JoLee Henson
Community Relations Coordinator, Education
478-621-7801
JHenson@UnitedWayCG.com
The Golden Eagle Awards was established in 1978 to celebrate and honor Central Georgia’s highest achieving, engaged, and hard-working high school seniors. United Way of Central Georgia is continuing the long-standing tradition of honoring outstanding seniors in 25 public and private high schools throughout the area. In 2020, United Way added a new category the Superintendent’s Scholarship Award - JROTC, making a total of 14 student award categories. This scholarship is the brainchild of Pam and Mike Napier to salute Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones, and his achievements during both his military and education careers.
The 14 student categories are: Art, Athletics, Career/Technical/Agriculture (CTAE), Citizenship, Drama, English Literature, Journalism/Marketing/Communication, Math, Music, Science, Social Science, Technology, World Languages, and Superintendent’s Scholarship - JROTC.
High school seniors are nominated by their schools and judged by a panel of experts in each of the categories. Winners in 13 categories receive recognition at the Golden Eagle annual awards ceremony, a GE trophy, and a $2000 scholarship. A runner-up is also selected from these 13 categories with each receiving recognition at the GE annual awards ceremony, a GE plaque, and a $1000 scholarship.
The Superintendent’s Scholarship - JROTC winner is given a $10,000 scholarship over four years, through a private donor. All nominated students receive a commemorative Golden Eagle Nominee graduation cord.
In 2021 United Way expanded the Teacher Excellence Award to include both teachers and student support service staff (counselors, social workers, and psychologists). This award is now named the Sylvia W. McGee Excellence in Education Award. The award is named in honor of Sylvia McGee who spent 35 years with the Bibb County School District, retiring as Deputy Superintendent after serving as Interim Superintendent. Coming out of retirement, she spent over five years leading United Way of Central Georgia‘s Read United program.
The Sylvia W. McGee Excellence in Education Award winner receives a crystal award and a gift of $1000.
Have you been nominated by your school for a 2023 Golden Eagle Award? Submit your application here.
Information about the application and interview process can be found in the 2023 Golden Eagle Awards Guidebook. If you are a coordinator or applicant with questions or needing contact information, please review the guidebook.
Community Relations Coordinator, Education
478-621-7801
JHenson@UnitedWayCG.com