FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- A grand total of 17 more recent graduates from six Fulton County high schools have been named National Merit Scholars.

The students were selected from among the best and brightest young people in the country. In addition to the distinction, they will receive sizable scholarships from participating colleges.

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Fulton County's newest National Merit Scholarship winners include:

Alpharetta High School
Andrew J. Mathes
Kunal D. Naik
Alexander E. Young

Johns Creek High School
Kevin H. Sun

ATLANTA -- Georgia Connections Academy has made the grade.

The state's first free virtual charter school received very positive feedback from the parents of its students during the 2011-12 school year.

Almost 90 percent of the parents who responded to a survey gave the school a grade of either A or B, and 92 percent they would recommend GACA to other parents. Eighty-five percent of parents said they were more satisfied with GACA than with their children's previous schools.

About 52 percent of the school's 610 families responded to the survey, according to GACA officials.

"Our parent satisfaction survey really illustrates our commitment to accountability," principal Heather Robinson said in a statement. "We value this parent feedback and use it to help make our virtual school program better. I am very pleased with the results, in particular the positive feedback about our teachers and the curriculum."

ATLANTA -- The Fulton County School System has recognized two behind-the-scenes professionals who make every school day run smoothly.

The 2012-2013 Professional and Support Professional of the Year include a technology specialist and a bus driver, both of whom brighten students' school days with their kindness and expertise.

Fulton County's two winners will be celebrated with their fellow honorees at a special luncheon in the fall.

James Stewart
School Professional of the Year

Stewart has been with Fulton County Schools for 23 years and became a technology specialist when the position was first introduced. He has filled several roles since then, but never forgot his original love, and returned to the job of technology specialist in 2011.

At Roswell's Esther Jackson Elementary, Stewart keeps classroom technology working and accessible for students -- and spreads a little magic on a daily basis.