BOE honors Wacona pair

Two staffers at Wacona Elementary recently were honored as Ware County’s Golden Achievement Award winners for January.

Mindy Pearson, Instructional Coach, was named the Certified Golden Achievement winner while Reflection Room Paraprofessional Brittany Cribb was chosen Classified Golden Achievement honoree. Principal Jeri Ray recognized Pearson and Cribb during a recent meeting of the Ware County Board of Education.

In introducing Pearson, Ray said: “ ... As Wacona’s Instructional Coach, Mrs. Pearson exemplifies expertise, passion, and dedication to the growth and success of our staff and students. Mrs. Pearson consistently goes above and beyond her job description, providing unparalleled support to teachers and staff. She plays a critical role in helping teachers collect and analyze student data, identify effective teaching strategies, and find supplemental resources to enhance student learning. Her efforts empower our educators to provide tailored and impactful instruction that meets the diverse needs of our students.

“In addition to her invaluable guidance in instructional strategies, she is known as our ‘technology guru’ at Wacona. Her deep knowledge of innovative tech solutions has been a tremendous asset to enhancing our teaching and learning. Mrs. Pearson also serves as the NEST (New Educator Support Team) Coordinator, offering vital assistance to new teachers as they adjust to their roles and become acclimated to Wacona’s culture of excellence. Her guidance ensures that every new teacher feels supported and equipped to succeed.

“Beyond her professional expertise, Mrs. Pearson brings a personal touch that makes Wacona Elementary a vibrant and welcoming environment. From her endless supply of chocolate to her creative flair in decorating and organizing school events, she makes every occasion spe-cial and memorable. ... Mrs. Pearson’s impact is immeasurable, and her dedication to our school community is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Of Cribb, Ray said: “Ms. Cribb has consistently demonstrated excellence, dedication, and professionalism in every aspect of her role. Ms. Cribb is not only a dependable and trustworthy professional but also a proactive problem- solver. Her ability to take initiative has transformed our Reflection Room into a resounding success.

“By providing targeted instruction and support, she has created a nurturing environment where students can learn and thrive. Ms. Cribb takes the time to understand the students’ individual needs, tailoring her approach to ensure each student receives the guidance and encouragement necessary to succeed.”

Ray also spoke of the honoree’s reliability.

“Ms. Cribb is also a cornerstone of reliability within our school. She consistently follows through on tasks with a high level of expertise, ensuring every responsibility is handled thoroughly and effectively. Her commitment to excellence is matched by her flexibility and willingness to assist wherever she is needed, demonstrating a true team-oriented spirit.

“Her contributions have not only elevated the Reflection Room but have also enriched the lives of our students and staff.”