State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced that the Georgia Department of Education has designated 25 schools as recipients of the 2024–25 Military Flagship School Award. Liberty County School System has two of its schools — Button Gwinnett Elementary and Lyman Hall Elementary — honored with this recognition.

The Military Flagship School Award acknowledges schools that excel in creating a nurturing environment for military students and their families. These schools specifically reach out to military families and address their unique needs.

Button Gwinnett Elementary School

Button Gwinnett Elementary features a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) who provides both group and individual counseling, collaborating closely with teachers and staff to identify the needs of military students. The school partners with Fort Stewart’s school liaison officer to assist families with enrollment and transitions.

Additionally, BGES offers professional development for staff dedicated to supporting military students and organizes welcome activities for new military families.

Lyman Hall Elementary School

Lyman Hall Elementary assists military students through an MFLC who provides individual and group counseling. To foster community connections, the school integrates military students into its extracurricular activities, including 4-H, Boys and Girls Club, and coding clubs. Teachers participate in training from the Military Child Education Coalition to better understand the stress associated with deployment. The school collaborates with local veterans and military spouses to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for military families.

For the first time, only two school districts in the state of Georgia — Lanier County Schools and Liberty County School System — are being recognized as Military School Districts. This honor signifies that every school within the district has earned the Military Flagship School Award. This achievement highlights the districts’ exceptional commitment to supporting military-connected students and families, ensuring that each school fosters a welcoming and supportive environment. By reaching this milestone, these districts demonstrate a comprehensive, district-wide dedication to meeting the unique needs of military families and providing them with stability, resources, and opportunities for success.

“Military students and families are an integral part of our school district,” said Dr. Franklin Perry, superintendent of Liberty County Schools. “LCSS will continue to care for all children. The mission of our district is to provide all students with an education that promotes excellence, good citizenship, and a love of learning. Congratulations to Button Gwinnett Elementary and Lyman Hall Elementary on this outstanding recognition.”

Said Woods, “As the son of a military family, I understand firsthand the challenges and transitions military families face. That’s why it’s so important to me to recognize schools that go above and beyond to support Georgia’s military- connected students. These 25 schools have created welcoming, stable environments where military families feel valued and supported. One of the most meaningful ways we can honor those who serve is by serving their children well.”

Since Georgia launched its Military Flagship School Award in the 20182019 academic year, 69 schools have earned this esteemed recognition. The following Liberty County Schools have received acknowledgments:

• 2019 — Snelson Golden Middle School

• 2021 — Waldo Pafford Elementary School

• 2022 — Bradwell Institute and Midway Middle School

• 2023 — Frank Long Elementary School

• 2024 — Joseph Martin Elementary School, Lewis Frasier Middle School, Liberty County High School, Liberty Elementary School, Taylors Creek Elementary School.

The Liberty County School System will host its Military Flagship celebration for Button Gwinnett Elementary and Lyman Hall Elementary on Wednesday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at Lyman Hall Elementary School, 1396 Shaw Road, Hinesville.