Columbia County residents got their first look at the school system's rezoning proposal for its high schools Thursday. School administrators presented the proposal at a public hearing at Harlem High School to a crowd of about 100 people, who applauded the officials at the end of their presentation.

Thirteen might be a lucky number for Evans High School. The school was ranked 13th out of 369 public high schools in the state in the Georgia Public Policy Foundation's recently released Report Card for Parents.

The Evans High School gym is not the only part of the building that sports banners in recognition of students' accomplishments. The school also put up 28 banners this fall to honor career technology students who have won state or national competitions.

The quizzes have already started for some incoming high school students in Columbia County. "What school do you go to?" David Thibodeau, the Harlem High School graduation coach, asked the 100 or so rising freshmen at orientation on Friday. "Harlem High School," they shouted back in unison.

By Deborah G. Steele< Correspondent