There are so many people in our community who are deserving to be recognized for their outstanding contributions both within Cherokee County and beyond. While we can think of many people that would be a perfect fit for the Alumni of the Year award, we want to hear from you. We want you to nominate someone you think is deserving of this honor! After we evaluate the nominations, we will recognize the selected alumna and alumnus at this year's Celebration of Education Gala!

As we look forward to the 2021 Gala, we wanted to take a peek at what school looked like in our county leading up to 1970, the year that both of our 2020 Alumni of the Year award winners graduated from Cherokee High School. Ms. Rebecca Johnston and Mr. Steve Stancil were chosen as the winners of this award for their outstanding contributions to the community. Both of our winners have had great success in their careers, and the cool thing is…it all started in a Cherokee County school. Ms. Johnston stated, "I appreciate that my education at CHS helped me to be able to achieve what I have in life. I have been able to do what I love most, which is to have a career as a writer and editor and have the opportunity to record our Cherokee County history through my writings. This award is a pinnacle of my life." 

If you've been in Cherokee County for any length of time, you've probably heard of Cherokee High School which sits on Marietta Highway. However, Cherokee High School hasn't always been here. In fact, it didn't become Cherokee High School until 1956. It was previously known as Canton High School – which is where Ms. Carolyn Turner graduated from in 1948. As you will see, Ms. Turner has been a light to the community and is truly a deserving recipient of the 2021 Alumni of the Year Award. 

Cherokee County not only has some of the best schools in the state, but we also are fortunate enough to have some awesome alumni that tirelessly give back to their community. Every year we take a moment to acknowledge some that go above and beyond, and this year two stood out. We are so excited to congratulate Misti Martin and Judge Tony Baker as the 2022 Cherokee County Alumni of the Year.

Cherokee County is home to some of the best schools in Georgia, along with some incredible alumni that continue to give back to their community year after year. Each year, CCEF recognizes two alumni that have exhibited exemplary service, dedication, and civic contributions to the Cherokee County School District. This year, CCEF has chosen to recognize Judge Jennifer Davis and Randy Gravley as the 2023 Alumni of the year! 

Cherokee County boasts not only some of Georgia's finest schools but also a list of remarkable alumni who consistently contribute to their community. Every year, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) honors two alumni for their exceptional service, commitment, and contributions to the Cherokee County School District. For 2024, CCEF is proud to recognize Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison and Ken White as our distinguished Alumni of the Year!

On March 8th, 2025, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation hosted its annual Celebration of Education Gala, a night dedicated to the community and education in Cherokee County.