THOMASVILLE—The Thomasville City Schools Board of Education recognized two outstanding community members during its meeting on Tuesday night.

Director of Human Resources Nate Espy explained the City Schools were proud to bring back two initiatives including the Tireless Award and the Bulldog Business Partner of the Month. He told the BOE that each month one school from the district would recognize a non-classified staff member and a business the school partners with.

“We are very thankful to bring this back,” he said. “Tonight we are recognizing two people or two groups of people that are a lot of times unsung heroes.”

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.

Jerger Elementary School Principal Emily Newman invited Tandra Tillman as the recipient of the Tireless Award.

“Mrs. Tillman and her staff truly work tirelessly to keep our students fueled on their busy days,” Newman said. “It does not go unnoticed the extra effort you put in leading your staff and creating a positive culture for our cafeteria.”

Newman noted that BOE members recently had the opportunity to enjoy the Thanksgiving Day lunch prepared by Tillman and her staff.

“I feel certain they would agree that you are an exemplary candidate for the Thomasville City Schools Tireless Award,” Newman said before congratulating Tillman. “We appreciate you day in and day out.”

Tillman received a standing ovation, as she was presented with a plaque, while surrounded by family and friends from her church community.

Newman then recognized the Bulldog Business Partner of the Month, Nina’s Creamery.

“Jerger would like to thank Nina’s Creamery for making our first semester events a little sweeter,” she told owner Miguel, who was joined by his mother-in-law and daughters, who also help run the operation.

Nina’s Creamery has provided its services since Jerger’s open house and continued to participate in events such as Curriculum Night, the Pre-K football pep rally,  and the Book Fair.

“However, our favorite role they play is celebrating our monthly Jerger leaders by providing them with a coupon,” Newman said. “Thank you (Nina’s Creamery) for all you have done to date, and we look forward to the second semester.”

Newman thanked the Board for the opportunity to return to these accolades, noting the important role community members play in the school system.

She concluded by sharing what a special season the holidays have been, seeing the amount of community partners pour into the students at Jerger.

“I know at my school, we have had several students have the opportunity to shop with a cop or a community group, and we have a big delivery for a student with our neighborhood garden center and more to come,” she said. “Making everyone’s season merry and bright has certainly filled my heart this season. We are very blessed.”