Patch's Most Popular

The school was one of 22 in the state to be honored. Its award came in the “Top 10 percent in Student Achievement” category. Three other schools -- Oconee County Elementary, Oconee County High School, and Rocky Branch Elementary School -- have earned the "Georgia School of Excellence" distinction since 2007.

Nicholas, who plays first chair French horn in the All State Band, was our inaugural whiz kid honoree. He plays horn in symphonic, tuba in concert band and guitar in jazz band at Oconee County Middle School.

Melissa Steele profiled the proprietor of The Classic Cottage, a newer upscale furniture consignment shop just outside downtown Watkinsville. Working with a friend in a similar store inspired Basham. "I loved the thrill of the hunt, the estate sales, the garage sales," she said. "I loved the idea of re-use, re-cycle, and re-purpose.  I love grouping items together to expose their maximum potential."

Deals on mulch, pizza and ice cream were offered through Patch's weekly column on how families can stretch their hard-earned dollars.

North Oconee took top honors in the area championship swim meet at the University of Georgia, while Oconee County claimed second place. The two Oconee schools dominated the meet, overwhelming opponents in most races.