THOMASVILLE—During its February board meeting, the Thomasville City Schools Board of Education recognized two outstanding community members. 

During the final December Board meeting, Director of Human Resources Nate Espy shared the City Schools would be bringing back two initiatives including the Tireless Award and the Bulldog Business Partner of the Month. Each month, one school from the district would recognize a non-classified staff member and a business the school partners with. 

The Tireless Award is given to a non-classified employee who has been nominated by their principal as the glue that holds the school together. 

Scott Elementary Principal Dr. Selena Dawson chose crossing guard and custodian Greg Brown.

“I can remember when I met Mr. Greg,” Dawson recalled. “All I could think about was my goodness this man is so big.” 

However, Dawson quickly learned that Brown was a gentle giant. 

“He works at every school, and sometimes I think we may even secretly fight over whose school he’s going to work at,” Dawson said. 

She went on to explain that Brown’s hardworking and kind demeanor is why he is not only well-liked by the staff but students as well. 

“He works as the crossing guard in weather that most of us do not even want to be out in for just a few minutes to make sure that our kids are able to cross the street safely and soundly, so they can be their best every single day,” she said. “Our parents don’t have to worry each and every day about their babies.” 

Students not only arrive safely to school but a clean school, thanks to the efforts of Brown. 

“He makes sure our school’s events are always parent-ready, so we can continue to tell our Diamond T story,” Dawson said. 

Additionally, Brown works weekends to make sure the athletic fields are pristine, along with the stands following the fanfare after a big game. 

“You wouldn’t even know anyone had been there,” Dawson said. “Overtime is a word Mr. Greg has made friends with, and he never complains about it, and I don’t even think he minds it.” 

Dawson went on to say that no job is too big or too small for Brown, who nods and smiles when asked to perform a task. 

“Mr. Greg, you are one of the friendliest and most humble people I know, and I’m proud to present you Scott Elementary’s Tireless Award,” Dawson said. 

Brown was met with a standing ovation, as he smiled and hugged Dawson, thanking her for the kind words. 

Dawson then recognized the Bulldog Business Partner of the Month, Thomas University. 

She noted that multiple businesses play a role in the success of Scott Elementary’s students and faculty, but Thomas University has not only afforded students opportunities, but educators have been able to continue their learning with the help of TU. 

“When we think about partnerships, we are abundantly blessed,” Dawson said. “It’s always difficult to select one partnership that has truly made a difference in your building, but this partnership has poured into us in many ways.” 

According to Dawson, TU has created a mentorship through a big sister/little sister softball program. But, it’s the way TU has poured into the educators that makes them stand out. 

“Everyone knows that when you pour into our teachers, they turn around and pour back into our kids, and that’s very important to us at Scott,” Dawson said. 

TU has provided teacher education programs and placed student teachers in Scott Elementary, allowing the school system to “grow their own.” 

Additionally, TU has provided opportunities for teachers to receive Dyslexia endorsements, with more programs becoming available. 

“This creates opportunities for our teachers, our schools, and our districts to advance themselves personally and professionally,” Dawson said. 

Dawson acknowledged what a gift it has been to see teachers be afforded this opportunity that she did not have as a beginning educator. 

“I’m so thankful for Thomas University for everything they have done to pour into our educators, so it is with great pleasure that we make you our Thomasville Bulldog Business Partner of the Month.” 

Dr. Susan Hagood accepted the plaque on behalf of TU, which will now hang at the local university as a reminder to all of what they can accomplish through this special partnership.