Recognitions for students and staff members highlighted the Morgan County Board of Education meeting on Dec. 9.
Morgan County High School’s competition cheerleaders were recognized for placing third in the AA state competition — the program’s best finish in school history. The team also won the region championship this season.
The team includes head competition coach Leslie Watkins, assistant competition coach Kali Cline, Kirsten Arnold, Izzy Cobb, Hallie Davis, Adi Kuntz, Lily Peters, Gracie Phelps, Braxtyn Benton, Caroline Jenkins, Makinley Lancaster, Mara Osti-Moss, Savannah Jones, Anna Belle Meeler, Kaylee Lunsford, Emily O’Neal, Laney Tillery, Emily Thomas, and Cadence Wehunt.
Benton, Davis, Jenkins, Kuntz, Lancaster, Lunsford, O’Neal, Peters, Thomas, and Tillery were also named to the AA all-region team.
Coach Watkins said the team battled adversity early in the season with many injuries but worked hard to persevere.
“These girls had a tough time, but they really, really pushed through and came together the two weeks going into region and finally found the rhythm that they needed,” she said. “These girls could be the top AA [team] if they wanted to be, and they just had to prove it to themselves. They showed out at the region; we hosted sectionals, and they showed out. We came back the week after [sectionals] and just fixed little things, and they put on a solid performance at state and ended up in the top three. Our goal was always top six to make the floor, then you want to hear your name called out at top four. We were hoping for at least [top four], so we were amazed when we heard top three. They went up against a couple of competitive AA teams, and they put up a solid routine, so I’m very proud of them.”
The BOE also recognized the winners of VFW Post 2557’s annual essay contests, including the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest and the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.
For the Patriot’s Pen, VFW leaders accepted written essays from middle schoolers based on the theme “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” For the Voice of Democracy, the VFW accepted audio essays from high schoolers based on the theme “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”
Winners for the Patriot’s Pen included Natalie Hayes, first place; Chyler Scherer, second place; Anna Cousins, third place; and Jenna Kalland, fourth place.
Winners for the Voice of Democracy included Camryn Scherer, first place, and Michelle Pastrana-Cruz, second place.
The VFW also recognized a teacher from each school for regularly teaching citizenship education topics and effectively promoting American history and traditions. The Citizenship Education Teacher Award winners included Virginia Kiepper of Morgan County Primary, Miranda Johnson of Morgan County Elementary, Melissa Brown of Morgan County Middle, and Steven Bullard of Morgan County High.
The school system’s communications department also received the Silver Award from the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) for its annual report, “Learn. Lead. Thrive.”
According to the school system, GSPRA’s Publication Awards celebrate outstanding efforts in sharing impactful stories and fostering community engagement through exceptional publications, photography, electronic media, campaigns, strategic communications, and more.
During the meeting, the BOE also recognized Chief Financial Officer Nancy Willis, who served her last meeting before retirement.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with you,” Superintendent Dr. Virgil Cole told her. “You’re a steady, behind-the-scenes person, and you just do your job and do it well. We’ve been very fortunate to have you, and I’ve really enjoyed working with you the last several years, but I wish you well and the best as you move forward.”