December 19, 2018

CONTACT: Lindsey Wiles

Communications Manager

lwiles@mariettaga.gov

770.794.5509

MARIETTA – On Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at the Strand Theatre, Mayor Steve Tumlin hosted the inaugural Mayor’s Awards for the Marietta City Schools System. As part of the ceremony, awards were given to one staff member, one volunteer, and one student from each of the Marietta City Schools.

“Our Gem City is extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful school system to which we send the next leaders of our community, state, and beyond,” said Mayor Steve Tumlin. “I am pleased to be able to create the Inaugural Mayor’s Awards to put a spotlight on the staff, volunteers, and students who deserve recognition for their positive attitudes, extraordinary character, and their willingness to help our school system succeed.”

“We are humbled and honored by the partnership between the Mayor and the City of Marietta and Marietta City Schools,” said Marietta School Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera. “The inaugural Mayor’s Awards is a special opportunity to celebrate the students, staff, and volunteers who make our schools great. We thank Mayor Tumlin for his unwavering commitment to education.”

The “Be Somebody Award” is given to a staff member who demonstrates the values of making a positive difference in the lives of their students and the Marietta Community.

The “Birney Award,” named for the founder of the PTA, Alice Birney of Marietta, is given to a volunteer who goes above and beyond to support the school and the Marietta Community.

The “Blue Devil Award” is given to a student who demonstrates a positive attitude, exceptional character, and a great work ethic.

The “Unsung Hero Award” is given to a student who displays heroism or bravery and is honored by the Marietta Police Department and the Marietta Fire Department.

Be Somebody Award:

Diana Eraydin, Enrollment Clerk, Marietta Center for Advanced Academics

Julie (BJ) Smith, Counselor MPLC, Marietta High School

Tamie Clark, Special Ed Teacher, Sawyer Road Elementary

Brianna Maurer, Teacher, Early Learning Center

Harriette Price, Front Office Clerk, West Side Elementary

Lauri Bruton, Kindergarten Teacher, AL Burruss Elementary

Miriam Hyppolite, Assistant Principal, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy

Natalie Darbey, 8^th Grade Teacher, Marietta Middle School

Merrell Sperling, STEM Lab Teacher, Lockheed Elementary

Danielle Binkauskas, 5^th Grade Teacher, Hickory Hills Elementary

Dora Blanco, Parent liaison, Dunleith Elementary

Elizabeth Martinez, Parent liaison, Park Street Elementary

Birney Award:

Angela & Christian Ford, Marietta Center for Advanced Academics

Welansa Beyene, Marietta High School

Christine Sloan, Marietta High School

Rosalyn Ward, Sawyer Road Elementary

Juliana Lindley, Early Learning Center

Jane Moore, West Side Elementary

Jessica Turner, AL Burruss Elementary

Sarah Martin, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy

Michelle Gambon, Marietta Middle School

Kristin Kade, Lockheed Elementary

Pam Webb, Hickory Hills Elementary

Petra Correa, Dunleith Elementary

David Eldridge, Park Street Elementary

Blue Devil Award:

Alexandria (Alex) Pritt, 4^th grade, Marietta Center for Advanced Academics

Sean Amaso, 12^th grade, Marietta High School

Kendall McQueen, 4^th grade, Sawyer Road Elementary

Ellyanna Houstoulakis, Pre-K, Early Learning Center

Anslie Semanisin, 5^th grade, West Side Elementary

Sasha Goodwin, 3^rd grade, AL Burruss Elementary

Elijah H. Owen, 6^th grade, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy

Tiah Carthers, 7^th grade, Marietta Middle School

Aileen Pineda, 4^th grade, Lockheed Elementary

Charlie Collins, 5^th grade, Hickory Hills Elementary

Madisyn Dacosta, 3^rd grade, Dunleith Elementary

Julian Castro, Kindergartener, Park Street Elementary

Unsung Hero Award:

Jaouder Toure, 8^th grade, Marietta Middle School

Brian Norris, 11^th grade, Marietta High School