Superintendent of Schools Presents Four Inaugural "Game Changer Awards" [2]
Superintendent of Schools Presents Four Inaugural "Game Changer Awards" [2]
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower has recognized the first class of recipients of an inaugural award he describes as his most important honor for Cherokee County School District employees.
The “Superintendent’s Game Changer Award” will honor four outstanding recipients annually, with one award each for the following categories: Instructional Leadership, to recognize a CCSD administrator; Instructional Excellence, to recognize a CCSD classroom teacher; Instructional Support, to recognize a CCSD employee with a support role; and Instructional Advocacy, to recognize a CCSD employee or community member.
“We are dedicated to continuous improvement of classroom instruction – teaching is our primary responsibility and what we’re called to do to serve our community,” Dr. Hightower said. “I strongly believe that recognizing excellence not only honors the very worthy recipients, but also inspires all of our team members by showing them who are the role models in their field they can look to as leaders, mentors and visionaries.”
The inaugural 2017 awards were presented to:
Instructional Leadership: Susan McCarthy, CCSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs
Instructional Excellence: Heather Phillips, Dean Rusk Middle School teacher
Instructional Support: Sandi Adams, CCSD Technology Project Specialist
Instructional Advocacy: Lisa-Marie Haygood, longtime PTA volunteer and leader
The surprise presentations were made in front of audiences of their peers, with Ms. McCarthy recognized at a school improvement leadership meeting; Ms. Phillips recognized at her school’s faculty meeting; Ms. Adams recognized at a CCSD Technology department meeting; and Ms. Haygood recognized at a School Board Meeting packed with parents and families. Live videos from the presentations were streamed on CCSD’s Facebook page, where they remain posted for the community to enjoy.
“We have top-notch educators and advocates throughout our community, so it wasn’t easy to select just four honorees,” Dr. Hightower said. “I look forward to presenting these awards every year and further encouraging our employees to rise up in our shared mission of ‘Educating the Emerging Generation.’”
Each recipient received a bouquet and a rosewood plaque featuring a specially made medallion bearing CCSD’s logo, their name and the name of the award and recognition as “A Leader Among Leaders.”