Oak Grove Parent Given State Leadership Award

An Oak Grove Elementary School parent was among six individuals who were awarded the 2014 Georgia Parent Leadership Award.

Kimberly Fisher, a member of the PTA at Oak Grove Elementary School, was given the award, which was created by the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia PTA to "recognize parents for their outstanding leadership in creating a foundation of support for student achievement and success," according to a press release from the state education department.

Other winners include: Gail Bouie of West Bainbridge Elementary School, Decatur County Schools; Mariana Hernandez-Goodwin of Kanoheda Elementary School, Gwinnett County Schools; Karen Preble of St. Marys Elementary School, Camden County Schools; Edward Richardson of Floyd Middle School, Cobb County Schools; and Laura Shyman of Tapp Middle School, Cobb County Schools.

"We know that when parents are actively engaged in their child’s education that students do better in school and are more successful in future grades," said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. "I sincerely appreciate these parents for their leadership and involvement in the education of the students in their communities."

Each award recipient was recognized today during the 2014 Georgia Family Engagement Conference. 

Leaders are nominated in November during the state's Parent Engagement Month by public school personnel. Any caregiver who has assumed the responsibility for "nurturing and caring for a student’s entire well-being consisting of educational, emotional, spiritual and physical health is eligible for the honor," the state said. 

The awards are given to six individuals from both Title I or non-Title I schools. Parents from all school levels are eligible to be nominated.