Newton County Schools announces 2025-26 HERO Award honorees

Newton County Schools announced school- and division-level honorees for the 2025–26 HERO Awards, a program recognizing classified employees; the district winner will be named March 31 at the Porter Performing Arts Center.

Newton County Schools has revealed its school- and division-level honorees for the 2025-26 HERO Awards. The awards, now in their second year, recognize classified employees whose behind-the-scenes work supports students from pre-K through high school. The program mirrors the state and national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) structure. A district-wide winner will be chosen from those honorees and announced March 31 at the Porter Performing Arts Center. What we know: - Each Newton County school and division selected one classified employee as a 2025-26 HERO Award honoree. - Nominees must have worked at least three years in Newton County Schools and at least one year in their current school or division. - Award categories include clerical and administrative services, custodial and maintenance, food and nutrition, health and student services, paraprofessionals, security, skilled trades, technical services, and transportation. - Honorees are recognized for initiative, leadership, professionalism, compassion, and reliable attendance, the district said. - The district-wide HERO Award winner will represent Newton County Schools in the Georgia RISE Awards program if selected. Summary: The HERO Awards are intended to highlight the everyday contributions of classified staff that keep schools running and support students. All school- and division-level honorees will be recognized at the March 31 ceremony, where one district-wide winner will be named and may advance to the Georgia RISE program.