Cherokee County (GA) Educational Foundation Annual Report for 2025

board president

COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS,

Providing quality education for every student in the Cherokee County School District is the foundation of a thriving community. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF), a dedicated nonprofit of passionate volunteers, remains steadfast in this mission—partnering with our schools to deliver essential resources that sustain educational excellence.

As Board President, I extend sincere thanks to our donors, volunteers, and supporters. Your commitment is vital: it powers Impact Grants that empower teachers to innovate and inspire, funds professional development, supports standards-based programs in arts, sciences, math, and special education, and celebrates our outstanding Teacher of the Year, Partner of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

I am honored to serve on the Board since 2012 and proud to lead Northside Hospital Cherokee, an organization deeply committed to education. We participate in the Foundation because strong schools foster healthier, more resilient communities. By investing in our students and educators today, we help build the compassionate leaders of tomorrow—strengthening families, businesses, and healthcare right here in Cherokee County.

Please join us in supporting CCEF events like the Celebration of Education Gala, Sporting Clays Classic, Golf and Pickleball Classic, and the Cherokee County Chick-fil-A 5k Race. These gatherings raise critical funds while uniting our community to celebrate achievements and amplify impact.

I have full confidence in CCEF’s transparency and efficiency— every dollar maximizes benefits for our schools. Together, let’s keep our commitment strong and ensure a bright future for our students, teachers, and community.

WITH GRATITUDE,

BILLY HAYES NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CHEROKEE, CEO

CHEROKEE COUNTY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, BOARD PRESIDENT

Billy Hayes President, Northside Hospital Cherokee, CEO

board of directors

Kevin Williams Vice President, Chick-fil-A, Owner/ Operator

Shuntel Beach Director of Admissions, King’s Ridge Academy, Community Volunteer

Zach Blend CEO, Goshen Valley Foundation

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis CCSD Superintendent of Schools

Naceo Denney Area Manager, Georgia Power/Southern Co

Rebecca Johnston Retired Editor, Cherokee Tribune

Kenneth Owen CCSD Chief Financial Officer

Aletia Martin

Cherokee County Council PTA President, ABM Marketing

Abby Roach

Attorney Roach, Claudill & Frost, LLP

Shawn Meade Treasurer, Partner/ Private Wealth Manager, Creative Planning

Janet Read Welch CCSD School Board Chair

Arlene Dickerson CEO/Founder, Technical Resource Solutions

Mike McGowan CCSD Chief of Staff

Kathy Strom Secretary, CCEF Operations Director

Candler Howell

CCSD Retired Assistant Superintendent for Finance

Randy Hall President/CEO, Batson-Cook Construction

Mark Moore McClure Family Foundation, Cherokee Computer

Diana Ruslin

Owner BStronger Vending & Quick6 Delivery, Community Volunteer

Brian Albrecht President/CEO, Credit Union of Georgia

Jennifer Davis Cherokee County Superior Court Judge

Lisa-Marie Haygood

CCEF Executive Director

Geoff Morton Cherokee County Manager

Whitney Spear Foundation Director, Highland Rivers Foundation

Dr. Gary Sullenger

Ed.D. Community Volunteer

how we our impactschools

CCEF is dedicated to supporting the students and staff of the Cherokee County School District. Our goal is to provide opportunities for growth and innovation, while giving teachers and students the tools they need to make learning exciting. With increased accessibility of our grants to teachers by opening our application and recipient cycle for year-round availability, our reach for 2025 surpassed our goals!

The RAPID GRANT Program, available in any amount up to $500, is open to all Cherokee County School District faculty and can be applied for throughout the year. 150 Rapid Grants went out in 2025.

The CLASSROOM IMPACT GRANT Program awards Cherokee County School District teachers up to $2,500 for various classroom projects or items. 16 CCSD teachers were awarded Classroom Impact Grants in 2025.

The CCEF GRANT Program has funded a wide variety of needs including STEM projects, sensory equipment for special needs students, in-class field trips, and outdoor classrooms and gardens. Grants have also helped fund virtual reality headsets, theatrical rights for plays and productions, kindergarten transition packets, English language learning games, and a variety of other needs and projects.

