Six to be honored at CIS Gala

Communities In Schools is preparing to highlight six more individuals for their achievements and dedication to education. 

The fourth annual Communities In Schools Gala will honor Clifford Garnto, Marie Hooks, Sandra Flowers, Ellestine Stephens, Angela James and Angela  “Angie” Williamson Tullia.

“All of these people have done something in education,” said Jackie Pittman Curtis, CIS regional director. “It’s important to recognize the people who don’t always get the spotlight. There are a few people who are always recognized and then you have those that do the work, make an impact and people don’t know about it. We want to make sure they know about them.” 

The event will be held at the Ice House, 213 S. Monroe St., and it is sponsored by Communities In Schools of Georgia in Laurens/Twiggs Counties. Tickets can be purchased for $30 each or $300 for a table of eight. Sponsorships are also available.

Tullia, owner of Gee-Gees Boutique, is not in education but she supports every school in the area.

“My board thought she deserved to be honored,” Curtis said. “We always want to look at those people who have made such great contributions and are not always noticed and recognized and we want to make sure we take the time to thank them for all they have done in this community. She supports every school. She gives of herself and her resources to support all students. She has a strong passion for education.” 

When Hooks was a principal, Curtis observed her greeting almost 400 children at the school. 

“She knew them by name,” Curtis said. “That made such an impact on me and it made me realize how important those relationships are in order to build those relationships so that the children knew that she cared. She was a wonderful educator and this recognition is long overdue.”

Garnto recently retired as the superintendent for Laurens County Schools. 

“We go way back,” he said. “I graduated from high school with him. I have seen him in his career and I’m just so proud of him retiring as superintendent and moving into the role as RESA director. He is an unsung hero who certainly needs his flowers.” 

Flowers has the only daycare center in Twiggs County.

“It does extremely well and she is an extremely great asset to Twiggs County,” she said. “Her husband pastors a church in Dublin at Buckeye Baptist Church.” 

James is in her second year as superintendent in Wilkinson County.

“The first thing she wanted to do when she got to Wilkinson County was to bring resources and she brought CIS in to support her children,” Curtis said.

Stephens, a retired Twiggs County educator, has been a part of Family Connections. 

“She has been wonderful and supportive,” Curtis said. “She is a local pastor there and deserving of being recognized for her work in the community and with children.” 

For tickets, contact Curtis at jackiepcurtis@gmail.com or call (478) 998-3232.