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Partnership 2000 Annual Recognition Luncheon honors mentors, businesses

By Katie Ward June 1, 2016 2 min read

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Partnership 2000 Annual Recognition Luncheon honors mentors, businesses

From left are Heritage Middle School Principal Chris Lusk as Captain America, Boynton Elementary School Principal Gina Haynes as Batgirl, Woodstation Elementary School Principal Ernie Ellis as Batman, and Battlefield Primary School Principal Geoff Rhodes as Superman.

Ringgold High School Cadet 1st Sgt. Dawson Norfolk, Cadet Capt. Caleb Dills, Cadet Col. Tavian Henson, Cadet Lt. Col. Logan Parell, Cadet 2nd Lt. Devin Nichols and Cadet Master Sgt. Joe Langston, from left, take part in the event to honor those who "really make a difference in the lives of our students." Partnership 2000 Coordinator Buffy Hemphill added, "Our school partnership coordinators work with their partners to reward students and faculty members, and our business partners and mentors volunteer time and funding to make a difference in the lives of our students."

Partnership 2000 Coordinator Buffy Hemphill thanks the business and community partners that help Catoosa County students at the Colonnade. "Each person here today is motivated to help students in Catoosa County," she said.

The Partnership 2000's Civic/Religious Partner of the Year designation is awarded to Mitzi Callahan and Kay Shipley by Ringgold High School student Inna Kouzniaeva, from left. The WOW Women's Ministry group adopted the Parents as Teachers Program at the Performance Learning Center and provided goody bags, sponsored a book drive, made bookmarks, birthday bags and donated supplies to help make home visits special.

Ringgold High School student Britni Shipp, right, presents the Social Service Partner of the Year award to Colleen Crawford, left, and the Catoosa County Family Collaborative. Crawford worked with the Communities in Schools Program to find resources to help provide rehabilitation opportunities for students dealing with substance abuse issues at the Performance Learning Center. The Family Collaborative helped students work through behavior and drug abuse problems by interacting with members of the "Side Affects" play directed by John Lee.

From left, True Life Chiropractic's Samantha and Dr. Jamie accept the Small Partner of the Year award from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School student Olivia Richardson. The business collects canned food donations and delivers baskets to families of students at Thanksgiving and adopt students from school Angel Trees at Christmas. They also purchase classroom donations and help sponsor student field trips.

Representatives from Applebrook Country Day School accept the Medium Partner of the Year award from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School student Tessa Sentell, center. They have demonstrated their dedication through participation in the Barnacle Bay Playground Project, Grants for Growth and Meeting Needs at Home and Abroad, Best Foot Forward and more. Every year, the school helps provide supplies, technology and resources for students and teachers. Around the holidays, representatives deliver 31 families boxes of food and household items.

The Large Partner of the Year award goes to Zaxby's. Second from right is award presenter Nick Waters. Zaxby's hosted a Spirit Night fundraiser that raised $1,000 for Battlefield Elementary, and provided lunch for faculty chosen as Battlefield's Educator of the Month. Zaxby's also participated in Lakeview Middle School's Nine's Finest, which recognizes students for improvements, successes and accomplishments.

Waffle House is named the New Partner of the Year. Heritage High School student Katie Beth Carter, right, presents the award. Waffle House sponsored a Senior Breakfast at Heritage High, donated coupon books to local elementary schools, donated school supplies, coffee and gift certificates for teacher incentives.

Ringgold High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets present the colors at the "Not All Superheroes Wear Capes" Partnership 2000 Annual Recognition Luncheon.

The “Not All Superheroes Wear Capes” Partnership 2000 Annual Recognition Luncheon recognized some of the area’s superheroes when it comes to students.

“I define a superhero as someone always ready to save a person,” said Catoosa County Schools Superintendent Denia Reese. “Mr. Rogers said, ‘Anyone that helps a child is a hero to me.'”

Burning Bush Baptist Church was named Partnership 2000’s Civic/Religious Partner of the Year.

The Social Service Partner of the Year award went to Colleen Crawford and the Catoosa County Family Collaborative.

The Small Partner of the Year award was presented to True Life Chiropractic.

Medium Partner of the Year is Applebrook Country Day School.

Zaxby’s was named Large Partner of the Year.

The New Business Partner of the Year is Waffle House.

The Partners in Educational Excellence of the Year award went to Dr. Jason Webb Dentistry, Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Elder’s Ace Hardware, Cornerstone Mortgage Service, Waffle House and Modern Woodmen of America.

System Partner of the Year was Ringgold Telephone Company.

“In closing, we will honor someone with the Robert Hitchcox Championship Award,” Reese said. “This hero brings pizza and delivers 12 cases of soft drinks, delivers toys to children, food and clothing to help families. His name is Mark Collins.”