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Superintendent’s Game Changer Awards

game changer medallion

The Superintendent of Schools' "Premier Awards" Annually Recognizing Instructional Excellence

2024 Awards

Instructional Excellence: Hal Funderburk

The 2024 Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools’ Game Changer Award for Instructional Excellence honors an Etowah High Sch

The 2024 Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools’ Game Changer Award for Instructional Excellence honors an Etowah High School educator!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower today presented the award to Etowah High School media specialist Hal Funderburk in recognition of his work to support more effective use of instructional technology.

Four Game Changer awards are presented by Dr. Hightower each year; the Instructional Leadership, Instructional Support and Instructional Advocacy honors were awarded earlier this winter.  Each honoree receives a special plaque to celebrate the recognition.

“In a short time, Hal has helped Eagle Mountain with adopting instructional technology to support teachers’ blended learning,” Dr. Hightower said.  “He’s positively changing teaching and learning as we add more laptops to our schools for a 1:1 at-school model.”

Prior to joining CCSD in 2022, Mr. Funderburk taught audio video tech and film Career Pathway classes in Cobb and Fulton County schools for 14 years and twice was named Teacher of the Year.

The presentation was made at a faculty meeting, where Mr. Funderburk’s wife, Lisa, the school’s instructional lead strategist also enjoyed the surprise, along with Principal Robert Horn.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower today presented the award to Etowah High School media specialist Hal Funderb

Instructional Support: Chief Buster Cushing

CCSD Police Chief Buster Cushing

CCSD Police Chief Buster Cushing, who joined CCSD four and a half years ago after a successful career with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, was praised for his work to ensure a safe environment for students and teachers.

“You really do change the game and we appreciate you,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “This award is about improving learning for kids and safety and security is a critically important part of that.”

Chief Cushing, who has made numerous improvements to the department’s operations including adding elementary school police officers and expanding crisis alert and other security systems, thanked Dr. Hightower for the honor.

“It was a big transition for me to come from the sheriff’s office here, and I had to learn a lot,” he said.  “It was the greatest move I’ve made in my professional career.  I love what I do and the people I work with.”

CCSD Police Chief Buster Cushing

Instructional Leadership: Dr. Lyn Turnell

Dr. Lyn Turnell, CCSD’s director of student assessment

Dr. Hightower praised Dr. Lyn Turnell, CCSD’s director of student assessment, for her leadership in CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction and expertise in analyzing student assessment data to improve teaching and learning.

“They just don’t come any better,” he said of Dr. Turnell, who has served in her current role since 2019.  “The job she does is second to none, and she’s very respected in our district and our state.”

Dr. Turnell, who grew up in the community and began her career as a teacher before advancing to administrator roles including Etowah High School assistant principal, said she was honored by the recognition.

“I love the work I get to do every day to support our students and teachers,” she said.

Dr. Lyn Turnell, CCSD’s director of student assessment

Instructional Advocacy: Gwen Freeman

The 2024 Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools’ Game Changer Award for Instructional Advocacy recognizes a longtime famil

The 2024 Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools’ Game Changer Award for Instructional Advocacy recognizes a longtime family engagement leader!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower presented the honor to Gwen Freeman, CCSD’s family and community services facilitator.

A 17-year member of the CCSD team, Ms. Freeman currently leads family and community engagement for the district’s recently opened International Welcome Center after many successful years as a school-based parent engagement facilitator.

“I appreciate all the advocacy she has done on behalf of our families,” Dr. Hightower said.  “She has been such a tireless advocate on behalf of the school district and the students and the families that we serve.  We love you and appreciate you.”

In her current role, Ms. Freeman enrolls CCSD students who are new residents of the U.S. and leads orientation programs for their families.  She ensures families understand CCSD’s expectations for their student and the resources available to help their student succeed.  She engages community partners as needed to support the student’s overall successful adjustment to life in a new country and community.

Ms. Freeman said she is thankful for everyone she has “had the honor of working with” during her career.

“I love doing what I do, which is why I’ve stayed for 17 years,” she said.  “This means a lot to me.  It reminds me that every sacrifice is worth it.”

 

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2023 Superintendent's Game Changer Awards

2022 Superintendent's Game Changer Awards

2021 Superintendent's Game Changer Awards

2020 Superintendent's Game Changer Awards

2019 Superintendent's Game Changer Awards

2018 Superintendent's Game Changer Awards

2017 Superintendent's Game Changer Awards