Kort Brown-Saddle Ridge Middle School

This is Kort Brown and this is his "Be Positive" story. Kort shared with his mother a story about something he noticed during a walk around the neighborhood. He came upon what he thought was an abandoned house when he noticed a gentleman outside mowing the grass from the confines of his wheelchair. Kort felt the need to ask if he could mow the grass for him. The gentleman required that Kort ask permission from his mom prior to beginning and then they would discuss a price. Kort received permission and returned to talk with the homeowner prior to beginning. He learned that his neighbor was 78 years old and worked at the local mill for much of his life. Kort's negotiation was that he would only do this on a weekly basis if he could do it for free. A random act of kindness that has now blossomed into a new friendship.

LHS Golf Team

The LaFayette High School Golf team recently played in a tournament supporting the Child's Advocacy Center in Walker County. The team finished in First Place and was presented with a prize money check of $300. The team, realizing the importance of the work performed by the Children's Advocacy Center, donated their prize money back to the organization for their use. Their performance is to be acknowledged; however, their generosity, character, and kindness are to be celebrated!

Erica Couey-RHS

Ms. Couey was nominated and presented $500 for the "Do the Right Thing" award from WDEF News 12. The link is attached for your viewing pleasure. Congratulations!

James Baker-Maintenance & Operations

James Baker is one of our staff at the Maintenance Department. He is one of the hardest-working people I have ever met. When he sets his mind to something, he goes at it full force until the job is done and done well. He is always working and always moving. Mr. Jones was asked if we had any work that a special needs young man could do in our department, so he asked James if he would be willing to work with this young man. James accepted, knowing that it would be a challenge for him personally because he never slows down. I have watched James work with this young man since school started and I am in awe of his efforts. He is so good with him and treats him with such kindness. He does not just give him a job to do and send him on his way, he teaches him and guides him, not just with job-related things, but with life lessons and skills that will hopefully help him outside of work. I just felt like someone should know what an amazing job James Baker does for Walker County Schools and for this young man.

Ms. Juanita Foster-RMS

Ms. Foster is completing her 65th year serving in public education and tomorrow will celebrate her 88th birthday. She stated that three things drive her each day; her spiritual well-being, her physical well-being, and her social well-being. She loves to walk each day once she gets home and she definitely loves being around her students and colleagues at school. Some comments mentioned about Ms. Foster:

*She is an inspiration to those around her

*She always has a smile on her face

*She looks for the best in everyone around her

*She never misses work

Congratulations to Ms. Foster for her amazing dedication and service to the students of Walker County Schools!

Ms. Angie Ingram

"Winner of the Phil Pickens Leadership Award"

https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/catoosa_walker_news/walker-educator-ears-phil-pickens-leadership-award/article_f101aa9c-220b-11ec-adda-bf9ef6db9fc9.html

Congratulations to Ms. Ingram for her amazing dedication and service to the students of Walker County Schools. She is a consistent exemplar of what is positive in public education and a true servant leader.

Hagan Patterson-Chattanooga Valley Middle School

Recently, CVMS 7th grader Hagan Patterson (left), noticed that his lunch buddy Connor Elliott was having a tough time at lunch. Hagan stopped in the hall to listen to his friend's troubles and help reassure him that everything would be ok. It was so kind and brave!

We are proud of Hagan's ability to show kindness and support for another student. He embodies the spirit of CVMS and works every day to be a positive presence in our school community.

Hagan and Connor are pictured with CVMS principal Mr. Wade Breeden. Congratulations for this Intentional Act of Kindness!

Ms. Kelli Bruning-Cherokee Ridge Elementary School

Ms. Kelli Burning is a first-grade teacher at CRES. She has been a source of positivity for students and staff since she has been at our school. This year Ms. Bruning has a student in her room that was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. This news was devastating to this young man's family as well as his school family. Ms. Bruning leads the charge to maintain a positive environment for all her students, especially for this special young man. Ms. Bruning has made every effort to include this student in every event and celebration that goes on in the classroom while he is away undergoing treatment. She has placed a stuffed monkey that sits in his seat and the student has a monkey with him while he is away. When the student comes through the car rider line to pick up his sibling, Ms. Bruning and other teachers and students are waiting outside with signs cheering and waving to him; his smile is priceless. Ms. Bruning has gone above and beyond to make sure this student knows he is loved and a valued member of her classroom no matter where he is located. We are so thankful to have her on our CRES team! #battlelikebilly

Ms. Lynn Duble-Chattanooga Valley Middle School

Ms. Duble teaches health and physical education at Chattanooga Valley Middle School. She was described as "an absolute ray of sunshine" every day and is always doing her best to uplift coworkers and the students she interacts with in her classroom and throughout the building. She is admired for her passion for life and for being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Miss Allie Knight-Ridgeland High School Project Search

Allie is one of our interns this year working at CHI-Memorial Georgia through Project Search. Her supervisor was so impressed with how she volunteered to help one of her co-workers with a task list that they could not complete. Allie graciously offered her assistance with a smile on her face and the job was completed. "It is wonderful to see our interns help one another!"

