THOMASVILLE- During its April 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 school from the district would recognize a non-classified staff member and a business the school partners with. Tuesday night’s awards were the final installment of the 2024-25 school year.

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

Harper Elementary School Principal Pamela Cloud chose bookkeeper and secretary Debra Wilson as the Tireless Award recipient, a woman she said has stepped up and worn numerous hats for the school.

Cloud noted that Harper Elementary has made great strides through everyone coming together as a team.

However, there was one woman, Wilson, who had gone above and beyond.

From working as a bookkeeper to helping children go to the Blessing Box, ensuring their needs are met, and meeting with parents, Wilson does whatever she is asked and more.

“Rather it’s helping set up for something, or getting me something I need, even if I don’t know I need it, she’s always right there,” Cloud said.

Cloud specifically cited Wilson’s help during pre-planning, informing the Board that last year, the school’s record keeper had surgery and was unable to perform her duties two days before pre-planning began.

“Mrs. Wilson actually stepped in and she was performing dual roles,” Cloud said. “She was doing part of the permanent records, making sure everyone got in, generating schedules, and completing her regular job as a bookkeeper.”

Cloud then invited Wilson up, as she presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

“This is just a small token, but please know how much we appreciate all that you do,” Cloud said hugging Wilson.

Following a standing ovation, Cloud informed the Board that the Bulldog Business Partner of the Month could not be in attendance, but she and the students had a plan to honor the organization.

Cloud intends to celebrate a mentoring program known as Kid’s Hope, which comes to the school regularly.

“We have 30 individuals who come out and give their time and their talent,” Cloud said.

She also explained the organization provides the children with monetary donations and shares books and other goodies with them.

“They know the kids’ birthdays and come out and celebrate,” Cloud said. “Anytime we have something, they are right there.”

As a way to give back to the mentors who have provided a light in the lives of so many children, students are going to be serving their mentors during a luncheon on Monday.

At the luncheon, the organization will also be honored with the plaque that they can now hang inside their halls to remember the difference they are making at Harper Elementary School.