$37,500 16 Awarded DISTRICT WIDE GRANTS

LEGACY GIVING

$467,000

Gifts to CCEF that fund scholarship opportunities for CCSD students

$10,000 IMPACT GRANTS

$75,000 150 Awarded

$100,000

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS INCOME

$400,000

Grants & Donations

$877,000

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation was created to raise funds and awareness to support continued excellence in all classrooms and schools of the Cherokee County School District. We fund innovative and creative learning opportunities and celebrate the achievements of the students and staff of our award-winning school district.

educate

#educate

(verb): give intellectual, moral, and social instruction to someone, especially a child, typically at a school or university.

GRANTS used to help educate our students and staff have included:

Book Collections for Media Centers

Pollinator Gardens and Sustainable Agriculture Projects

Phenomenon-Based Inquiry Lab Equipment

Theater Workshops

Economics Projects

Digital Education in Construction Equipment

STEM Lab Robotics

Special Education Print Shop Tools

Drums

Lego Robotics

Backyard Biologist Projects

Model Z Rocketry Equipment

Stock Market Games

Math Stackers

Special Education Coffee Shoppe Materials

Musical Instruments

Classroom Library Sets

Science Lab Safety Equipment

Weight Room Equipment

Adaptive PE Equipment

Visiting Authors

Consumable Art Supplies

#innovate

(verb): make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

#EducateInnovateCelebrate

#celebrate

(verb): acknowledge a significant or happy day or event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.

Valedictorian and Saulatorian Scholars Banquet

GRANTS that celebrate include:

Academic Bowls

Educators Hall of Fame

ELL Students

Employee Milestones Recognition

Leadership Symposium

New Teacher Recruitment

Partner Engagement

Partner/Volunteer of the Year

Principals Meeting Breakfast

Reading Bowl

Retirement Recognition Event

Scholars Banquet

School Bus Driver of the Year

School Nutrition Team of the Year

Student Advisor & Delegates Appreciation

Support Staff of the Year

Teacher of the Year

legacy giving how our impacts our schools community

REACH GEORGIA SCHOLARS

REACH Georgia is the state of Georgia’s first needs-based mentorship and college scholarship program. REACH directly addresses this critical need, generating opportunities for more Georgia students to enter the postsecondary education pipeline, and subsequently, for more college graduates to enter the diversified workforce of the future. For our third class, 4 CCSD middle schoolers have been selected as a CCSD REACH Georgia scholar.

JASON T. DICKERSON FAMILY FOUNDATION

Carey and Jason Dickerson, of the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation, wanted to make sure that new teachers had the supplies they needed for their classrooms without the pressure of having to come out of their own pockets. They generously chose to fund a three-year Grant commitment to give $500 New Teacher Grants to every newly hired full-time certified teacher in CCSD.

DON STEVENS AND BOB BURNS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Don Stevens and Bob Burns Memorial Scholarships support Cherokee County High School students who are pursuing their private pilot license. Mr. Stevens was a retired captain for Delta Airlines and longtime chairman of the Cherokee County Airport Authority. Mr. Burns was an Army air traffic controller, retired Delta pilot, and flight instructor. Their families created the scholarship, with the assistance of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, to both honor their memory and help students with the expenses of training and obtaining their private pilot licenses.

Creekview HS Class of 2025 graduate Zoie Thorne and Etowah HS rising junior Leah Schmid each will receive the $10,000 Memorial Aviation Scholarships.

Cherokee HS rising junior William “Max” Tyler, Creekview HS 2025 graduate Lawson Looper, River Ridge HS rising senior Taylor Free and Woodstock HS rising senior Gabriel Nicolas each will receive the $500 Private Pilot Ground School Scholarships.

WHITE CAPITOL GROUP & WHITE FAMILY FOUNDATION

Ken White, Cherokee High School Class of 1959, was honored as the CCEF Alumni of the Year for 2025 highlighting his inspiring journey as a philanthropist, three-sport athlete, and scholar who has achieved success and brought pride to our community. “As a Cherokee High School Alum, donating to the new school to benefit the next generation of graduates was very important to me.” With $300,000 annually for five years, Mr. White’s generous naming gift will fund the Gymnasium, Baseball/Softball Complex, and School Practice Field.

fundraising & events

The Chick-fil-A 5k Road Race is held in August every year and is the largest 5k Peachtree qualifier in North Georgia!

