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.

Geiger Legal Group wants to reward TWO hard-working teachers from EACH Middle School and High School in Cherokee County with a "Classroom Necessities" rolling cart again this year. But we need your help!

Since its establishment in 2012, the Cherokee County Education Foundation has awarded nearly $1,000,000 in grants to CCSD students, teachers, and schools. In years past, applicants could apply for Rapid Grants in some parts of the school year, while applying for Impact Grants over the weeks of winter break. This year, CCEF is proud to announce a change to our grant application process that will allow for teachers, faculty and staff to apply for funds starting today, July 1st 2024!

The excitement is building as we approach the 11th Annual Cherokee County Chick-fil-A 5K on August 17th, 2024. With just a couple of weeks left, it's time to lace up your running shoes, rally your friends and family, and get ready to make a difference in our community.

CANTON, GEORGIA, August 17, 2024 – On Saturday, the 11th annual Cherokee County Chick-fil-A Five K took place, gathering the Cherokee County community together to raise funds for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) and the Cherokee County Special Olympics (CCSO).

We're thrilled to announce that CCEF's beloved Fall Classics are back this October! Join us for our annual Golf Classic and Tennis and Pickleball Classic—two incredible events that play a vital role in funding our Rapid Grant and Impact Grant programs at the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 

Cherokee County Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that three teachers in the Cherokee County School District have been awarded Classroom Impact Grants for the first 2024 application period, which came to a close on August 31st, 2024.

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) is proud to announce the inclusion of its Impact and Rapid Grants in the latest episode of GrantTalk, a podcast presented by GrantWatch, the leading grant funding search engine for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. 

Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) is dedicated to supporting teachers and students through innovative programs that make a difference in the classroom. One such program, Project BOOM! led by music teacher Mr. Ben Sexton at RM Moore Elementary School STEM Academy in Waleska, GA, has exceeded all expectations.

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation's (CCEF) 2025 Celebration of Education Gala was truly a night to remember!