Glynn County was recognized on May 27 with a 2026 Georgia County Excellence Award for its Friday Night Hoops Initiative. The award, presented by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and Georgia Trend magazine, honors innovative and cost-effective county programs that enhance residents’ quality of life. Glynn County was one of six recipients honored during the ACCG’s Annual Conference at the Savannah Convention Center in Chatham County.
Executive Director Dave Wills said, “The Georgia County Excellence Awards is an annual program that recognizes the innovative spirit and ingenuity of Georgia’s counties and their leaders. We are grateful to our partners at Georgia Trend for their continued efforts to acknowledge the outstanding work of our local governments.”
The Friday Night Hoops Initiative offers a free, supervised open-gym program for students ages 12 to 16, providing a safe place for youth to gather during summer evenings when school is out. The program aims to reduce unsupervised or risky behavior while promoting physical activity, teamwork, positive social interaction, and mentorship opportunities between youth and local government staff. Participants also receive dinner, take-home meals, and shoes if needed.
County Manager Bill Fallon said, “Friday Night Hoops is a program designed to provide our youth with an organized activity during the summer that allows our Rec & Parks, Police, Fire and other departments to engage with the youth and help build community trust. Our commissioners have been strong supporters of the program, and we have had an overwhelming response from our sponsors in the community.” Fallon added that Glynn Academy gyms are used thanks to partnership with Glynn County Schools.
Chairman Wayne Neal said, “Friday Night Hoops gives our youth a positive place to gather, stay active and build connections with the people who support them on Friday evenings. The program reflects the commitment of our staff, our volunteers, our sponsors and Glynn County Schools… We are proud of the teamwork that makes this initiative possible and grateful for all who contribute to its success.”
The 2026 season begins June 5 at Glynn Academy Annex Gym through July 17; sessions run from 6-8 p.m. for grades six through eight and from 8-10 p.m. for grades nine through eleven. All sessions are free; dinner is provided; boys and girls at any skill level may participate.
Enrollment at Glynn County schools increased by 2.2% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year; total enrollment reached 14,196 students during this period, according to the Georgia Department of Education. White students made up 44% of enrollment while Black students comprised 33%, Hispanic students accounted for 16%, and multiracial students represented about five percent.
