Nominate a Lilburn Teacher for a State Award

State School Superintendent John Barge awarded the first Fountain Award on Wednesday to a former teacher and coach of his in Douglas County, and he's looking for nominations from the public for the next winner of the quarterly award.

"The public is invited to nominate a teacher who had a profound impact on someone's educational career," the department said in an emailed release.

Barge surprised Monty Fountain in presenting him the new award, created to showcase educators who inspire students outside of what's in a text book, such as character and perseverance, said Matt Cardoza, the spokesman for the Georgia Department of Education.

Fountain still teaches in Douglas County, and he wondered aloud to colleagues about whether Barge would still remember him, just before the superintendent presented him the award, Cardoza said.

"One of the first things I wanted to do after being elected last year was name an award after Mr. Fountain and give others the opportunity to nominate teachers who helped shape their lives for the better," Barge said in the statement.

You don't have to be a student currently to make a nomination, and the teacher isn't required to be working as an educator now.

Send in your nominations to kford@gadoe.org. See the PDF among the photos for a copy of the application.