Beacon of Hope
On Monday, September 15, the Montgomery County Board of Education agreed to nominate The Advance Staff Writer Makaylee Randolph for the Georgia School Board Association Beacon Award, which recognizes excellent journalism in reporting school news.
According to the Georgia School Board Association, the Beacon Award acknowledges exemplary reporting on public education, focusing on comprehensive coverage that informs the public about educational continued from page
programs, policies, and issues. It honors journalists and media entities, recommended by school boards, for their enduring commitment to highlighting important educational matters through various media channels, including online and print publications, television, radio, and podcasts. This award underscores the vital role of informed journalism in shaping public understanding and dialogue around educational topics.
During the meeting on September 15, Board Chairman Henry Price and Superintendent Ronda Hightower announced that the District would be nominating Randolph for the award.
“Mr. Price has been talking about this for a while, and I was very glad,” Hightower emphasized.
During the recognition, Hightower read a letter that Hightower had written on the Board’s behalf to nominate Randolph for the award. The letter shared: Dear GSBA Beacon Award Committee, I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Ms. Makaylee Randolph and The Advance Publications for the esteemed GSBA Beacon Award. As a dedicated journalist with an unwavering commitment to public education, Ms. Randolph exemplifies the criteria set forth for this honor through her exceptional reporting and insightful coverage of educational programs, policies, and issues of public school systems in our area. Her ability to carry out her dedication and commitment to public education and insightful, unbiased reporting to the community is made possible because the leaders at The Advance also make this a priority.
The Advance has become the leading small-town newspaper, proudly serving the communities of Montgomery, Toombs, and Wheeler counties in South Georgia.
Ms. Randolph, a proud lifelong resident of Montgomery County and former student of Montgomery County School System, has consistently demonstrated her ability to present unbiased and comprehensive journalism. Her unique perspective, coupled with her strong ethical standards, allows her to inform the community about important educational matters while maintaining objectivity, even with her former school. She understands the nuances of public education and how they impact our students, teachers, families, and subsequently communities.
What truly sets Ms. Randolph apart is her proactive approach to journalism. She goes above and beyond to attend various meetings and school functions, ensuring that she captures the voices and stories of those directly involved in our educational system. Her dedication not only enhances the public's understanding of educational issues but also fosters an informed dialogue full of facts within our communities.
Through both digital and traditional media platforms, Ms. Randolph has provided sustained and insightful coverage that has informed the public about critical educational matters. Her reporting has not only highlighted the challenges faced by public schools but has also celebrated the achievements and innovations occurring within our educational system. She is a vital conduit between the school boards in our area and the communities, ensuring that important information reaches those who need it most. In closing, I would like to emphasize that Ms. Makaylee Randolph truly embodies the spirit of the GSBA Beacon Award. Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore, Ms. Randolph shines a light on the complexities of public education, illuminating vital issues and offering clarity to our community. Her exemplary reporting serves as a beacon, helping to navigate the often turbulent waters of educational discourse.
Through her unwavering commitment to comprehensive and insightful coverage, Ms. Randolph has not only informed the public about essential educational programs and policies but has also fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs within public schools. Her ability to engage with diverse voices and perspectives ensures that the dialogue surrounding education is inclusive and well-rounded.
Ms. Randolph’s work stands as a testament to the essential role of informed journalism in shaping public understanding and encouraging meaningful conversations about education. Her dedication to shining a light on these important matters makes her a deserving candidate for the GSBA Beacon Award. It is with great pride that we recognize her as a human lighthouse in our community, guiding us toward a brighter future in public education. Thank you for considering this nomination.
Randolph has worked at The Advance since 2021, when she began as a contr ibuting writer. She will now be considered for the award alongside other nominees across the state. Finalists and winners will be shared on November 10, and winners will be recognized at the annual Georgia School Board Association Conference on December 5.
“Ms. Randolph shines a light on the complexities of public education, illuminating vital issues and offering clarity to our community. Her exemplary reporting serves as a beacon, helping to navigate the often turbulent waters of educational discourse.”
– Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Ronda Hightower
UNBIASED LIFELONG RESIDENT – The Montgomery County Schools Board of Education shared that though Randolph was a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, and a former Montgomery County School System student, she remained unbiased and objective in her reporting. L to R: Jason Randolph, Makaylee Randoph, Stacie Randolph.Photo by Vicki Jay
