Sandra Wilcher is the special education social worker and the lead school social worker for Lowndes County schools. She was selected by other School Social Workers in South Georgia as the School Social Worker of the Year for the School Social Work Association of Georgia District 11.
There are over 700 certified school social workers across the state. Wilcher was one of six school social workers from across the state who were recognized for contributions to school social work at the Spring Conference this week in St. Simons. Wilcher was chosen by the SSWAG Executive Board as School Social Worker of the Year. Wilcher is a nationally certified school social worker and has been with the Lowndes County School System since 1999. Prior to this, she worked in Child Protective Services for the Department of Family and Children Services for five years.
“Mrs. Wilcher has been an integral part of LCS since her employment began in August of 1999. Ms. Wilcher is a tireless advocate for children. She has never refused to help a child, regardless of the time of day or night when called upon,” said Mindell Downing, director of special education for Lowndes County Schools.
Wilcher’s accomplishments include creating a Special Assistance Fund for Children, spearheading Child Abuse Prevention efforts, developing a Suicide Intervention protocol, involvement in creating the truancy reduction program, and development of a special education social work position for Lowndes County Schools. She has created resource information for student support staff and hosted an event with Georgia’s First Lady Mary Perdue. Wilcher has developed a leadership role in crisis and mental health response within the Lowndes County School System.
Wilcher has provided supervision for multiple social work interns for the school system and other agencies. Valdosta State University recognized these accomplishments when she received the Alumni of the Year Award in May 2005. The Lowndes/Valdosta Mental Health Association also recognized her contributions to the community as she was selected the Mental Health Professional of the Year in October 2004.
Wilcher has been at the forefront of child abuse prevention, and children’s issues in Lowndes County. Her collaborative partnerships include the Children’s Advocacy Center Board of Directors, Prevent Child Abuse Lowndes County Advisory Council, the Attendance Protocol Committee, Lowndes Valdosta Mental Health Association Board Member and Choices for Life of Georgia Therapeutic Foster Care Board of Directors.
Wilcher believes school social workers are key components to meeting a child’s educational needs. “School social workers are often the first to identify and work with at-risk youth and then refer them to other available resources. It is essential that all child-serving professionals and the school social worker collaborate in order to best serve the students if we want a child to be successful in school. Only then will a child be able to focus in class and get the academic components of an education.”
Local News
Wilcher named School Social Worker of the Year
- Local News
-
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
-
School system grades policy gets national exposure
Local radio personality Scott James of Talk 92.1 will be appearing on “Fox & Friends” today at 7:45 a.m. to share feedback about the new grading policy implemented by the Lowndes County School System.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
