Top Stories for November 15th
Publish Date: November 15th
PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Saturday, November 15th and Happy Birthday to Macho Man Randy Savage
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia.
All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!
Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia
STORY 1: Six finalists named for GCPS Teacher of the Year
And then there were six.
From 141 local honorees to 25 semifinalists, Gwinnett County has narrowed it down to six incredible educators vying for the 2027 Teacher of the Year title. These finalists—representing elementary, middle, and high schools—are more than just teachers. They’re innovators, mentors, and champions for their students.
Whether it’s Tram Nguyen, Stephanie Guynn, Dr. Lisa Babbage, Austin Hannon, Dr. Candice Richardson or Batavia Sumlin, each finalist brings something extraordinary to the table.
The winner will be announced Jan. 29 at a district celebration. Until then, these six are already heroes in their classrooms.
STORY 2: Housing Matters: Car club to deliver food, clothes to the homeless
Sky-high prices and relentless demand have left too many Gwinnett residents stuck—some in overpriced hotels, others with nowhere to go. It’s heartbreaking.
Cruising for a Cause
This Sunday, Nov. 16, the Sinnerz Society car club is doing more than flexing their rides—they’re delivering food, warm clothes, and supplies to the homeless. Founder Rafael Diaz says, “It won’t last long, but it’s something.”
The group meets at 12:30 p.m. at the BP on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. Got a car? Great. Don’t? Doesn’t matter—just join. The caravan rolls out at 1:30.
Follow @sinnerzsociety on Instagram for updates.
STORY 3: John McCutcheon to headline 'A Song for Ukraine' benefit concert in Lawrenceville
Grammy-nominated folk legend John McCutcheon is bringing his music—and his heart—to the Lawrenceville Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 5 p.m. for A Song for Ukraine, a benefit concert unlike any other.
Partnering with HelpingUkraine.US, McCutcheon aims to raise funds for displaced Ukrainian children. “This is more than a concert,” he said. “It’s about hope, resilience, and standing together.”
The evening will also feature Ukrainian bandura player Olena Kovban, a child vocalist, and an art sale showcasing works created by children in Kharkiv’s underground shelters.
Tickets start at $50, with VIP options available. Proceeds go directly to humanitarian aid.
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.
We’ll be right back
Break 2: Ingles Markets
STORY 4: Mall of Georgia to host Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday
Santa’s already made himself comfy at the Mall of Georgia, but the real holiday magic kicks off tonight with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
From 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 15, expect festive chaos: the Grinch, Papa Elf, live reindeer, face painting, crafts, and even Bubbles Over GA. The tree lights up at 7 p.m., followed by a cozy outdoor screening of *The Polar Express*.
And, of course, Santa’s ready for his close-up. The Santa Photo Experience runs through Dec. 24 (hours vary). Got pets? Bring them for photos on Nov. 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Special needs families can reserve a sensory-friendly session on Nov. 23, 8:30–10 a.m.
STORY 5: Power of Impact Gala & Awards to celebrate small business growth across Gwinnett
Mark your calendars: the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation’s first-ever *Power of Impact Gala & Awards* is happening Dec. 3 at Bear’s Best Suwanee.
The night kicks off with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and awards at 7. It’s all about celebrating the small businesses and leaders driving Gwinnett’s growth—and proceeds go straight to supporting the Foundation’s mission of helping local businesses scale and thrive.
Honorees include Dr. William “Bill” Russell (Legacy Leader) and Georgia Power (Corporate Champion). Tickets and sponsorships are available now at GwinnettChamberFoundation.org/PowerofImpact.
Don’t miss it!
Break 3: BUFORD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
STORY 6: Study: Gwinnett Library delivers big value to community
The Gwinnett County Public Library isn’t just a place for books—it’s a powerhouse of community impact. A new study from UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government found the library delivers $92.5 million in benefits, turning every $1 of public funding into $3.40 of value.
Think about it: 3.5 million checkouts, 240,000 program attendees, 1.4 million Wi-Fi connections, and over 13,000 uses of meeting rooms. From job applications to tutoring sessions, it’s a lifeline for so many.
“Every dollar multiplies into real outcomes,” said Executive Director Charles Pace. Stronger families, smarter students, connected communities—it all starts here.
Learn more at gwinnettlibrary.com.
STORY 7: Georgia Gwinnett College to offer first master's degree
Big news for Georgia Gwinnett College: the Board of Regents just gave the green light for GGC’s first-ever graduate program—a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education. Classes could kick off as early as spring 2027, pending final approval.
“This is huge,” said GGC President Dr. Jann L. Joseph. “We’re not just offering affordable bachelor’s degrees anymore—we’re stepping up to meet the demand for skilled, well-prepared teachers.”
With Gwinnett County Public Schools hiring 92% of GGC’s education grads, this new program is set to make waves, opening doors for students, alumni, and career changers alike.
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: THE SUGAR HILL HOLIDAY
Signoff –
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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