Service, spirit, and success recognized at Habersham school board meeting

By
Carly McCurry
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Maria Waters, principal of the Ninth Grade Academy, and Stefanie Eaton, principal of Hazel Grove Elementary School, pose with attendance trophies awarded to their schools during the October Habersham County Board of Education meeting. Both schools earned top honors for exceptional student and staff attendance. (Carly McCurry/NowHabersham.com)

Fresh off being named the top-ranked school system in the Pioneer RESA region, Habersham County Schools turned Thursday’s board meeting into a showcase of achievement.

From the creativity of a teacher who builds school spirit to the quiet strength of a custodian who keeps his school running, this month’s Peach State Federal Credit Union awards highlighted the everyday heroes who shape the lives of students and staff.  Danielle Hosmer: Extra Mile Award

Danielle Hosmer: Extra Mile Award

Scott Roland of Peach State Federal Credit Union and Doug Westmoreland presents the Extra Mile Award to Demorest Elementary special education teacher Danielle Hosmer as BOE member Doug Westmoreland looks on during the Habersham County Board of Education meeting on October 6, 2025. (Carly McCurry/NowHabersham.com)

Danielle Hosmer, a special education teacher at Demorest Elementary School, was awarded the Extra Mile Award for certified staff. Principal Lana Jones nominated Hosmer for her exceptional commitment and creativity.

In her two years at Demorest Elementary, Hosmer has gone beyond her classroom duties to strengthen the spirit of the school. During Demorest’s 25th anniversary celebration, she organized class photos, guided students during assemblies, and introduced a new tradition of ringing the entrance bell. Later, she donned the mascot costume in sweltering heat to delight students and families, transforming a logistical role into a moment of connection and joy.

“Her willingness to step in without being asked brought energy and excitement to our celebration,” Jones said. “She truly went the extra mile in making our 25th year special.”

Michael Densmore: Service Above Self Award

Michael Densmore, custodian at Hazel Grove Elementary, stands with characteristic humility as he is recognized by Assistant Superintendent Scott Roland during the October Habersham County Board of Education meeting. Densmore received the Peach State Federal Credit Union Service Above Self Award for his dedication, kindness, and unwavering service to his school community. (Photo by Carly McCurry/Now Habersham)

At Hazel Grove Elementary School, custodian Michael Densmore received the Service Above Self Award for classified staff. Nominated by Principal Stefanie Eaton, Sandy Todd, and Joni Blackburn, Densmore was praised for stepping up when a colleague fell ill, working long hours to keep the school clean, safe, and welcoming.

“When you work with family, it’s not work,” Densmore said at the meeting, eliciting warm applause.

His colleagues wrote that Densmore “maintains a positive, kind, and gracious spirit even on the busiest of days,” setting the tone for teamwork and care throughout the building. Teachers credit him with being a morale anchor, always ready to lend a hand, move furniture, or offer a kind word. “He embodies the spirit of service above self,” the nomination concluded.

New flag football coach recognized

Habersham Central’s Briana Webb, the first-ever girls flag football coach at the school, speaks alongside Superintendent Patrick Franklin at the October Board of Education meeting. Webb, a former Habersham Central athlete, also serves as head coach of the Lady Raider basketball team and reflected on the lifelong impact of mentorship and teamwork in athletics. (Carly McCurry/NowHabersham.com)

The board also recognized Coach Briana Webb, fresh from flag football practice, who leads Habersham Central High School’s first-ever girls’ flag football team. Webb, a former letterman athlete for Habersham Central herself, reflected on the role of coaches in shaping young people’s lives. “You can learn so much from being on a team,” she said.

Webb shared that after her mother’s passing, one of the first knocks on her door came from her high-school and college coaches, an affirmation of the mentorship she now strives to pay forward.

Top attendance awards

The school board recognized top attendance among students and staff. Habersham County Schools also recognized campuses with the highest attendance rates for students and staff.

Habersham Ninth Grade Academy led the secondary division with 96.45% student attendance and also topped staff attendance with 97.80%. At the middle school level, Wilbanks Middle (96.10%) and South Habersham Middle (95.90%) rounded out the top three for student attendance, while South Habersham Middle also placed second for staff at 96.99%.

In the elementary division, Hazel Grove Elementary claimed first place in both categories, recording 97.07% student attendance and 98.48% staff attendance. Level Grove Elementary (96.86%) and Demorest Elementary (96.51%) were recognized for their high student attendance rates, while Cornelia Elementary (97.90%) and Clarkesville Elementary (97.6%) earned honors for their outstanding staff attendance.

Secondary Student Attendance

    • 1st place: Habersham 9th Grade Academy — 96.45%
    • 2nd place: Wilbanks Middle — 96.10%
    • 3rd place: South Habersham Middle — 95.90%

Elementary Student Attendance

    • 1st place: Hazel Grove Elementary — 97.07%
    • 2nd place: Level Grove Elementary — 96.86%
    • 3rd place: Demorest Elementary — 96.51%

Staff Attendance – Elementary 

  • 1st place: Habersham Ninth Grade Academy – 97.80%
  • 2nd place: South Habersham Middle – 96.99%
  • 3rd place: Habersham Central – 96.26 %

Staff Attendance – Elementary

  • 1st place: Hazel Grove Elementary – 98.48%
  • 2nd place: Cornelia Elementary – 97. 90%
  • 3rd place:  Clarkesville Elementary – 97.6%

 

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