Eight seniors from Camden County High School were celebrated for their commitment to the field of education during a special local signing ceremony as part of Georgia’s first-ever “Teach in the Peach” Statewide Educator Signing Day initiative.
While the Georgia Department of Education hosted its central event in Atlanta at the College Football Hall of Fame, Camden County High School proudly held its own ceremony on campus to honor students choosing to pursue careers as future educators. The May 6 event mirrored the enthusiasm and significance of athletic signing days - this time recognizing those answering the call to teach.
The eight participating seniors - Olivia Farrell, Claire McCollough, Lacey Mize, Akeelah Sawehinmi, Elie-Marie Turner, Nikayla Campbell, Riley Copeland, and Carmella Hutsell - signed ceremonial letters of intent, committing to study education in college and ultimately return to the classroom as professional educators. Family members, school leaders, teachers, and district officials gathered to cheer them on and celebrate their dedication.
“This is a proud moment for Camden County Schools,” said Dr. James Phillips, CCHS Principal. “These students are not only planning to further their own education, but they’re also stepping up to impact generations to come through teaching. We hope to one day welcome them back into the classrooms of Camden County Schools - this time as educators.”
Special thanks were extended to Dr. Stacie Faulk and Heather Fitzwater, two dedicated educators who played an integral role in guiding and supporting these students throughout their journey toward a career in teaching.
The “Teach in the Peach” campaign, developed by the Georgia Department of Education and championed by 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year Christy Todd, is designed to uplift the teaching profession and encourage students to consider careers in education.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods called the initiative a milestone in Georgia’s educational history: “The most important thing we can do to ensure an excellent education for every student is placing an outstanding teacher in every classroom.”
Camden County’s local event was a clear reflection of that mission - highlighting the school district’s ongoing investment in cultivating homegrown talent for the classrooms of tomorrow.