ATLANTA -- The Georgia Department of Education has released a list of the 78 worst performing schools in the state as part of its waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Nearly half of those schools are in the Metro Atlanta area. Of the schools listed, 14 are Atlanta Public Schools, nine are in DeKalb County and three are in Gwinnett County. Fulton and Cobb County each have one school on the list.

The list identifies the state's "priority" schools -- those that consistently perform poorly on tests, have low graduation rates or are already receiving federal improvement funds.

To be considered a "Priority School," one would have a graduation rate of 60 percent or less for two consecutive years, have low achievement on standardized tests or receive School Improvement Grant (SIG) funds to implement a school intervention model.

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves and Publix have teamed up for the 13th year in a row to offer scholarship money to high school seniors throughout Georgia.

Six $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who have maintained good grades and strong community involvement throughout their four years of high school.

In order to qualify, a student must be a graduating senior with a minimum 3.2 GPA, and must have plans to attend an accredited college or university in the fall of 2012.

For more information or to apply, visit braves.com/scholarships. The deadline to apply is April 21. All applicants will receive a free Braves promotional item while supplies last.

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- Gwinnett County's annual STAR Student and Teacher Luncheon was held on Thursday, February 16.

This event celebrates the STAR Students from each of the county's high schools. To receive the honor, a high school senior must be in the top 10 percent of his or her class and earn the highest SAT score among his or her peers.

STAR Teachers are selected by the STAR Students as the teachers who inspired, challenged and encouraged them the most throughout their high school careers.