CCSD Earns Patriotic Employer Award

WOODSTOCK, GA — The Cherokee County School District has earned a national honor for its support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

The School District was nominated for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriotic Employer Award by Teasley Middle School Assistant Principal John Carter. The Award recognize employers for “policies and practices that facilitate employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.” Carter serves as a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve, and is a member of the 313th Army Band supporting the 81st Regional Support Command.

“I immensely appreciate CCSD’s support of my military service,” said Carter, who prior to beginning his service as a school administrator worked for CCSD as a school band teacher and director. “Last school year, as well as throughout my career with the school district, I have been met with nothing but support from this county. I know for a fact that many of my fellow soldiers do not enjoy the same level of support” from their employers.

The award recently was presented to CCSD by First Sgt. (Ret.) Thomas “Randy” Hardin, representing the Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. It was accepted on behalf of CCSD by Chief Human Resources Officer Rick Beaulieu and Director Adrian Thomason.

They will be recognized for this honor by Superintendent Dr. Brian Hightower and the Cherokee County School Board at the Jan. 18 meeting.

“We want every student to learn about our great nation’s history and the important role our military has played and continues to play in securing and preserving freedom at home and around our world,” said Dr. Hightower, a former history teacher. “Our employees who have served our country’s military, and those like Mr. Carter who continue to serve, play an important role in making these lessons real for our students. We appreciate our veterans and service members and are honored to employ them and humbled by this recognition.”

Photo: First Sgt. (Ret.) Thomas “Randy” Hardin, left, presents the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriotic Employer award to CCSD Office of Human Resources Director Dr. Adrian Thomason and Chief Human Resources Officer Rick Beaulieu. Teasley Middle School Assistant Principal John Carter, right, serves as a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve and nominated CCSD for the award. Credit: Cherokee County School District