Edgar Flotte, a seventh grader at DeKalb County's Henderson Middle School, won a national essay contest that has landed him a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Edgar's essay was among seven across the country selected for content, grammar and "heart," according to a Disney statement. Edgar, who suffered disabilities from a near-drowning, submitted an essay nominating his former special education teacher at South Bosque Elementary School in Waco, Texas. "She helped me overcome my disability with the most important ingredient, love," Edgwar wrote. "I have had many teachers in my life now but no one compares to the love, hard work and dedication that Mrs. Kimberly Johnson had for me. Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. I will never forget you!" The teacher won a vacation package, too.
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Fulton County school's Risk Management Department received a "Best Performance Award 2011" from the National Safety Council for its role in teaching defensive driving. The award is presented to organizations that lead the field in training motorists. The instructor team was comprised of school system staff from the Risk Management, Safety & Security, School Police and Transportation departments, who trained not only school bus drivers and maintenance drivers, but also any staff member who wished to participate.
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Metro Atlanta educators are among 15 finalists for the 2012 Woodruff Salutes Georgia Arts in Education Leaders recognition program. They were chosen by the Woodruff Arts Center based on their exemplary leadership in the use of arts in education and their impact on the community, state and discipline. They include: Crystal Collins, a principal in Gwinnett County; Elizabeth M. Eppes, a visual and performing arts coordinator in DeKalb County; Wendy Courtade, teacher at Sandy Springs Charter Middle in Fulton; Courtney Savage, a learning specialist in Fayette County Schools; Evelyn Champion, an orchestra director in Cobb; Jennifer Scott McNair, director of theatre, The Galloway School; Pam Ware, teacher and director of theatre, Gainesville; Jayongela Wilder, drama teacher in Atlanta; Aimee Burgamy, visual arts specialist in Gwinnett; Jennifer Heyser, visual arts specialist in Fulton; and Kathleen Ann Diggs King, visual arts specialist in Rockdale.
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