CCSD Game Changer Award Presented To Avery Elementary Principal

CANTON, GA — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower on Tuesday presented the first of his annual awards for instructional excellence. The surprise presentation of a Superintendent’s 2018 Game Changer Award was made to Avery Elementary School Principal Dr. Lisa Turner before a room full of her fellow administrators and district leaders.

“She is a young leader, but already an inspiration to others,” Dr. Hightower said of Dr. Turner, who is in her third year as principal at Avery.

Dr. Hightower also praised her courage and work ethic, noting her willingness to partner with the Offices of Curriculum & Instruction and School Operations on pilot programs to improve teaching and learning.

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“She exhibits strong instructional leadership, and is very deserving of this honor, which I consider my premier award,” the superintendent added.

Dr. Turner was recognized for Instructional Leadership – one of the four categories of the Game Changer Awards that Dr. Hightower began last school year and are presented annually in the spring. The other categories, for which one award each will be presented later this month, will recognize a classroom teacher for Instructional Excellence, an employee with a support role for Instructional Support and an employee or community member for Instructional Advocacy.

Dr. Turner, who received a standing ovation from her colleagues, said she was overwhelmed by the honor.

“It’s about the people we serve,” Dr. Turner said as to what drives her commitment to instructional excellence. “I hope I can be all that you want me to be and the leadership that Cherokee County expects. I’ve been all over the country, and I’ve never seen leadership like I’ve seen in Cherokee. It’s such a privilege to serve.”

PHOTO 1: Dr. Hightower presents the first 2018 Game Changer Award of the year to Avery Elementary School Principal Dr. Lisa Turner.

PHOTO 2: Dr. Turner thanks Dr. Hightower for the award and praises her colleagues in her remarks.

PHOTO 3: Dr. Turner, left, is surprised by the honor, as colleagues including Bascomb Elementary School Principal Kathleen Chandler cheer and then stood for a standing ovation.

Images via Cherokee County School District