Miss Elizabeth Dukes-Chattanooga Valley Middle School

Miss Elizabeth is one of our sixth-grade students at Chattanooga Valley Middle School. She was described as a young lady with a love for learning and a zest for life. She approaches every day with a welcoming smile and a positive attitude towards school, teachers, other students. Her positivity is definitely contagious.

Joe Hegwood-LaFayette High School

Educators love to see students who embrace learning and strive to do their very best. They get even more excited when students take that passion for learning and reach out to offer assistance to another student who may be struggling with a concept or portion of the learning. Joe has taken it upon himself to offer this help to a fellow student. He assists him with assignments, offers praise when he comments during class discussions, and encourages him when he is struggling with a concept or new idea. Joe has gone out of his way to make this experience positive for himself and his new friend. Joe's positivity and selflessness are very impressive and definitely contagious!

Ms. Amy Dotson-Chattanooga Valley Elementary School

I would like to nominate Mrs. Dotson at CVE. She teaches my son. As a mom, we can all relate to dropping off our child in the carline and them getting out upset or sad. This was the case today as my son’s helicopter he built broke inside his backpack that he was bringing in to show his teacher. It broke my heart to see him get out so sad and I wondered would anyone notice and how the rest of his day would go. I sent a simple message to his teacher to let me know if she needed me! And this was her reply: “We totally used this as a teachable moment!

We got it out of his backpack and fixed it so it would spin. I told him that no one else would know that wasn’t just right. I showed the class what he had made. We told the class about how he had to follow certain steps. We just started writing “how-to” stories this week; it was perfect! He told us what materials he needed and how he made it; crisis averted!”

As a teacher myself, I was impressed by how she took something so small and tied it to the curriculum to make this a learning experience. As a mom, I was blown away by how she took my tiny issue and went above and beyond to ensure he had a positive day. By doing so, she made my day positive as well! Thanks, Mrs. Dotson for treating my son like one of your own! I know it wasn’t on the lesson plan today, but some of the most important things teachers do, never are!

Thanks for putting relationships first!

Mr. Barry Taylor-Rossville Elementary School

Barry Taylor has been a long-time parent of a Walker County student, but this year, after his retirement, has joined our school system as a Kindergarten Paraprofessional. This has been one of the greatest and smoothest transitions I have ever witnessed. Mr. Taylor jumped right in and started building relationships with our students. We have students arrive with all types of trauma, students that come with zero English language, and students who come loved and ready to learn. Sometimes it is hard to meet all those diverse needs; however, he is everything they need. He is consistent; he is firm, but he is so compassionate. He shows up every day with a smile on his face and unmatched positivity. It doesn't matter what kind of day we have or how many bumps we may hit during the day; he still keeps smiling and keeps on working and guiding our children. Even while his wife is battling cancer for the second time, he keeps showing up and pushing our kids to new heights while loving them unconditionally. He represents exactly what our students need, especially those who may not have that father figure in their life.

Thank you Mr. Taylor for showing up and always being positive! You are exactly what our students need and you are WHO they will remember!

Master Andrew Lemons-LaFayette High School

Congratulations to Andrew Lemons (LHS Senior) for winning the 14th Congressional App Challenge (second year in a row)! His school and organization fundraising app, Propulsion, was selected as this year's winner. Andrew, along with his family, attended an award ceremony in Rome recently to receive the honor. Propulsion will be on display at the U.S. Capitol for one year!

Andrew is also an experienced drummer and rocked the halftime show during football season with his portion of the LHS band's performance.

Congratulations Andrew and thank you for your hard work and dedication.

https://greene.house.gov/media/press-releases/announcement-winner-2021-congressional-app-challenge-georgias-14th-district

Amazing Students with Bright Futures

Congratulations to Riley Marshall; Rambler Band, for being selected to the GEMA All-State Band recently! What an amazing accomplishment and validation of many years of hard work and personal dedication. Very proud of you!

Amazing Students with Bright Futures

Congratulations to the 2022 Georgia All- State Art Symposium finalists. These Ridgeland High School students were chosen as part of the top 100 artists from over 1,600 entries. What an amazing accomplishment and validation of many years of hard work and dedication. Very proud of you!

Ms. Rhonda Murphy-Consultation & Evaluation Center (CEC)

Ms. Rhonda Murphy works as our Vision Support Specialist. Along with her regular duties, she jumped in these last few weeks and substituted at Rock Spring and Chattanooga Valley Elementary Schools' Pre-K classrooms as well as at Project Search. She also volunteers to help out at Ridgeland High School with ACT testing each year. She assists one of our students by providing in-home support for the student and family in the evenings and on the weekends. She always has a smile on her face and always shares a kind word with anyone who crosses her path. She is a true unsung hero and a great example and recipient of the nomination for the Be Positive Wall of Fame. Congratulations!