Two outstanding classified employees from Glynn County Schools and Houston County Schools have been recognized as winners of the sixth annual Georgia Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.

The Georgia RISE Award recognizes classified school employees who provide exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school. Classified employees—including those working in technical services, nutrition, transportation, custodial services, health services, and other critical roles—serve as the backbone of Georgia's schools, supporting student learning every day.

This year's Georgia RISE Award recipients are Mr. Shawn Morelan, Information Technology Specialist at Brunswick High School in Glynn County Schools, and Mrs. Annette Pender, School Nutrition Area Manager for Houston County Schools.

In addition to receiving Georgia's highest recognition for classified school employees, Pender was named a national finalist for the U.S. Department of Education's Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, placing her among a select group of classified school professionals nationwide whose service and leadership exemplify excellence in public education.

All schools and districts were invited to submit a nominee for the Georgia RISE Award. Nomination forms were reviewed by a panel of judges composed of representatives from the Georgia Department of Education and numerous education organizations. The highest-scoring applications were presented to Governor Brian Kemp, who made the final selection of two nominees.

"Classified school employees are essential to the success of Georgia's public schools, and their impact reaches far beyond what is often visible," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "Mr. Morelan and Mrs. Pender exemplify the dedication, professionalism, and servant leadership that support students, empower educators, and strengthen school communities every day. Annette's recognition as a national RISE Award finalist is a powerful reminder that the extraordinary work happening in Georgia's schools is being recognized on the national stage—and it speaks volumes about the caliber of professionals serving our students."