Blackburn receives Extra Mile Award

Michelle Blackburn, Social Worker at Baldwin Elementary School, received the Extra Mile Award for December at the Habersham County Board of Education meeting. She was nominated by Vicki Wade, who said Blackburn’s “Extra Mile” of service was in the area of “helping families in need.”

To encourage good attendance habits, Wade said, Blackburn has met with parents concerning student attendance. She helped Banks County parents complete the necessary paperwork for their children’s school attendance at Baldwin. Blackburn also helped the school’s counselor to get acquainted with the school and the families she would serve.

On several occasions, Wade said, Blackburn rose “above the call of duty” in helping families with needs. She visited homes of students and helped meet needs in the areas of clothing, good hygiene habits, running water, power, and adequate food.

On one occasion, Wade said, Blackburn was asked by a student’s mother if “she could help her with getting her house clean and in order.” Wade said Blackburn left the school, went home, changed clothes, then went to help the mother. Blackburn said she is “always willing to help someone who asks and is in need.”

Wade said “we would like Mrs. Blackburn to be recognized for the help she gives to our families in need.”