THOMASVILLE- During its March 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(s) who have been nominated by their principal as the glue that holds the school together.

Thomasville High School Principal Bryson Daniels chose the THS cafeteria staff, individuals he sees as the heart of the school.

Daniels told those in attendance that love and education go hand in hand.

“Some think education is strictly confined to the classroom, but education can be all around us,” he said. “In the cafeteria, I not only see teaching kids how to be respectful, but I see the love.”

Daniels went on to say that since he began at THS he has seen the heart and passion of the cafeteria staff and their love for the students.

He specifically referenced Cassandra Henderson, who greeted him early on in his time at THS.

“Do you know how it made me feel not knowing anyone, and just wanting to do a good job to hear “You’re going to be alright” and then to get a hug?” He asked.

He also applauded Satarica Brown “the auntie of the building,” who has a way of words with students.

Daniels explained some students can be hard to reach, but she continuously offers words of encouragement and reminds them to stay on track, even when they think no one is watching.

“It resonates with our kids, where it makes it easier for us to be educators,” he said.

Daniels then turned his attention to Troutman, who has displayed that love Daniels so often referenced.

Daniels explained Troutman was faced with a difficult situation when a student uttered degrading remarks and profanities toward her.

After the student was removed from the situation, Troutman took it upon herself to bring a tray of food to the student in the front office, because regardless of what happened, Troutman did not want the child to go hungry.

“This is the heart,” Daniels said. “You didn’t hold a grudge, you didn’t ask to have her written up. At that moment, I saw your heart.”

Troutman’s actions, along with the numerous efforts by other cafeteria staff members made them the prime candidates for the Tireless Award.

The staff was met with a round of applause before Daniels then recognized the Bulldog Business Partner of the Month.

Daniels explained not only does he love working with staff who have a heart for children, but he loves organizations that empower children, helping them grow physically and spiritually.

When he first took the job at THS, Daniels admitted he gravitated toward things he knew. As a former football player, he instantly sought out the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter on campus.

“The one thing that has always stood out with FCA is they love you and want you to see your potential,” Daniels said.

He pointed out that FCA is bigger than just a club.

“FCA gives students the opportunity to express themselves,” Daniels said. “They’re not only role models in education, but they’re role models in their spiritual walk.”

Daniels again recalled his first few weeks on the job, noting Alison Woodward with FCA came to speak with him and pray over him as he began this new chapter in his life.

“You didn’t know me from Adam, but you told me you were going to pray for me,” Daniels said. “Even though I was in a brand new place and a brand new city, I was already being pulled toward something familiar.”

Daniels felt that same seed planted in him that FCA plants every day in other young students, noting that he sees the difference and so do other staff members.

Because of this, Daniels chose FCA as the Bulldog Business Partner, thanking them for always loving his students in spite of whatever else may be happening.

Woodward accepted the plaque on behalf of FCA, where it will now hang as a reminder of the lives they are changing through their partnership with Thomasville City Schools.