students who needed it most. Henry County has 46 schools. More than half just got recognized by the state of Georgia. See which Henry County schools made Georgia's list this year
A Henry County First Grader Just Got Into Mensa
HENRY COUNTY - His name is Jadon Prieto. He's 7 years old. He's a first grader right here in Henry County. He was just accepted into Mensa — the high-IQ society that requires scoring in the top 2% of the population. Jadon hit the 99th percentile.
He wants to be a pediatrician when he grows up. He also still plays with Legos. Henry County, meet one of your brightest. He's just getting started. Read Jadon's full story
Graduation Week Isn't Over. Here's What's Left
HENRY COUNTY - If you've got someone walking across a stage this week, here's the remaining schedule at EchoPark Speedway:
Wednesday, May 20 Eagle's Landing High School 9:00 AM, Woodland High School 7:30 PM
Thursday, May 21 Union Grove High School 9:00 AM, Ola High School 7:30 PM
Traffic will be heavy on those mornings and evenings. Give yourself time and bring the tissues!
Check Your Pantry Before Dinner
GEORGIA - The FDA is recalling Blackstone Seasoning's Parmesan Ranch blend — sold exclusively at Walmart — over possible salmonella contamination. No illnesses reported yet, but specific lot numbers are affected. Pull up the lot numbers before you open that bottle
The Music Man of Henry County
Students in Henry County Schools’ BASE after school program create and record original music with Omorro and Wendy Hogan of Independent Playground.
STOCKBRIDGE - “I loved learning,” Omorro Hogan said. “I just didn’t love school.”
Today, Hogan and his wife Wendy work with students through Henry County Schools’ BASE after school program, helping children write and record original songs through their mobile music program, Independent Playground. Hogan says his goal is to create the kind of creative environment he rarely experienced growing up.
“The kids cheer when we show up,” Hogan said laughing. “I’ve never been cheered in my life.”
“My job is to light fires,” he said.
Inside cafeterias and after school classrooms, students brainstorm hooks, clap out rhythms, and take turns recording verses while classmates crowd around to listen. Some children arrive shy and guarded. Others come in loud and overflowing with energy. Hogan says both belong.
At some schools, students and staff affectionately call Hogan “The Music Man.”
“We’re not trying to make perfect songs,” he said. “We’re trying to help kids feel free enough to create.”
For Hogan, the biggest victories often happen after the school day ends.
One student, a 10-year-old boy dealing with behavioral struggles, began making beats at home after joining the program. One day, he proudly showed Hogan more than 150 tracks he had created on his own laptop.
“That one hit my heart,” Hogan said softly.
School staff have noticed it too. Flippen Elementary School Site Director Linda Milner says students constantly ask when “Mr. Omorro” is coming back.
“All I can say is that Independent Playground is what kids need,” she said. “It is such a positive vibe in their young lives.”
To find out whether Independent Playground participates at your child’s school or to learn more, contact:
Instagram: @independentplaygroundstudios
Phone: 1-907-312-8257
TUESDAY, MAY 19
Fortson's Cookbook Club – Game Day Eats · Fortson Public Library, Meeting Room · 2:30PM–3:30PM · FREE · The playoffs are heating up and cookout season is here — this month's Cookbook Club focuses on crowd-pleasing food for gatherings, perfect timing for both.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
Basic Computer Class for Seniors · Cochran Public Library, Dr. Marilyn L. Flynn Ed.D Community Meeting Room · 3PM–4PM · FREE · Typing, internet navigation, and basic computer skills in a no-pressure environment built specifically for seniors.
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Georgia History Through BBQ · McDonough Public Library · 6PM · FREE · Associate Professor James Welborn from Georgia College & State University presents Georgia's history through the lens of BBQ culture — free and open to all.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Last Day of School – Henry County Schools · All HCS Campuses · All Day · Nearly 44,000 Henry County students officially close out the 2025–2026 school year — summer starts today.
Highway 54 Band · Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 8PM–11PM · $8–$72 · 21+ after 8PM · A live band closes out the last school night of the year at Southern Roots — doors open at 6PM.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
FUN DAY – Arts and Spades in the Park · Rufus L. Stewart Park, McDonough · 10AM · FREE · A free outdoor community day featuring arts and Spades — open to kids and adults.
Stephanie Mills, After 7 & Karyn White · VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · Gates 6PM | Show 8PM · Three R&B icons on one stage — Stephanie Mills, After 7, and Karyn White bring an evening of classic hits right here in Henry County.
The Venus Kings – Blues, Soul & Funk · Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 9PM–11PM · $10–$85 · 21+ after 8PM · Blues, soul, and funk close out the week at Southern Roots — doors open at 6PM.
Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣
Why did the math book look so sad?
It had too many problems🤣
That's Tuesday's view from the perch.
Tonight we'll be watching the results roll in. Check your inbox Wednesday morning, we'll have the full breakdown of how Henry County voted, plus Eagle's Landing and Woodland walk at EchoPark.
Two big days ahead. We'll be here
Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️