Phoebe recognized as a ‘special’ Partner in Excellence

ALBANY, Ga. — More than 300 business and community leaders crowded into the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center Wednesday as the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and Dougherty County School System recognized their Partners in Excellence at a Rise N Shine Breakfast.

The Partners in Excellence Program is the school system’s premier school business partnership program that pairs businesses, community organizations, and civic organizations with schools to promote excellence in education.

Through these partnerships, more than 240 business and community organizations are helping students to reach their highest level of academic success.

On Wednesday, the DCSS welcomed 34 new Partners into the fold, and recognized a special Partner.

“Among the most significant improvements made in this system since I was appointed superintendent is the great increase in partnerships with our schools each year,” DCSS Superintendent Joshua Murfree said. “Thirty-four new partners who made commitments to our schools are recognized here this morning. We appreciate every one of you and what you do to help our students succeed.

“Every partner is important and can contribute to our mission of providing a quality education beyond all expectations.”

Instead of naming the traditional Partner of the Year, Murfree then recognized Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and its CEO, Joel Wernick, for making significant contributions to the school system.

“Because of the areas of involvement and the resources committed to a better school system beyond all expectation, I’d like Mr. Joel Wernick, chief executive officer for Phoebe Health System, to come to the podium and accept our system’s appreciation and a small token of recognition for leading the greatest provider of community health services that truly cares about the community it serves,” Murfree said.