Social worker Benford honored by BOE

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by Tia Lynn Ivey
Editor

The Morgan County Board of Education (BOE) recognized Pam Benford, a school social worker, in September for earning a prestigious award.

According to the BOE, Benford was recently awarded the President’s Award by the Georgia Professional Human Services Association (GPHSA).  This award is presented to persons who demonstrate truly outstanding service to Georgia’s families and children, advocacy, and partnership.

According to Wayne Drummond, Executive Director of GPHSA, Ms. Benford was recognized for several remarkable attributes.  “Her service on the Morgan County DFCS Board places her in a position of interpreting the needs of the agency to her community and the needs of her community to the agency.  She is a consistent and excellent advocate for children.  Ms. Benford seeks opportunities to add value to all organizations with whom she is affiliated.  Her advocacy with her network of colleagues resulted in an enhancement of the program for our Annual Training Conference to be benefit of her colleagues on Boards across Georgia and the professional staff who serve individuals, families, and children.”

Sarah Burbach, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support and Community Relations for the school system, shared the news about this prestigious award with the Board of Education at their monthly meeting.  She stated that “Ms. Benford is known throughout the state for her work with various agencies and boards benefitting children.”  After being congratulated by Superintendent James Woodard, chair Nelson Hale, and all of the Board of Education members, Ms. Benford spoke of the “honor and wonderful surprise” to be recognized in this way by Laurence Nelson, the President of the GPHSA at their annual meeting.

Pamela Benford became a social worker in Morgan County back in 1993. According to her state bio, “she received her Bachelor’s of Arts from Mercer University, Macon, Ga. and her Master’s in Social Work and Specialist from the University of Georgia. As a native of Madison, she is involved in many local organizations. She has been a member of the School Social Workers Association of Georgia, Inc. since 1993 and served on the Executive Board since 1997. She is a member of the Georgia Family Connection Partnership & Morgan County Family Connection Board; Region V & Morgan County Department of Family and Children Services & Morgan County 4-H Advisory Boards. She has been on the planning committee for Teen Maze for over four years that it has existed.”

Read the story at morgancountycitizen.com.