HAMILTON, GA (NOVEMBER 3, 2023) – On Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, the Harris County School District (HCSD) celebrated the induction of Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Technology Justin Finney into the prestigious Columbus State University’s (CSU) College of Education and Health Professions (COEHP) Hall of Fame.

The distinguished induction ceremony and reception were in the lobby of CSU’s Frank Brown Hall, where honorees were introduced and asked to share remarks alongside their families and special invited guests.

In response to this significant honor, Finney expressed, “When my military career ended abruptly due to an injury, I found myself at a crossroads. A person in my chain of command suggested I consider teaching. With approximately three months left in the Army to transition out, my commanders allowed me to register for classes at Columbus State University. My visit to the College of Education set me on my current path. This institution has been a lifesaver for me, providing the knowledge, skills, and guidance necessary to thrive as an educator and leader. I owe much of my success to CSU College of Education and the exceptional mentors who guided me, including Virginia Causey, Tom Hackett, Tom Ford, Jim Brewbaker, Pat Duttera, Lisa Shaw, and many more.” Notably, Justin Finney was the first student to receive a doctoral degree from CSU.

Finney's educational journey includes roles as an assistant principal and principal within the HCSD. He has also served as the CSU history education program coordinator and the southeast chief of staff for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Since 2018, he has excelled in his current role as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Technology.

Superintendent Roger Couch remarked, “Having worked alongside Dr. Finney for several years, I can attest that this honor is well-deserved. He tirelessly ensures that the children of Harris County have clean and safe buildings, secure transportation, and access to the technology needed for academic success. We are proud to have him on our team.”

Justin Finney has earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Education, Educational Specialist degree, and Doctorate degrees, all from Columbus State University. He has also completed the Georgia School Superintendents Association’s Superintendent Professional Development Program Certificate.

 

In addition to his educational contributions, Finney chairs the action team for the Harris County School District Strategic Planning Committee. He is a member of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and has demonstrated a willingness to give back to his community in various professional, community, and military capacities.

He and his wife, Terri, reside in Fortson, Ga., and are the proud parents of two children, the younger of whom graduated from the Harris County School District, and two grandchildren.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

 

Photo (left to right): Dr. Margie Yates, Columbus State University (CSU) interim dean, College of Education and Health Professions; Dr. Justin Finney, HCSD assistant superintendent of business services and technology; and Dr. Pat McHenry, Columbus State University (CSU), interim provost and executive vice president.

 

Photo 2 (left to right): Stacey Carlisle, Terri Finney, Justin Finney, Roger Couch, Shelia Baker, Allyson Douthit
 

About the Harris County School District

Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,500+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

 

HAMILTON, GA (OCTOBER 30, 2023) – In a remarkable recognition of unwavering dedication, exemplary achievements, and servant leadership, Tamara Johnson, a distinguished teacher and coach at Harris County Carver Middle School (HCCMS), was honored with prestigious proclamations from State Senator Ed Harbison and Lt. Governor Burt Jones of Georgia.

With an impressive 21-year tenure in the Harris County School District, Johnson has made an indelible impact as an educator and coach. Her extraordinary contributions include guiding students to victory in nine volleyball championships and three basketball championships, as well as positively influencing the lives of countless students throughout her illustrious career.

The proclamations, awarded by Senator Harbison and Lt. Governor Jones, not only commend Johnson's outstanding service to the Harris County School District but also celebrate her tireless advocacy for the youth, both within the classroom and on the sports court. Furthermore, her dedication extends to the realm of storytelling, as she authored the internationally acclaimed children's book, "Black Girl Magic," which empowers girls to discover their inner strength and potential.

 

Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Johnson expressed her deep gratitude, saying, "I'm glad to have this honor and the people that are here because they have been very influential in my life since I was small, and there are role models here who helped shape and guide me within the community."

The proclamations from Senator Harbison and Lt. Governor Jones underline the profound impact of Johnson's dedicated service and the positive influence she has exerted in the Harris County School District. They acknowledge her exceptional contributions, which extend beyond the classroom and sports arena into the realm of literature, enriching the lives of young readers with her book.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga.  For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

Editor’s Note: Interviews available upon request.

 

Photo (left to right): HCCMS Coach Tamara Johnson and Georgia Senator Ed Harbison.

Photo : HCCMS Coach Tamara Johnson

 

About the Harris County School District

Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,500+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

 

HAMILTON, GA (OCTOBER 24, 2023) – The Rotary Club of Harris County presents a monthly award to honor teachers for their wonderful work to encourage the love of learning in our youth.

The Teacher of the Month for September 2023 was Harris County High School’s Avian Baker, who teaches English.

Principal Lindie Snyder shared, “With a passion for teaching that shines through every lesson, Ms. Baker is a true inspiration to her students. She creates a safe and effective learning environment by building positive relationships with her students and setting high expectations that reflect her belief in their abilities.

Baker's commitment to supporting her students extends beyond the classroom. She tutors students, helps with the Mobile Learning Lab, coaches the dance team, and assists with the boys' and girls' basketball teams. Her presence is valued by the students both during class and at extracurricular events.

Snyder added, “Ms. Baker's well-rounded approach to teaching and positive influence on those around her make us proud to call her a Harris County High School Tiger.”

Baker was invited to speak about her classroom and her interest in being an educator at the weekly Rotary breakfast meeting. As part of the recognition, the honorees receive a certificate and a $25 gift card.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.
 

Photo (left to right): Emily Byrd, Rotary’s Director of Youth Services, presents a certificate to Harris County High School Teacher Avian Baker with her sister, Addison Baker, and mother, Shelia Baker, looking on.

 

About the Harris County School District

Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,500+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).