Model High School

When Emily was 6 years old, she began choking on a peppermint candy. A nurse named Paula quickly performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved her life.

Twenty-six years later, Emily walked into a job interview for a school nurse position at Atrium Health Floyd and realized the nurse across the table was the same person who had saved her that day.

The unexpected reunion became a full-circle moment that reinforced Emily's decision to become a nurse.

"I didn't realize how much that experience impacted me until years later," Emily said. "Paula's ability to stay calm, act quickly and care for people definitely influenced the nurse I wanted to become."

For Emily, Paula's impact extended far beyond the medical care she received that day.

"What I learned from Paula is that nursing is about more than giving medicine," Emily said. "It's about loving and caring for people as whole people."

Those lessons continue to guide Emily as she begins her career in school nursing at Model Middle and High Schools.

"At a school, it's rarely just about a stomachache," she said. "It's about understanding what's really going on and helping students through whatever they're facing."

For Paula, welcoming Emily into school nursing is especially meaningful.

"To me, that's the biggest honor there is," Paula said. "Nursing is the best field there is." Throughout her career, Paula has believed nursing is about more than medicine.

"It's about helping people be their best selves," she said. "Teachers are there to teach. We're here to take care of students' health and welfare. You can't learn if you're not healthy."

When asked what advice she would offer Emily, Paula's answer was simple.

"Treat every child like you would want your child to be treated," she said. "Love them. They know when you really care about them."

Reflecting on the journey that connected their lives, Paula hopes the same compassion that helped shape Emily's career will continue through the next generation of nurses.

"Maybe she'll be in the right place at the right time and help somebody like I did," Paula said. "And I know she would."

Learn more about our school partners: https://bit.ly/3TzyePj

School isn’t back yet, but your memories can be! 📚✨ Yearbooks for 2026-2027 are on sale now for $88—order by 9/18 before the price goes up.

Class of 2027 - Check your Google Classroom for an important accouncement about Senior parking spots!

📣 Attention Rising 8th Graders and New Students! We can’t wait to welcome you to the faMily. 💙Come meet your teachers, tour the school, and get ready for a great year ahead. See you there! 👋✨

✨ Our AP fairies will be busy all week! 🧚🎉 Delivering signs to exceptional Blue Devils who scored a 5️⃣ on one or more AP Exams. 💙 Inspiring greatness, one achievement at a time.

Wishing all of our a fun and safe holiday!

🚗 Parking Permits - $30 - cash, check, or School Window
🚨A Parking Permit Form MUST be completed AND signed in order to purchase a permit.
Link for form: https://shorturl.at/91b16
🏟️ All-Sports Pass - $70 - cash, check, or School Window.

School Window is a NEW online form of payment!
Link: https://floydcountyga.schoolwindow.com/estore/mhs.html

🏈🏐🥎🤼🏀⚽⚾ Starting July 24, get your Student All-Sports Pass at the high school office! Admits you to all home events (excludes playoffs). Alumni/Adult passes available July 29.

💙 No matter the role — father, grandfather, stepfather, father-to-be, or father figure — we wish you all the best. Happy Father’s Day! 👔

Welcome to the faMily! 💙

RELEASE: Shane Arp Named New Assistant Principal at Model High School 💙

Floyd County Schools (FCS) is proud to announce Shane Arp as the new Assistant Principal at Model High School (MHS).

Arp is a veteran educator, administrator, and coach with over two decades of experience within the district, and he brings a proven track record of leadership, integrity, and dedication to the Model community.

“I want to welcome Mr. Shane Arp to the Model faMily,” said MHS principal Kevin Strickland. “His experience as a math teacher, coach, and administrator will greatly enrich our teachers, students, and community. We look forward to working with Shane next year.”

Full release: https://www.floydboe.net/all-news