The Georgia Department of Education recognized Carrollton High School senior Abby Richards during an awards presentation Feb. 18 at a state DOE reception in Atlanta. Abby received an Award of Excellence, presented by Georgia State School Supt. Richard Woods, for high academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities and plans for the future.
Abby was the West Georgia RESA district winner for 2020, which included nominations from schools in Carroll, Coweta, Harris, Heard, Meriwether, and Troup counties served by the Regional Educational Service Agency. Following the ceremony, Abby was also interviewed by state officials who want to include her story in the state special education publication, “Tools for Life.”
After Abby crosses the stage this spring at graduation, she will continue her education at the University of West Georgia as a Project SEARCH intern.
Several of Abby’s biggest supporters accompanied her to Atlanta for the recognition. Pictured, from left, are David Brooks, CHS principal; Mary Raburn, director of Student Services for the school district; Abby and her dad, Joel Richards; and Ashley Sutton, Abby’s teacher. Only a handful of students from across the state were recognized for various achievements at the honors ceremony.
