TCBOE Recognizes Student & Staff Excellence
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
The Toombs County Board of Education recognized both outstanding students and teachers during their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 9.
Recognitions began with three standout seniors, who were acknowledged for their commitment to their studies and academic success. Valedictorian Madison Ho, Salutatorian Caley Anna Braddock, and STAR Student and Georgia Scholar Charles Aidan Barton all received commemorative plaques from Toombs County High School Principal Marissa Morris to congratulate them for these honors.
“We had the distinct honor of recognizing these outstanding students who have exemplified academic excellence and leadership throughout their high school journey. They have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, embodying the values of our school community and inspiring their peers along the way,” Superintendent Barry Waller remarked. “As we celebrate these remarkable students, we also recognize the dedication and support of our educators, families, and community members who have played a vital role in their success.”
In addition to this, several employees retiring from the school system were recognized and thanked for their service to Toombs County Schools. These retirees included Ginger Harrison, Lorie Tillman, and Sandra Floyd from Toombs Central Elementary School; Jan Zorn from Lyons Primary School; Kim Hamilton, Ann Murphy, Gina Bell, and Angie Wilds from Lyons Upper Elementary School; Sheila Braddy, Donald Parker, Rusty Wright, and Don Mims from Toombs County Middle School; Suzanne Smith and Deborah Fountain from Toombs County High School; and Renee Garbutt and Rita Howard from the Toombs County Board of Education.
“Congratulations to our retirees on reaching this significant milestone,” Waller shared. “Their hard work, passion, and dedication have been instrumental in creating a school system that demonstrates ‘Excellence for ALL.’ We extend our deepest gratitude for their commitment to education and wish them a fulfilling and joyful retirement ahead.”
During the business portion of the meeting, several personnel recommendations were accepted. Herron Gardner was hired as a Toombs County High School teacher and coach, while Nikki Wilson was approved as a school food and nutrition worker at Lyons Primary School. Martasia Burton, Madison Farrow, Danielle Turoski, and April Stafford were also hired to join Lyons Primary School as paraprofessionals for the upcoming school year.
Lyons Upper Elementary School Teacher Magen Pope’s resignation was accepted by the Board, and retirements became official for Toombs County High School School Records Clerk Deborah Fountain, Toombs County Board of Education School Records director Rita Howard, and Lyons Primary School Migrant Paraprofessional Jan
Zorn. The Board authorized the Toombs County High School Technology Student Association (TSA) to attend the organization’s national conference in Orlando, Florida, on June 25-30, and approved the Toombs County Middle and High Schools’ athletic and extracurricular supplement scales for the upcoming school year.
In his Superintendent’s report, Waller reminded the Board of three important dates – the last day of school on May 17, graduation on May 18, and a public vote on a one-cent Education Special Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) during the local and state primary election on May 21. He congratulated the Toombs County High School Boys Soccer Team on their recent state championship, and complimented the district’s schools and staff on how well they handled the emergency situations during the inclement weather on May 9. Waller informed the Board that Board Member Mitch Bellflower would serve as the group’s Georgia School Board Association (GSBA) delegate during the state conference on June 7, and that Board Member Josh Dixon had agreed to serve as Bellflower’s alternate should he not be able to attend.
The next meeting of the Toombs County Board of Education will be Monday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at the Board Meeting room within Toombs County High School.
STAR STUDENT & GEORGIA SCHOLAR – Charles Aidan Barton (left) was recognized by the Toombs County Board of Education and Toombs County High School Principal Marissa Morris (right) for being named the district’s STAR Student and a Georgia Scholar. Barton earned this award by having the highest SAT score within those in the Top 10% of the Class of 2024 at his school.
VALEDICTORIAN – Madison Ho (left) was recognized by the Toombs County Board of Education and Toombs County High School Principal Marissa Morris (right) for being the Class of 2024 Valedictorian.
SALUTATORIAN – Caley Anna Braddock (left) was recognized by the Toombs County Board of Education and Toombs County High School Principal Marissa Morris (right) for being the Class of 2024 Salutatorian.
