2026 Volunteer of the Year

2026 Volunteers of the Year: Celebrating Dedication, Leadership, and Service

On February 26th, we had the incredible privilege of gathering for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Luncheon, an event dedicated to honoring the outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impact on our schools and students.

Recognizing the Heart of Our Schools

Volunteers are the heart of our schools. Their dedication, generosity, and willingness to go the extra mile shape student success and strengthen our community. Whether serving as mentors, leading impactful programs, or dedicating countless hours to supporting school initiatives, these honorees exemplify what it means to serve with passion and purpose.

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service above self—those who lead by example, foster collaboration, and go beyond expectations to support the success of students and educators. Their contributions may include direct service, leadership in fundraising efforts, or significant contributions of time and resources to further educational goals.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors, whose commitment to education and community service allows us to celebrate these incredible volunteers.

Presenting Sponsors:

A special thank you to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Credit Union of Georgia, and Publix for being our Presenting Sponsors. Your generous support made this celebration possible, ensuring that we could honor the outstanding volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to our schools. Your commitment to education and community service is truly inspiring!

Host Sponsors:

We are also grateful for the contributions of our Host Sponsors, whose support helped make this event a success:

Cobb County School District Event Services
McGraw-Hill Education
Voyles Automotive
1885 Grill Acworth

Table Sponsors:

A special thank you to our Table Sponsors for their support in making this luncheon a memorable and meaningful celebration:

Cobb EMC
CCC Architects
The Pearl Foundation

Volunteer Sponsors:

A special thank you to our Volunteer Sponsors for supporting and celebrating the dedicated volunteers who make a difference in our school:

BM&K Construction
Pathful

Your generosity ensures that our volunteers feel the recognition and appreciation they so deeply deserve!

View the list of volunteers here

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Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.