Each October, CCEF hosts the Fall Classics— Golf and Pickleball, on the same day.

The CCEF Annual T-Shirt Campaign offers some of the coolest spiritwear in town that is the perfect look for jean days for CCSD staff members.

Our Annual Celebration of Education Gala, held in March, allows us to honor the CCSD Alumni of the Year, while bringing together more than 400 of our finest dressed friends to raise funds for our Grant Programs.

The CCEF Sporting Clays Classic brings together our outdoor enthusiasts for a day of summer clay pigeon throwing.

DEAR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS,

Since its inception in 2012, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) has worked to ensure that the students, teachers, and staff of the Cherokee County School District have access to the resources and innovations needed to maintain excellence in our public schools. Strong public schools form the backbone of a thriving community— attracting families, strengthening our local economy, inspiring business growth, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls Cherokee County home.

It is hard to believe I am already beginning my ninth year with the Foundation. I remain inspired daily by the incredible support and generosity of this community. Your contributions have fueled our success, allowing CCEF to expand our events, increase our impact, and fund more initiatives each year. You are not only supporters, but partners in our mission to elevate education in Cherokee County, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment.

We were incredibly proud to provide a $500 New Teacher Supply grant to each of the 294 new full-time certified hires in our school district. That $147,000 grant, made possible by the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation, is an excellent perk for attracting top talent and ensuring that new teachers don’t have to come out of their own pockets to equip a classroom. In the first half of this school year, CCEF has awarded more than 150 Rapid Grants and 16 Classroom Impact Grants and has provided over $100,000 in funding for district-wide initiatives, including Support Staff of the Year, New Teacher Recruitment, and the Elementary and Middle School Academic Bowls. These programs directly impact students, teachers, and staff, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, and recognition throughout our schools.

WITH GRATITUDE,

LISA-MARIE HAYGOOD CCEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEAR CCEF FRIENDS,

Thank you for everything you do to lift up our schools, students, and staff. Over the past year, I’ve had so many wonderful conversations with teachers, employees, and families—and one message shines through every time: deep appreciation for the incredible champions of public education in our community. And that, of course, means you.

The pride our community takes in our schools is something truly special. Together, we’re helping our students reach new heights — learning more, growing more, and achieving more each day. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation plays a huge role in making that happen. Your dedication as board members, sponsors, volunteers, and donors inspires us all to elevate the excellence and move our mission forward.

Each year, the foundation’s advocacy and fundraising make a world of difference. The grants you provide — thousands of dollars invested right into classrooms and programs — spark creativity and fuel innovation for our students. As a former teacher, I can only imagine how much it would have meant to see one of my classroom dreams come true through the foundation. It’s such a joy to visit schools and hear teachers share how your support has turned their ideas into reality.

You also help us shine a light on the amazing people who make our district such a wonderful place to learn and work. From welcoming new teachers through TEAM Cherokee to honoring our Teachers of the Year, Support Staff Employees of the Year, and Retiring Legends, your generosity helps us celebrate the milestones and memories that shape our school family.

And your support doesn’t stop there. The foundation helps bring our entire community to the table — encouraging families, local businesses, and partners to get involved in meaningful ways. Whether you’re rallying support for a fundraiser or helping recognize our Partners and Volunteers of the Year, you’re always ready to join us in celebrating successes.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, your passion, and your steadfast support. You are the heartbeat of our community’s commitment to education, and we are so grateful to have you by our side every step of the way.

Mary Elizabeth Davis

MARY ELIZABETH DAVIS SUPERINTENDENT CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

choose tax dollars go where your

The PEACH EDUCATION TAX CREDIT allows tax payers to donate to support innovative programs that foster educational excellence for students across the state. Donors received a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their state income tax.

Your state tax dollars can stay local to directly benefit the CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT via the CHEROKEE COUNTY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION with NO additional costs to you.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

STEP 1: APPLY NOW at www.gfpe.org. It takes less than a minute to complete your application and GFPE will submit your application to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) on your behalf.

