When the unexpected happens, ordinary people are inspired to act in extraordinary ways that can help our students feel supported and heard, ease their pain and even save their lives. Throughout the years, several awards have been established to recognize the teachers, paraprofessionals and staff from the City Schools of Decatur who have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to help a student in need.
Clarence Strickland Award
The Clarence Strickland Make a Difference Award recognizes a school system employee who steps in at a critical moment to help a student in need; who shows intuitive care and compassion to ensure a student’s health and safety. The award is named in honor of Clarence Strickland, longtime CSD employee and head custodian at Decatur High School, who was the first recipient of the award.
Award Criteria:
- Nominee must be a CSD employee
- Must show care, commitment and compassion to our youth
- Preference given to employees who may be less likely to be recognized (support staff, paraprofessionals, etc.)
Nomination
Recipients will be recognized at the Teacher’s Opening Day in July 2024. Nomination form here.
Miles Above Award
The Miles Above Award was established in 2021 by Sam and Leah Jenness to honor their son’s kindergarten teacher, Laura Pitts, who acted with extraordinary kindness and bravery in the face of tragedy. Miles’ life was taken too early in 2018 when he was involved in a fatal car accident. The award will be given annually to a pre-K-third grade teacher, paraprofessional or CSD staff person who goes “miles above” their job description in showing extraordinary kindness in caring for and teaching young children in challenging circumstances in or out of the classroom.
Nomination
This award will also be presented at Opening Day in July 2024. CSD employees, parents and community members can nominate a pre-K through 5th grade teacher, paraprofessional or CSD staff person for this award. Funds raised in Miles’ memory will be used. Please click here for the nomination form.