On July 31, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Back to School Celebration brought all 1400+ staff together for a high-energy, motivational kick-off to the 2024-25 school year at Oak Hill Church.
Student leaders welcomed the staff and were emcees for the event. Staff were encouraged and inspired by keynote speaker Ken Williams, nationally recognized trainer, speaker, coach, author and consultant in leadership and school culture. Ken who is known for his powerful and engaging combination of heart, humor and hammer encouraged staff to throw their students a rope and pull them up to grade level. He challenged staff to be laser focused like a junk yard dog and to not settle for less than excellence.
Staff showed off their dance moves with entertainment by Rupert’s Orchestra out of Atlanta, a 10-piece band featuring a dynamic horn section. This was a reminder to the staff that fun and hard work can go hand-in-hand. The band was a nice treat for staff provided by Partners In Education and the superintendent.
Jordan Hill Elementary Teacher Whitney Sullivan was revealed as the 2024-25 District Teacher of the Year and was surprised with a new 2024 Nissan Rogue to drive for a year, thanks to the district's partnership with Cronic Nissan! The Teacher of the Year 1st Runner-Up, Dr. Takiah Ogunlusi from Griffin High School, received a gift of $1,000 and 2nd Runner-Up, Amy Simpkins from Spalding High School, received a $500 gift.
More staff recognition occurred with the naming of the 2024 Classified Employees of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Media Specialist of the Year and Teachers of the Year. Congratulations to the following:
2024 GSCS Counselor of the Year – Dawn Burke, A.Z. Kelsey Academy
2024 GSCS Media Specialist of the Year – Leslie Benefield, Futral Road Elementary
2024 GSCS Classified Employees of the Year:
Nutrition – Aisha Brooks, Spalding High School
Technology – Cody Hammond
Maintenance – Mathew Gossett
Clerical – Avis Carney-Goggins, Anne Street Elementary
Transportation – Anita Green
Custodian – Ruby “Trina” Stinson, Rehoboth Road Middle School
Behavior Interventionist - Angaline Gatling, Moore Elementary
Paraprofessional – Rogena Fambro, Jordan Hill Elementary
Nurse – Jameelah Uqdah, Griffin High School
2024 School-Level Teachers of the Year: (Thank you to Coca-Cola for providing the Teacher of the Year plaques)
Anne Street Elementary - Allison Deason
Atkinson Elementary - Kandice Ison
Beaverbrook Elementary - Laura Love
Cowan Road Elementary - Ashley Allen
Crescent Elementary - Rachael Bama
Futral Road Elementary - Karen Grobbelaar
Jackson Road Elementary - Kimberly Blaine
Jordan Hill Elementary - Whitney Sullivan
Moore Elementary - Lisa Johnson
Moreland Road Elementary - Jefferia Raines
Orrs Elementary - Alica Best
Carver Road Middle - Courtney Bridges
Cowan Road Middle - Karen Martin
Kennedy Road Middle - Lawanda Campbell
Rehoboth Road Middle - Charles Bean
Griffin High School – Dr. Takiah Ogunlusi
Spalding High School - Amy Simpkins
A. Z. Kelsey Academy - Lisa Henderson
Mainstay Academy - Nick Fortenberry
GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons stated, “The purpose of the Back-to-School Celebration is to highlight and recognize the great work that our employees, in all classifications, are able to do. It also serves as a “NorthStar” giving all staff the common message that we have the talent to educate the students of Griffin-Spalding the way they need to be educated. I am excited about the enthusiasm that was demonstrated and the feedback that was shared concerning the celebration. Mostly, I am excited about welcoming back the students on August 5th and finalizing the partnership between the school system, school community and students. It is going to be a remarkable year.”
Partners In Education Food Depot, Chamber of Commerce, Brightmoor Hospice, Georgia Banking Company, United Bank, Claxton Hobbs/U-Save-It Pharmacy, The Pink Buffalo Boutique and UGA-Griffin donated gift cards and gift baskets to 25 lucky staff members. Thank you to all community partners who helped make this event great, especially Oak Hill Church for their generosity, hospitality and support!