The more you put into something, most likely, the more you will get out of it.

That statement, without a doubt, portrays the work ethic of Dianne Mayfield.

For the past 30 years, Mayfield has been an instructor of business and office technology at Dawson County High School, as well as an advisor for a co-curricular program known as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

At the FBLA state conference in March, Mayfield was recognized and named as Advisor for the Year of District 9, which is made up of seven counties including neighboring Gilmer and Pickens.

“Being an advisor for this student organization has made my teaching career very rewarding,” Mayfield said.

“Anytime that you receive recognition from your peers, it means so much and makes everything you do worth while,” she said.

Keith Porter, associate superintendent of Dawson County schools, described Mayfield as an energetic person who is enthusiastic in everything she does.

“She is very committed to her students and puts in many extra hours than what is required of her,” said Porter. “She sets a good example for other educators of how to put kids first.”

Although being an FBLA advisor requires some late nights, day-long and weekend trips, Mayfield sees beyond the extra efforts into the lives of her students.

“Students who participate in FBLA have so many opportunities in front of them that they otherwise would not get the chance to be exposed to,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield noted that through conferences and competitions, community service and different trips, students gain confidence in themselves and real world skills that will be valuable to them in the future.

“Anytime you  can open up the world to a child, you have done something big in their life,” she said. “Education is more than just what goes on inside the walls of the school building.”

FBLA is a national, non-profit educational association for students in middle school through college that also includes a professional division for business people, alumni, educators and parents in support of the program.

“Being a part of this group familiarizes students with what goes on outside of school in the business world,” Mayfield said.

Within the organization, students compete in several different areas including public speaking, job interviews,  business law, network design and many others.