Lamar County High School received statewide recognition Monday, May 4, as Georgia State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods visited the school to present a banner honoring LCHS as one of Georgia’s Literacy Leaders.
The recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrated exceptional achievement or growth during the 2024-2025 school year, particularly through Georgia Milestones performance. At the high school level, the Literacy Leader recognition is tied to achievement and growth on the American Literature End-of-Course assessment.
Woods, who is currently running for re-election as Georgia’s state school superintendent, met with teachers, district and school administrators, and board members in the high school media center, where he praised the work behind the school’s achievement.
“This high school literacy banner is the toughest award to get in the state,” Woods said.
He emphasized that the recognition was not the result of chance, but the product of steady work across the entire school system.
“There’s nothing magic about high school,” Woods said, pointing to the effort required from teachers, staff and students. “Someone has to set the table for success, from bus drivers to eighth-grade teachers. This is truly a collective award extended to all in this school district.”
Woods referred to the banner as an “academic state championship banner” and made clear that the honor carried real meaning.
“These are not participation trophies,” he said.
The green ribbon on the banner represents progress, Woods explained. He said the goal is not perfection, but continued growth toward stronger student achievement.
“The goal is not perfection, but progress,” Woods said, while adding that progress does not mean schools should stop short of proficiency.
Woods also reflected on his own career in education, saying that despite his current title, his favorite title remains “Mr. Coach Woods.”
Lamar County High School Principal Jeff Sloan recognized those gathered for the presentation and the work that led to the award.
Sloan also credited current Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jake Harris, who was principal of Lamar County High School during the year in which the literacy recognition was earned.
“We appreciate our teachers running with what Dr. Harris put into motion and pushing students to high achievement,” Sloan said.
The Literature teachers recognized during the presentation were Elizabeth Branan, Meda Sims and Shaunasee Holder. Each played a role in helping students reach the level of achievement and growth that earned Lamar County High School the statewide honor.
The banner will stand as a visible reminder of the school’s academic progress and the districtwide effort behind it.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
