Eighteen seniors from three Douglas County School System high schools signed certificates of commitment to pursue careers in education during the Second Annual DCSS Future Georgia Educators Signing Day.
The May 6 event was held at the DCSS Central Office and is part of Georgia's statewide "Teach in the Peach" initiative, which aims to make Georgia the nation's top state for teaching.
Students recognized during the ceremony included BreeAnna Carver, Breck Norris, McKayla Morgan, Sarah Seabrook, Gabby Perteet, Lindsey Walls, Blakely Lester, Madison Brown, Destiny Perkins, Sofia Perezcassar, Zakyriah Davis, Kelsey Thigpen and Tori Michinski from Alexander High School; Alana Traylor, Aubrianna Labonte-Postell, and Jalaya Burks from Douglas County High School; and MyKayla McMann and Kirsten Mahoney from New Manchester High School.
Pathways represented included Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Teaching as a Profession (TAP). Students were guided and supported throughout their journey by dedicated CTAE educators Brooke Morris and Carsen Nelson of Alexander High School, Jane Upton and Carrie 
Thompson of Douglas County High School and Elizabeth Adair of New Manchester High School.
"This event is incredibly meaningful because it celebrates students who have already invested so much time, heart, and dedication into the field of education while still in high school," said Morris, who teaches the Teaching as a Profession and Early Childhood Education pathways at Alexander. "Watching them take this next step toward becoming future teachers is both exciting and emotional. My hope is that in just a few years, we will welcome many of these students back into the Douglas County School System as educators, giving back to the same school system that helped shape them. Seeing their passion for making a difference in the lives of others reminds us why events like this matter so much."
"The DCSS Teacher Signing Day event was a great way to celebrate our future educators and show them how much they are appreciated and needed in this profession," added Adair, who teaches the Early Childhood Education Pathway at New Manchester. "The graduating seniors at New Manchester, Kirsten and MyKayla, are excited about their future in education and they are both working towards owning and operating their own childcare centers."
Upton noted that Douglas County High's Early Childhood Education pathway had 128 
completers, with 100% passing the End of Pathway Assessment and 90% earning college credit.
"There is no greater honor than watching young adults choose to follow your lead and dedicate themselves to serving the next generation," Upton said. "My hopes are to see them back here in the Douglas County School System as a colleague."
As part of the celebration, students also recognized educators who made a lasting impact on their lives and influenced their decision to pursue a career in teaching. The signing day falls during Teacher Appreciation Week, and each student selected a "Golden Apple Recipient" to honor for their encouragement, support, and inspiration.
Educators recognized as Golden Apple Recipients included Kelli Booth, Kellie Chavez, Dmya Cooper, Jackie Crawford, Deann Creech, Ryan Marshman, Leah Mathis, Brooke Morris, Donna Morrison, Heather Nantz, Carsen Nelson, Robin Upton, Elizabeth Adair and Evan Mann.
View all of the photos from the 2026 Future Educators Signing Day event here.
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