Dooly County School System

Saturday March 16, 2024 was a wonderful evening of recognition, celebration, unity and pride as the Dooly County School System welcomed approximately 200 guests to commemorate 150 years of educating students in within Dooly County. The event brought together former students, educators and staff of the five leading educational agencies from the past 150 years including the Vienna High School and Industrial, Vienna High School, Vienna High School, Unadilla High School, and the Dooly County High School.  Local government, civic and community leaders were also in attendance. 

After a delicious dinner, slide show of the system past and present, music and networking, Dr.  Sherrod Willaford, Superintendent of Schools, shared the occasion.  He gave an overview, timeline and progression of Dooly County Schools since 1874.  Dr. Willaford shared that the evening was truly a night of elegance and a display of who we are as we continue in our pursuit of excellence on the shoulders of our distinguished alumni and phenomenal educators who have gone before us.

 Ms. Felicia Madison, Chief Operations Officer for Dooly County Schools, served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening.  Ms. Madison was joined by Dr. Bobbie J. King and Ms. Katreisula Bryant to present the recognition for the Retired Educators Hall of Fame.  The 2024 Retired Educators Hall of Fame inductees included, Mrs. Jean Gregory and posthumously, Jasper Bryant, Jr. with Mr. Bryant’s daughter Katreisula and his wife, Oscar Mae Bryant accepting the award.   

 The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize six alumni who demonstrate professional excellence in their field, actively participate in their communities, and continue to support DCSS as alumni.  The outstanding recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards were as follows:  Dr. Bobbie Jean King, Vienna High School and Industrial Rattlers; Mrs. Murray Stephens, Vienna High School Cubs; Ms. Audrey Outlaw, Vienna High School Vikings; Mr. Montravius Adams, Dooly County High School Bobcats with his wife, Lateisha accepting on his behalf; Mr. Tony Lester, Unadilla High School Blue Devils, and posthumously, Mr. Clinton Shugart, Unadilla High School whose award was accepted by his son, Don Shugart. 

 The evening concluded in joyous celebration of the award recipients, networking and dancing.