Partners, Volunteers Of The Year Named By Cherokee Schools

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — The Cherokee County School District celebrated school community partners and volunteers at the annual recognition ceremony held Thursday night.

The ceremony honored a partner of the year and a volunteer of the year for each individual school and center. The evening included the surprise announcement of the winners selected from the pool of 79 honorees.

The Laurel Canyon Optimist Club, the district's Preschool Centers’ Partner of the Year, was named the 2022 Partner of the Year, and Peter Gleichman, the Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy Volunteer of the Year, was named the 2022 Volunteer of the Year.

“We need you. We respect you. We’re so glad you’re with us,” Superintendent Brian Hightower said, as he congratulated the auditorium filled with outstanding volunteers and partner businesses and organizations. “The time, talent and treasure you share are valuable beyond measure. We appreciate you and thank you.”

The recognition ceremony was sponsored by the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness for the district. The ceremony included tributes and the presentation of plaques by the superintendent and school board members to all honorees, who were joined at the event by their families, principals of the schools that they support and other special guests.

After the winners were announced, excerpts were shared from the nomination letters submitted by the principals. A committee of retired educators and community leaders selected the winners from the pool of nominees.

The Partner of the Year, Laurel Canyon Optimist Club, was recognized for its contributions of volunteer hours as reading buddies and supporters of other programs, as well as for its financial support of projects ranging from purchasing new playground equipment to adding books for classroom libraries.

“Many members of the Laurel Canyon Optimist Club have years of experience in education. Some were teachers, curriculum directors and former administrators. As such, they understand how much teachers give of themselves and understand the importance of supporting students and assisting in pouring the foundation for our littlest learners - academically, socially and emotionally,” Principal Debbie Ritter said in her nomination. “They support our centers by donating materials, supplies and their time. Their team takes pride in preparing a project to support the arts in the areas of fine art and music, and work with a lead teacher to support current curricular goals. The children look forward to these monthly visits and love their time with these ‘grandparent figures,’ whether it's getting a hug, hearing a story, or spending time with a friendly face.”

The Volunteer of the Year, Peter Gleichman was recognized for his strong support for Hasty, both as an individual and as a leader in the Rotary Club of Canton, the school’s Partner of the Year. He is a volunteer, giving his time for events like Trunk or Treat, as well as weekly opportunities like serving as a class journal buddy to listen to students share their writing.

“Peter Gleichman is the volunteer of volunteers,” Principal Maria Rosario-Regan said. “He not only looks for ways to serve our Hasty community, but he is committed to recruiting others to serve alongside him. As a member of the Rotary Club of Canton, he incessantly advocates for support of Hasty and works to engage more members in service opportunities to help prepare our students to be successful in their current world and their future society. If we all gave back to our community like Mr. Peter gives back to Hasty, our world would be an even better place.”

A website honors school-level and overall winners every week, a different school Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year will be featured on social media platforms.