Alexander High Grandparent Honored By State For Volunteerism

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA -- The Georgia Department of Education is honoring an Alexander High grandparent for his work nurturing and enriching young minds. Georgia Department of Education and Georgia PTA are honoring Super Volunteer Paul Goolsby for his work bringing smiles and laughter to Alexander High students.

At least four days per week, Goolsby volunteers on Alexander’s campus. He picks up trash and is exceptionally active in school and community events. Goolsby has four grandchildren attending, have graduated from, or will attend Alexander High School. His daughter, Diereshe Collins, is the media specialist at Mason Creek Elementary.

Alexander High School School Counselor Mitzi Blackstone nominated Goolsby. Blackstone said he deserves the nomination because he is a campus ambassador and a grandfather to all.

“Many of our students might not hear an encouraging word from an adult outside of our building except for his words,” she said. “Our community would not know about the achievements of Alexander without the ambassadorship of Goolsby.”

Head football coach Matthew Combs agrees with Blackstone, calling Goolsby a servant leader. Combs added, “The greatest leaders are servant leaders. Goolsby leads by example daily. His willingness to do what others won’t and his desire to support all is what makes him a great man. He is what we should all strive to be. Goolsby is a pillar of the Alexander community. He is a stakeholder that every school dreams to have.”

Goolsby joins five other parent volunteers receiving the Georgia Parent Leadership Award for 2019. “Nothing we do as educators is possible without parent involvement and support,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “I commend each of these individuals for investing in their child’s education and, in the process, lifting up the entire school community.”

GaDOE and GA PTA created the award to recognize parents for their outstanding leadership and creating a foundation for student achievement and success. Local schools nominated caregivers in their community responsible for sustaining a student’s educational, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. The Georgia PTA honored the six winners at Georgia PTA’s Convention Leadership Training (CLT) in Atlanta.