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The Troup County School Board had a lot to celebrate this week. During Monday’s work session and Tuesday’s business meeting the school district recognized students, staff and board members. 

One of the highlights was undoubtedly the board recognizing Kitty Crawford. Crawford is the Director of Exception Education for Troup County schools. She also is this year’s recipient of the Lillie Moncus Special Education Administrator of the Year Award. The state-wide award is given to one administrator at the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education at their annual conference, which was held in Savannah this year. 

According to a board statement, the award is the highest honor a special education director can receive in Georgia. It is presented to someone with seven or more years in the role.

In a recommendation letter for the award, Dr. Rachel Hazel, TCSS Superintendent, stated that Crawford’s “dedication and commitment to students are unmatched. She is not only a key asset to our school system but also a believed figure in our entire town.” 

During the work session, the Daughter of the American Revolution essay contest winners were honored. Students from middle and high schools were given plaques to celebrate their winning essays. 

The room on Tuesday was even more packed, as high schoolers were in attendance for the annual Advance Placement Scholar recognitions. A list of the students honored can be found on the school district website under board meeting agendas.

Dr. Nigel Walker, principal of Ethel Kight Elementary, and Sarah Proctor, a 5th-grade teacher, were honored for their role in helping the school receive the A World in Motion (AWIM) STEM School Award. AWIM is a new initiative and the award is given to “schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to STEM education,” according to a school board statement.

The next staff recognition went to Chase Giddens, who was one of 48 teachers from across the country selected to participate in the Silent Heroes Program. 

The organization’s project, Untold Stories from the Korean War, aims to tell the story of underrepresented service members through classroom research. Giddens and his students, Yuri Kim and Asher Harrelson, will be researching U.S. Army Corporal Shigeru Ito and U.S. Air Force Corporal Shirley Jean Tinker Thomas for the project.