Dawson County Middle School teacher Beth Jarrett was recognized as the recipient of the Philip Wright Award at the school board meeting recently.

“Every year for the past 10 years, the Georgia Learning Resource System chooses a teacher in the special education department from each school system to be the recipient of this award,” said Dr. Lonnie Trahan-Dikowski, director of exceptional students program in Dawson County.

According to Trahan-Dikowski, Philip Wright is an extensive advocate for children with special needs. He has assisted in the establishment of many special education programs in school systems throughout Northeast Georgia, and is currently working as a consultant for multiple school systems within the state. 

“Beth was chosen for what she does beyond her call of duty as a teacher,” Trahan-Dikowski added. “She goes above and beyond, helping students with disabilities as well as their families.”

As a board member for GLRS, Trahan-Dikowski said the award was designed in honor of all the work Wright has done for children with disabilities.

“The recipient from each school that receives the award is one whose work in the school system, as well as the community, parallels to that of Philip Wright,” Trahan-Dikowski said.

Upon receiving the award, Jarrett said that she was very humbled to be awarded with such an honor.

“I have always had a soft spot in my heart for children with special needs,” Jarrett said. “The best part of my job is seeing these children succeed.”

Jarrett has been a special education teacher for about 10 years, spending the last seven of those years at Dawson County middle schools.

“There are a lot of needs in this area, and I enjoy making sure that children, as well as their families, have what they need,” Jarrett added.

Jarrett will also be recognized at a breakfast sponsored by the GLRS of Northeast Georgia March 5 at the Cleveland First Baptist Church in Cleveland.

The breakfast is hosted to recognize and congratulate all of the winners from the 13 county region for their devoted efforts to students with disabilities within the school system as well as the community.

Also joining Jarrett at the breakfast will be Trahan-Dikowski, school superintendent Nicky Gilleland and associate superintendent Keith Porter.

E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.