Randolph Recognized with State Beacon Award
The Advance News Editor Makaylee Randolph was recently honored for her excellence in reporting on public education issues and events, as she was presented with the Georgia School Boards Association Beacon Award during the Association’s annual conference on Friday, December 5.
According to the Georgia School Boards Association, the Beacon Award acknowledges exemplary reporting on public education, focusing on comprehensive coverage that informs the public about educational programs, policies, and issues. It honors journalists and media entities, recommended by school boards, for their enduring commitment to highlight- continued from page
ing 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.
To be eligible for the award, journalists must be nominated by a public school district – who approves a resolution to nominate the journalist or publication – and sample articles must be submitted for review. Three Beacon Award winners are chosen for the state each year.
Randolph was nominated for the award by the Montgomery County Schools district, as Board Chairman Henry Price and Superintendent Ronda Hightower announced the nomination during the Board’s meeting on September 15. “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 she 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 smalltown 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 contributing writer. She traveled to Atlanta, where she was presented with the award by Georgia School Boards Association executives during the last session of the Association’s annual conference. “I cannot begin to explain the gratitude or honor I feel to receive this award,” Randolph remarked. “I am so grateful to Montgomery County Schools for nominating me, and for everyone at The Advance who has helped me to learn and improve my craft week after week. Thank you again to everyone who has helped me throughout this journey.”
SHINING LIGHT ON PUBLIC EDUCATION — The AdvanceNews Editor Makaylee Randolph (left) accepts the Beacon Award from Georgia School Boards Association President Amy Murphy (right). The Beacon Award recognizes journalists for ‘shining a light on public education,’ and reporting accurately and effectively about the news and events of public schools around them.
