VALDOSTA — Valdosta and Lowndes County school faculty along with business representatives gathered in the Lowndes High School Cafeteria Tuesday night for the annual Community Partners in Education awards reception.

This awards ceremony thanks those who help with the continuing excellence within the local education systems.

Various business and community members were recognized throughout the event. Jodi’s Accessories was named CPIE of the Year – Small Business. The business was nominated by J.L. Lomax Elementary, J.L. Newbern Middle and Pine Grove Elementary.

“This small business donated items to support positive incentives for students, parents and teachers of the month,” said Courtney Gooding of Southeastern Federal Credit Union, presenter of the award.

CPIE of the Year – Large Business went to Zaxby’s on St. Augustine Road. Its nomination came from S.L. Mason Elementary School.

The nominator said, “In our two-year partnership, we continue to be amazed with the level of support and dedication to our school and students. We are very thankful for all of the help we have received and look forward to a continued partnership.”

Partner at Large of the Year went to Texas Roadhouse, as nominated by Clyattville, Pinevale and W.G. Nunn elementary schools.

All three schools agreed that as a business, Texas Roadhouse “has donated countless hours volunteering for fall

festivals, popcorn sales, putting up Christmas decorations, bringing Andy the Armadillo to visit and so much more.”

Nominated by Valdosta High School, Dr. James Kokoruda was named CPIE Volunteer of the Year. Described as passionate, dedicated and loving, Kokoruda took tutoring to a new level and has a true passion for seeing students succeed.

“Through his work, his students have all exceeded the standards on Honors Physical Science tests, and over 90 percent passed the Honors Biology End of Course tests,” said Crystal Geoffrey of Georgia Power as she presented the award.  

Judy Cumbess of Pinevale Elementary received the honor of Coordinator of the Year. She was nominated by Cheryl Oliver of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and Charlene Davis of Davis Creations.

“I have observed her passion for the students at her school first-hand, and have come to admire and respect the way she tackles her job,” said one of her nominators.

Schools of Distinction recognitions were awarded. From the Lowndes County School System: Clyattville Elementary, Dewar Elementary, Hahira Elementary, Pine Grove Elementary, Lake Park Elementary, Moulton Branch Elementary, Westside Elementary, Lowndes Middle, Hahira Middle, Lowndes High and Horizon Academy. From Valdosta City Schools, the recognition was given to Valdosta High, J.L. Newbern Middle, Valdosta Middle, J.L. Lomax Elementary, Sallas Mahone Elementary, W.G. Nunn Elementary, S.L. Mason Elementary, Pinevale Elementary and Horne Learning Center.

Angela Hobby of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College passed along her gavel at the night’s event. The new CPIE chair is April Bruhl, who will hold her position for the next two years.  

Anyone interested in becoming a CPIE partner can call Jennifer Steedley, Valdosta City Schools System Coordinator, (229) 671-6065; or Lynne Wilson, Lowndes County Schools System Coordinator, (229) 316-1854; or visit either school system website, www.lowndes.k12.ga.us or www.gocats.org