Here’s another round of applause for individuals and organizations doing great things in the community.

Dewar and Hahira elementary schools recently earned awards from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. On Jan. 5, Gov. Nathan Deal announced that 218 Georgia public schools in 53 districts will receive 2016 Highest Performing or Greatest Gains school awards, an increase of 31 schools from last year, according to a Lowndes County Schools press release. Dewar Elementary School was recognized as a 2016 GOSA Greatest Gains (Bronze Tier) School. Hahira Elementary School was recognized as a 2016 GOSA Greatest Gains (Silver Tier) School, according to the press release.

Dr. Clifford Courtenay will be retiring from Eye Associates of South Georgia at the end of January following 25 years of service. Courtenay, 60, originally received his bachelor’s of science in psychology from the University of Georgia and his doctorate in optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. After graduating with is O.D., Courtenay was selected for a clinical fellowship at the Georgia Omni Eye Services of Atlanta. The practice serves as a referral practice for doctors in Atlanta and the surrounding counties. After being a staff doctor at Omni, Courtenay became a director of Optometric Services at the Eye Institute of Southern Arizona in Tucson, Ariz. There, Courtenay diagnosed disorders and diseases of the eye.

Valdosta Middle School held its annual Spelling Bee last month. Competition was fierce, according to a press release from the city school system, but three winners emerged. Morgan Wynn took first place; Eli Herring, second place; and Tyler Fisher, third place. Wynn will represent the school in the district spelling bee, Jan. 20, Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, 3101 N. Forrest St. Dr. Debbie Paine served as spelling bee caller. Judges were Professor Melody Fuller, Dr. David Cole and Dr. Demetria Hill. Spelling bee coordinator is Hilda Edgerton-Greer.

City Manager Larry Hanson has been named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s list of 2017 Notable Georgians. Fifty leaders are chosen throughout the state; Hanson was the only person selected from southwest Georgia, according to a city press release. Hanson has been Valdosta city manager since July 1995 and oversees 10 departments, 600 employees and an $85 million budget. “Larry Hanson is an anomaly. He never will allow interference when it comes to enforcing the law,” Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress said. “He may not give me what I want but he gives me what I need. He’s the best city manager not only in the state but in the country. I hope he stays a long time and he deserves this award.”