CCSD Leaders Win Physical Education, Sports Advocacy Awards

WOODSTOCK, GA — Two Cherokee County School District leaders have earned top awards from a state organization in recognition of their advocacy for physical education and health programs.

Debra Murdock, executive director for administrative leadership in the CCSD Office of School Operations, has won the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance’s 2018 Advocate of the Year Award. This recognition honors school or college administrators or community leaders who promote, support and advocate for health, physical education, recreation and/or dance programs in school settings.

Toyna Sebring, administrator on special assignment in the Office of School Operations, was honored with the 2018 GAHPERD Pathfinder Award, which recognizes recipients advocating, recruiting, and enhancing opportunities for girls and women in sport and sport leadership.

“We’re dedicated to ensuring that every student is provided opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles and put that into practice through physical activity and athletic competition,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “Our school district is successful in its advocacy for this cause, especially the inclusion of all students, due to the dedication of leaders like Debbie and Tonya. They truly care about the success, health and happiness of each student we serve.”

Murdock in her role with the district not only oversees operations for middle and high schools, but also those schools’ numerous extra-curricular and athletic programs. She championed the creation of special events for high school senior athletes, which has grown from the Senior Bowl football game to also include a basketball game with the inclusion of Special Olympics athletes, as well as National Signing Days.

In her new role, Sebring manages student athletics and activities and expanding the variety of choices available to students. A champion softball coach and former Woodstock High School assistant principal and athletic director, Sebring organizes the district's annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Last year, the event grew to an attendance of 700 female student athletes, with guest speakers and award presentations for students, teams and alumna.

“Their performance as educators, role models and community leaders is evident,” the association stated in its awards announcement. The nomination letters submitted on their behalf “testify to their dedication to students, peers and athletes in the school district.”

Murdock and Sebring will receive their awards at the 2018 GAHPERD Convention in Athens in October. They will be also recognized for their achievements by the Cherokee County School Board at its Oct. 18 meeting.

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Photo: Tonya Sebring, left, and Debra Murdock. Credit: Cherokee County School District