Editor's Note: We took a look at the stories that made the news in 2022 and narrowed down our picks for the Top 10 to include stories that captured the most attention or affected the most readers throughout the year.A dream was fulfilled in March in front of a large crowd of former students, community members and officials. The Blackshear Fisher Bishop Heights Memorial Wall was dedicated with gospel hymns and the Fisher High School song.To get more news about athens review, you can visit wikifx.com official website.

The wall serves as a touching tribute to the first public school for African Americans in the area. It started off in a church more than 100 years ago. The original structure was demolished in the 1970s, along with much of its history.

Sister Mary Henderson opened with the prayer. Larry West, the project founder, spoke on the importance and his heartfelt desire to see the community togetherness required to bring his vision to fruition continue.  The day was completed with fond memories of times with friends and beloved teachers. A written statement was read aloud from Janice Criner Kelly, a former student who talked about the integration process in Athens. She said the entire process was a grand experiment proving that Black students could learn the same as white students when given the same lessons, resources, compassionate instructors and opportunities. Eldress Mary Henderson, Pastor of the Church of the Living God Athens, was announced the 2021 Citizen of the Year in February at the annual Athens Chamber of Commerce Gala. She passed away Aug. 4, 2022.

Having served in ministry for over 40 years, including helping in Sunday School and singing, Henderson took over as Senior Pastor of The General Assembly Church of the Living God in the '90s and has been leading the church with exemplary service and leadership for the past 27 years.

Eldress Henderson grew up on Hamlett Street in Athens and graduated from Fisher High. On June 29, Mary and her husband Tom, celebrated 59 years of marriage and their daughter described them as a "prime example of what God can do if only you keep Him first."

In Henderson's years as pastor at COTLG, the church constructed a Family Life Center, which is a gathering place for special events, brought high-speed internet capabilities to the infrastructure, and installed a microphone system in the sanctuary.

Community was something that was very important to her and over the years, Henderson blessed many organizations with her servant's heart. Some that she has been affiliated with include Henderson County Arts Council, Lady Cards foster parent, Jail Ministry, Athens Race Task Force, Henderson Co. IMA, NAACP-B.A.T., Athens Ministerial Alliance, March for Jesus, ETMC Chaplain, Athens ISD Crime Fighters, and many others. Trinity Valley Community College has been making an impact on the lives of their students and staff for 75 years and the Athens campus threw a giant party to celebrate in April.

The community was invited to a carnival at the TVCC campus where past and current staff and students were greeted by a huge balloon arch that danced in the high winds, as music spanning the decades played in the background.

Families enjoyed playing carnival games like balloon pop, bean bag break, Nerf gun dart games, basketball and football skill tosses, and more. Guests enjoyed complimentary food from Dickeys and Schlotszskys, Treehouse Cupcakes, Tacos Perez, and hamburgers from TVCC dining services.

Dr. Jerry King, who has been with TVCC for 45 years, spoke about how the college was funded to provide opportunity for students and veterans and how 75 years later, they are still providing those opportunities.

The 1997 time capsule was not easy to open and it took many people multiple tries to pry it apart. Once open, Mike Peek and Kelly Fishback, an SGA Officer at the time of the capsule's sealing, revealed the fun and interesting contents from that decade, as well as some items that had a few people laughing, including the VHS tape of a band performance.Athens residents voted in November to adopt an ordinance outlawing abortion and declaring Athens a "Sanctuary City for the Unborn," with 1,579 voting for and 1,153 against.

While there are no abortion providers currently operating in Athens, the ordinance extends to residents seeking out-of-state abortions. It will allow for any Athens resident to sue any other resident who in any way assists any person to obtain an abortion.