Board celebrates student delegates, award winners and honors longtime trustee and retiring staff

The Cherokee County School Board used the bulk of its Aug. 21 meeting to honor students, staff and community members for recent achievements and service.

Vice chair Patsy Jordan introduced a tribute to former board member Max Stansell, praising his 24 years on the board and long record of community service. The board also recognized Special Olympics gold medalists across soccer, cheer, flag football, swimming and track, thanking coordinator Ben Farris and numerous volunteer coaches and unified partners.

Staff and presenters highlighted a range of additional honors: a national gold medal at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America conference (Bailey German, Cherokee High School); River Ridge High School’s career-pathway program earning healthcare industry certification; Georgia PTA awards for outstanding educators and volunteers; and several coaches and teams for state championships. The board introduced its student delegates for the year, listing delegates and their home schools and noting their advisory role to the board.

In remarks late in the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Davis and others acknowledged the retirement of longtime technology department staffer Chris Saxon and noted the board had authorized the retirement of Mike McGowan after 29 years of district and state service. The superintendent and chair invited public thanks and recognition for their careers.

The recognitions segment concluded with applause and a brief recess; no public participants were signed up for comment after the recess.