STEP 2: RECEIVE APPROVAL. GFPE and DOR will notify you of your approved tax credit amount and payment deadline to take part in PEACH.

STEP 3: MAKE YOUR DONATION. Submit your payment to GFPE before the payment deadline, which is 60 days after receiving pre-approval from the DOR. Please select Cherokee County Educational Foundation from the drop-down menu. Within one week of receiving your donation, the GFPE will send you the Form IT-QED-FUND1, which serves as the

receipt for the donation. If you prefer to make a donation via check, please contact GFPE for details at 678-590-7047.

STEP 4: CLAIM YOUR TAX CREDIT. To claim the tax credit on your state income taxes, you will need to complete Form IT-QED-TP2 and attach it to your income tax return when it is filed. (Note: you will take the credit when you file your taxes in the year following your contribution.)

TAX CREDIT ELIGIBILITY LIMITS ARE BASED ON FILING STATUS

Single individual or head of household: Up to $1,000 GA income tax credit

Married couples filing separately: Up to $1,250 GA income tax credit

Married couple filing jointly: Up to $2,500 GA income tax credit

S-corporation shareholder, LLC member or Partnership (Pass-through Entity) NOT paying tax at entity level: Up to $10,000 GA income tax credit

C-corporation, Trust, or Pass-through Entity electing to pay tax at entity level: Up to 75% GA tax liability

infinite giving

CCEF has partnered with Infinite Giving to provide our donors with a wider range of contribution options. This partnership allows you to make contributions with stocks, bonds, and even real estate, which can be financially beneficial due to the tax incentives available. The staff at Infinite Giving, who are well-versed in current laws, will walk alongside you, ensuring all paperwork and filings are handled efficiently and timely. We encourage you to consider these alternative methods of giving, which not only support our mission but also offer financial advantages.

GIFT STOCK: Stock and crypto are the most tax-efficient ways to donate for your personal tax return.

GIFT CRYPTO: Stock and crypto are the most tax-efficient ways to donate for your personal tax return.

GIFT A DAF GRANT: Give from your Donor Advised Fund from your existing account at another financial institution.

GIFT AN ENDOWMENT: Give a one-time donation that can provide a percentage of returns every year for decades.

DONATE TO CCEF!

corporate/organizations supporters of the cherokee county educational foundation

C

Capture

Carriage Kia Carroll Daniel Construction

Cherokee County Board Of Commissioners

Cherokee Floor Covering

Chick-fil-A

City of Canton, GA

Claude Fleming Carpet Inc

Cobb EMC Community Foundation

Corporate Office Furniture

Credit Union of Georgia

Cherokee Children’s Dentistry

Croft and Associates, INC Delta

Heart & Hands Therapy Services

HRD Architects

Inglett and Stubbs In-Sight Creative

T. Dickerson Family Foundation LGE Community Credit Union

Mallory and Evans Manley, Spangler & Smith Architects

Consulting MC Wraps & Signs

McClure Family Foundation Meinke Car Care

MSSA-PBK

Newcomb & Boyd

N.J. Wilbanks Construction Group

North Georgia CPA

North Georgia Clogging and Dance

Northside Hospital Cherokee

O’Brien Productions

Orange Theory

Peach State Truck Centers

Perkins and Will Architects

Pinnacle Orthopedics Po Boys Car Club

Prestige Medical Group

Reinhardt FCA

Reinhardt University Retro Roofers

Roach, Caudill & Gunn, LLP

Robertson Loia Roof Architects and Engineers

Roof Technology Partners

Searched Marketing

ServePro Cherokee County

Shottenkirk CDJR

Sixes Church

Smile Doctors

SmithBuilt Construction

Southeast Restoration Group

Southeastern Paper Group Inc

Summit Surgical Partners

Sustos Taco Bar

Technical Resource Solutions, LLC

The Gathering Board

Thomas and Brown, LLC

Tidwell & Strimban

Triad Construction Co., Inc

Universal Alloy Corporation

USB

White Capitol Group

White Family Foundation

Woodstock CDJR

P.O. BOX 4754, CANTON, GA 30114 (770) 704-4213 | CCEFGA.ORG EST. 2012

CHEROKEE COUNTY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION