The state Department of Education turned to DeKalb recording sensation Silento to persuade Georgia students taking the NAEP test to try their best on it, even though it doesn’t count toward class grades.

A graduate of Redan High School, Silento, 19, is a rapper and songwriter who shot to fame with his debut single “Watch Me” (Whip/Nae Nae.) His real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk.

DOE deserves kudos for seeing the potential of “Nae, Nae” and “NAEP, NAEP,” an idea advanced by the fact someone in the agency knew Silento’s aunt.

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More Georgia students could be prohibited from using their smartphones and other devices in school if Gov. Brian Kemp signs a bill that has now passed the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate. (AP file photo)

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe, joined at center by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, testifies as the Senate Intelligence Committee holds its worldwide threats hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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