Each year, the U.S. Department of Education awards the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award to a full- or part-time classified school employee who provides exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school.
Georgia runs a state-level process, the Georgia RISE Award, to select its nominees. The two winners of this state-level recognition are nominated for the national award.
Georgia Winners
2023 - Bruce Ballard and Gina Whitaker
2022 - Marissa Ramos-Santana and Jacob Wise
2021 - Nadia Jones and Anna Singleton
2020 - Harold Quarterman and Officer Lee Peck
Complete list of Georgia RISE Award Winners
Eligibility
Employees in the following job categories are eligible for consideration for the Georgia RISE Award. These categories are set in statute for the national award:
- Clerical and Administrative Services
- Custodial and Maintenance Services
- Food and Nutrition Services
- Health and Student Services
- Paraprofessional
- Security Services
- Skilled Trades
- Technical Services
- Transportation Services
2024 Timeline
August 15: Georgia RISE Award nomination window opens
September 30: Nomination window closes at 5 p.m.
October: Nomination review period
November 1: Georgia RISE Awards winners announced by the Governor's Office
