“To be a pioneer in education is not to strive to be the best in the world, but to be what is best for the world.”
With that purpose in mind, Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby was honored with the Fannin County School System’s Pioneer in Education award during a ceremony Friday, November 5.
Dr. Michael Gwatney, superintendent of Fannin County schools, presented the award during the Pioneer Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) Pioneers in Education Awards Ceremony in Cleveland, Georgia.
Being the best “for the world,” as stated in the ceremony program, singles out “individuals who go above and beyond every day” in support of the schools’ students and staff.
It was to that description Gwatney described Kirby to representatives of 15 Northeast Georgia school systems.
Introducing the sheriff during the ceremony, Gwatney said, “No matter the issue, he has always been supportive of our community, the school system, and my work as superintendent.
“To this end, there is no higher purpose of our school system than to provide a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, and staff. Safety is our top priority.”
The superintendent commended the sheriff for always being ready to assume a lead role in guaranteeing this priority. “He is a true pioneer in modern school safety,” Gwatney said of Kirby.
Previous Fannin County recipients of the Pioneer in Education Award included Sandra Mercier in 2018 and Morgan Arp in 2019. No award was given in 2020 due to COVID-19, Gwatney said.