The Habersham County Board of Education honored two school employees Monday during their monthly meeting with the Peach State Credit Union Service Above Self and the Extra Mile Awards. These two awards are given to school faculty and staff who go “above and beyond” to improve the lives of Habersham County students.
The Habersham Central High School administration nominated business and computer science and yearbook teacher, Ms. Selena White, for the Extra Mile Award. She goes beyond expectations in helping the student body create and manage their yearbook, teaching students about design and ad sales in the class and producing award-winning yearbooks. Last year’s yearbook, titled “Uncharted,” was named the best yearbook in the state by the Georgia Scholastic Press Association.
“Mrs. White gives much time and energy into teaching her students all of
the steps in producing a yearbook,” BOE member Joey Duncan said. “Mrs. White deserves to be recognized as going ‘The Extra Mile’ as the yearbook teacher.”
Assistant Principal Kevin Weems at Cornelia Elementary nominated Grace Garcia, school custodian, for the Service Above Self Award. Garcia serves as not only a custodian dedicated to keeping Cornelia Elementary a safe place for students to enjoy, but also a translator and friend to the school’s English language learner (ELL) students.
“When Ms. Garcia sees a student who is struggling, she takes time away from her custodial duties to make sure that they are okay, consoles them and helps ensure that their needs are met,” BOE member Robert Barron said. “She helps our Spanish-speaking students express their needs in situations where the teacher does not know a second language. She also helps our teachers clarify instructions for our ELL students, improving their chances
for successfully accomplishing what has been asked of them.”
Garcia’s actions have helped students learning English thrive in their school, helping with communication in and out of the classroom.
“While it is not her job to provide translation services for teachers and students, she does so with enthusiasm and a desire to improve the educational environment for both,” Barron said. “Through it all, Ms. Garcia smiles and makes our students feel welcome and safe. The students know that they have someone who can make their voices heard even though they might not fully grasp the English language. Ms. Garcia has truly made Cornelia Elementary
‘her’ school.”
The Peach State Credit Union presented the awardees with gifts and a $100 gift card, as well as a certificate of their award.
