Valdosta City Schools celebrates employees during annual CATS Awards

Rachel Larson, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·2 min read

Apr. 29—VALDOSTA — The city school system held its annual Continuous Acts of Kindness through Teamwork and Service awards reception Thursday.

The CATS award recognizes and honors nominees, finalists, and winners from the 2023-24 school year.

The 2023-24 CATS Employee of the Year award winner is Debi Kennedy.

"I am honored to be recognized by my coworkers, as Valdosta City Schools CATS Award nominee for 2024. I love being part of a team environment and assisting my coworkers, as well as helping parents navigate through daily obstacles," said Kennedy. "It brings me great joy to know I help make a difference in my district, as well as in the community I live in each and every day."

Kennedy is the executive assistant to the superintendent and the Board of Education. She was nominated by Valdosta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Craig Lockhart.

"Since my arrival as superintendent in Valdosta City Schools, Mrs. Kennedy quickly established herself as a very loyal and close coworker to me. She is very efficient in her duties and takes great pride in her work," said Lockhart.

"She closely guards and protects not only me, but also several other staff members who need her support and discretion. Mrs. Kennedy is a trusted confidant who provides wisdom and counsel that helps me navigate the school system with greater effectiveness."

Lori Gurley of Valdosta High School and Michelle Jones of Transportation were finalists for the 2023-24 Employee of the Year.

Other 2022-23 CATS Awards nominees included: Horizon Academy, Angelia Terrell; Horne Learning Center, Shannon Robinette; J.L. Lomax Elementary School, Shawn Henderson; J.L. Newbern Middle School, Tawonna Bass; Pinevale Elementary School, Brittani West; S.L. Mason Elementary School, Annie Smith; Sallas-Mahone Elementary School, Joyce Edwards; Valdosta Early College Academy, Jennifer Tooley; Valdosta Middle School, Gwin Shaw; and W.G. Nunn Elementary, Jameishelia Walker.

Nominees will receive an additional $100 in their May paychecks, finalists will receive $300, and the winner will receive $500, Director of Public Relations Jennifer Steedley said.