Grants awarded from COVID-19 recovery fund and other positive Middle Georgia stories

During the coronavirus pandemic, Middle Georgia has witnessed community members step up to help out in any way they can; during trying time, it’s important to be reminded that good things are still happening.

Grants have been provided to various community-based organizations to assist with the COVID-19 recovery, and the Bibb County School District has honored school counselors and teachers. Here is a list of the positive stories that have happened in Middle Georgia.

United Way and the Community Foundation provide new grants

The Central Georgia COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund committee has approved new grants through United Way and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

Diligent Transportation Services will receive $10,000 to help seniors with transportation and to pick up supplies, according to a news release.

Choosing a Quality Life will receive $7,500 to create Napier Heights Food Co-op, a program designed to reduce food insecurity by providing the community with education and other services.

Similarly, Urban CEO and Kingdom Life will receive $6,000 to distribute food to reduce food insecurity, according to the release.

The United Way of Central Georgia accepts donations at www.unitedwaycg.org/covid19donate..

Cathy Dothard wins Bibb counselor of the year

Dr. Cathy Dothard was recently named the Bibb County School District counselor of the year. Westside High’s Ana Hernandez and McKibben-Lane Elmentary School’s Ingrid Woolfolk were finalists for the award.

“I have found that many of our students are like broken puzzle pieces. They need guidance and direction to become complete. My desire is for all my students to become productive citizens by using their knowledge, skills, and talents to better their lives and the lives within our community,” Dothard said to the selection committee, according to the release.

Dothard has worked at Northeast High School for 21 years. Over the course of the last school year, she focused on increasing graduation rates and post-graduation options for students, according to a news release.

“The increase in graduation rate is a reflection of her guidance,” Principal R. Steven Jones said. “We are the only high school in Bibb County to sustain a graduation rate over 80% for four consecutive years. While many counselors are often overlooked in their role, Dr. Dothard serves as a pillar for Northeast High School.”

Bibb County Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

The Bibb County School District named five finalists for Bibb County Teacher of the Year.

• Keywon Harvey is a math teacher at Central High School.

• Thomas Cote taught math and science at Heritage Elementary School this year.

• Eric Fuller is a 6th grade math teacher at Howard Middle School.

• Erin Kelly is an 8th grade English and language arts teacher at Miller Fine Arts Magnet Middle School.

• Amanda Maddox is a physical education teacher at Rutland High School.

The Bibb County Teacher of the Year will be announced at Bibb’s virtual Convocation on July 31, according to a news release.

“I’m elated that my passion for teaching has been recognized by others and landed me a spot in the top five,” Harvey said.

Finalists will participate in one more round of interviews before the committee selects the Teacher of the Year.

“Whether I win, or a person from Miller wins, it really doesn’t matter,” Fuller said. “What really matters is that… students are learning so that they can be their best selves.”