About the Cover Photographer
Brigette Carruth, the Our Town Cover Photographer, started In Focus Photography in 2003. Her varied work includes corporate head shots, families, and bridal photography. She is an active member of her church, teaching 7th grade Sunday school and playing the flute in the orchestra. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her boys play basketingball.
Brigette's Contact Info
770-617-3805
On the Cover
The Viness Family and The Goodman Family
The Viness Family
Scott and Joy Viness are both originally from Cobb County. They have been married for 19 years, and lived in Paulding County since 1993.
Scott and Joy both earned their Bachelor’s Degrees from Kennesaw State University. Scott is entering his third year as Principal at East Paulding High School. Prior to that, he was Principal at Jones Middle School, and Assistant Principal at Austin Middle School. Joy is entering her third year as Assistant Principal at Burnt Hickory Elementary. Before that, she was an Assistant Administrator at Baggett Elementary and taught Physical Education at P.B. Ritch, Nebo, and Shelton Elementary Schools.
Their sons, Bo and Brock are 18 and 13, respectively. Bo just graduated from East Paulding High School, having survived being the Principal’s son. He will be heading off to attend Georgia Southern University very soon. Bo enjoyed playing baseball and wrestling for EPHS, but is looking forward to college and the activities there. Brock will be entering the 8th grade at McClure Middle School. He is a member of the Boy Scouts, enjoys bowling, and is an active member of the FCA at McClure Middle as well as the youth group at their church.
As a busy family, they enjoy the few but precious moments at home together, as well as attending West Ridge Church. For Scott and Joy free time is minimal, but Scott loves to fish, play golf and attend school sporting events. Joy’s self-proclaimed hobby is “trying to keep up with the hobbies and talents of a husband and two teenagers.”
When asked what they were looking forward to about the upcoming school year. They said, “We are very excited about the new school year!” Scott is looking forward to another great year heading up the ‘Raider Nation’ and is excited about furthering the success they’ve enjoyed together so far. Joy is looking forward to continuing to be a part of building traditions at Burnt Hickory, which opened in 2008; along with Principal Dr. Mark Crowe and the outstanding group of staff, students, parents, and community members. They add, “Each year brings such milestones for our school families as kindergarteners and freshman students enter our buildings for the first time, beginning new phases of their lives, then fifth graders and seniors leave to continue to build upon the foundations that they have started while with us.”
The Goodman Family
Jay and Jenn Goodman have lived in Paulding for five years. Jay was born and raised in Kennesaw. Jenn was born in Illinois then moved to Georgia at the age of 8. They met while both were working at Chick-fil-A during college and were married in 2000.
Jay attended University of Georgia and received his undergraduate degree in Science education from Kennesaw State University. He then completed his Masters and Specialist degrees in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State University. Jenn attended middle Georgia College, then graduated from Dental Hygiene School at Floyd College.
In 2005, they welcomed Andrew to their family. Andrew begins Kindergarten this year and is very excited to be at his Aunt Joy’s school. Emily joined the family in 2009 and is now 16 months old. Andrew likes animals and playing sports, especially soccer since Dad is his coach. Emily loves to chase bubbles and dance. As a family, they enjoy spending time together at West Ridge Church, as well as being active and playing outside and cheering on their beloved “Dawgs”.
Jenn is a stay home mom and enjoys running half marathons. Jay has been a physics teacher in Paulding for the last nine years. He is currently in his second year at North Paulding High School teaching honors and AP physics. He is especially looking forward to, “the new school year and the traditions that are being formed at North Paulding High School. This will be the first year that we have a senior class and I am eager to see how the class of 2011 embraces this opportunity.”