Three Richmond County School System (RCSS) magnet schools
received awards from Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and
theme-based schools. C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School and John S. Davidson Fine Arts
Magnet School were awarded National Merit School of Excellence Awards, the highest
recognition offered by the organization. A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet
School received a National Merit School of Distinction Award, the second-highest recognition.
Dr. Malinda Cobb, Interim Superintendent of Schools, says, “These awards are a testament to
the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts of our students and staff. We are deeply
proud of C.T. Walker, Davidson, and A.R. Johnson for their outstanding achievements and for
representing Richmond County and the state of Georgia with excellence.”
C.T. Walker has now received seven merit awards since 2018, while Davidson has a total of
12. As National Merit Schools of Excellence, both schools are eligible for the title of the
nation’s top Elementary or Secondary Magnet School. Meanwhile, A.R. Johnson celebrates its
second consecutive National Merit School of Distinction award.
To qualify for a merit award, Magnet Schools of America members submit a detailed
application reviewed by a panel of educators. Schools are evaluated on their ability to raise
academic achievement, promote diversity, integrate curricula, and build strong family and
community partnerships. Each Richmond County magnet school excels in its unique focus
area: C.T. Walker Magnet emphasizes communications; Davidson Magnet specializes in fine
arts; and A.R. Johnson Magnet focuses on health sciences and engineering.
The schools will be recognized and receive their awards during a ceremony held at Magnet
Schools of America’s National Conference from April 7-10, 2025, in Nashville, TN.