By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Oxford resident recognized through distinguished principal program
Placeholder Image

Oxford resident Dr. Nancy Sharpe Strawbridge was recently regonized by the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals as one of 16 chosen through its Georgia Distinguished Principal program.

Strawbridge, principal at Bay Creek Elementary School in Walton County, was chosen from GAESP's district 2.

Principals selected in the GDP program go on to complete for state and national recognition.

Strawbridge began her career as an elementary music specialist. She has been both an Instructional Lead Teacher and an Assistant Principal. Under her leadership as principal, Bay Creek Elementary School and Strawbridge have been recognized by the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals for outstanding programs in tutoring and kindergarten orientation. The school was designated as a "Platinum School" by the Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement for outstanding overall academic performance. In her seventh year as principal of the school, Mrs. Strawbridge is dedicated to building a high performance working and learning environment grounded in high expectations and a culture of learning for all.

Strawbridge grew up in the county seat town of Hohenwald, Tenn. and graduated from Lewis County High School. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Temple University and Georgia State University. She holds an earned doctorate in Leadership, Policy and Organizations from Vanderbilt University.

Strawbridge is President of District 2 of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals. She is a recipient of the 2007 Worth McClure Award from the American Association of School Administrators, recognized for her outstanding scholarship, work accomplishments and contributions to the community. The award and a cash prize were presented at the AASA National Conference in New Orleans in March of 2007. She has also been recognized by the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders as a recipient of the Yates Scholarship for Graduate Education in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Strawbridge and her husband, Dan, reside in Oxford with their basset hounds, Max, Ali, and Bruce. Mr. Strawbridge is principal of the middle school and upper school divisions at The Gatewood School, an independent school in Eatonton, Georgia. The Strawbridges are active in the United Methodist Church. Their sons are college students-Dodson at Emory University in Atlanta, John at the University of West Georgia, and William at Georgia Perimeter College.

NCS Announces Finalists for 2025 HERO Award
2025 NCS HERO finalists
Administrative Assistant in the Special Education Department at the Central Office Chandra Mitchell (left), Clerk at Alcovy High School Kymberli Durden (middle) and Media Paraprofessional at Fairview Elementary School Cheryl Clark (right) are the three finalists for the 2025 Newton County Schools HERO Award. All three are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III. - photo by Newton County Schools

Newton County Schools (NCS) announced Tuesday the three finalists for the district’s inaugural HERO Award, an annual recognition honoring classified employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment, performance and impact in supporting students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

The 2025 HERO Award finalists are:

  • Cheryl Clark, Media Paraprofessional, Fairview Elementary School
  • Kymberli Durden, Clerk, Alcovy High School
  • Chandra Mitchell, Administrative Assistant, Special Education Department, Central Office

These outstanding employees have been selected from a group of school and division-level HERO Award winners and will advance to the final stage of the selection process, participating in interviews with the award panel later this week.

Superintendent Duke Bradley and several district leaders surprised each finalist at their workplace Tuesday, delivering the news in front of their colleagues. 

“Our classified employees are the backbone of our schools, providing the essential services that enable teaching and learning to flourish,” Bradley said. “Recognizing their hard work is not just a celebration of individuals but a testament to the values that drive our district forward. These three finalists represent the very best of our classified staff, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions.”

The NCS HERO Awards were established to recognize classified employees who embody service, dedication, professionalism and community impact. Modeled after the state and national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Awards, the program highlights the invaluable work of employees in clerical and administrative services, custodial and maintenance services, food and nutrition services, health and student services, paraprofessionals, security services, skilled trades, technical services, and transportation services.

To be eligible for the HERO Award, employees must have worked at least three years in NCS and at least one year in their current school or division. They must also demonstrate excellence in job performance, leadership, teamwork and commitment to both their school community and the district as a whole.

The winner of the 2025 NCS HERO Award will be announced at the HERO Awards Celebration on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Porter Performing Arts Center. All school and division HERO Award winners will be recognized at the event, and the district winner will go on to represent NCS in the Georgia RISE Awards program for potential state-level recognition.

School Board Chair Abigail Coggin praised the finalists and the impact of the HERO Awards.

“Recognizing the contributions of our classified staff through the HERO Awards is a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude,” Coggin said. “These individuals are vital to the success of our students, and we are thrilled to celebrate their dedication and impact.”