The Georgia Department of Education's Division for Special Services and Division for Special Education Support jointly honored the Walker County School District for excellence in the education of students with disabilities by meeting state target for graduates with regular education diplomas and by meeting state target for reducing the number of students with disabilities who drop out of school. The success of students with disabilities graduating with regular diplomas is the result of a collaborative effort between special education teachers and counselors, regular education teachers and counselors, graduation coaches and literacy coaches at each high school.

"My focus since I became superintendent has been raising the graduation rate by preparing all students for college and careers," said Melissa Mathis, superintendent of Walker County Schools. "The Board and I are very proud of not only the state award but also the extraordinary efforts put forth by Walker County educators to graduate every student ".