Ten Dawson County High School students and their families were honored this week at a ceremony held for Georgia Future Educators’ Signing Day. 

During the ceremony on Tuesday, May 4, local graduates who plan on becoming teachers signed documents indicating their intent to pursue a career in education and heard inspirational presentations from Dawson County School System leaders. 

The 10 students who participated in the signing ceremony included Gabi Herrerra, Olivia Pierce, Mason Truitt, Annie Gloeckner, Jackie Alvarez, Molly Muenchen, Anna Bella Frix, Dawson Carlisle, Joey Glover and Harley Marrett.

Following the ceremony, Dawson County Education Pathway Teacher Lori Grant said that it was an honor to see such dedicated students take the next steps towards their career goals. 

“I’ve actually taught every one of these students sitting here at some point and I’m super excited to see them sitting here today and know that someday they might be teaching in the room next door to me,” Grant said. 

During his words to the students, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations Hershel Bennett talked about the “toolboxes” and “teddy bears” that teachers bring with them into the classroom — the experience that they will bring to share with students and the everyday things that will bring joy to their lives. 

“There are a lot of things you already have in your toolbox from your parents or your teachers and as you go to college you’ll have a lot more to put in it,” Bennett said. “In education, you’re gonna utilize teddy bears … Things like ‘my room is close to the bathroom’ or ‘I have the last lunch of the day so I don’t have to eat at 9:30 a.m.’” 

Bennett also said that the school system is always to have them back and often hires DCHS graduates to become teachers. 

“I can tell you that there are people who were sitting in those chairs four years ago and did this, who were sitting in my office signing a contract in the last two days so that’s pretty cool,” he said. “So I’m very proud of you and look forward to you guys being in my office in four years.” 

Principal Michael Negley also spoke during the ceremony, encouraging the future educators to always make sure they show love to their students. 

“If I can give you any advice as you move into the classroom it’s love those kids,” Negley said. “The most important thing you can do is love them and let them know they’re special, and the rest will come.”