Newton County Schools Announces Finalists for 2026 HERO Award Recognizing Outstanding Classified Employees
Newton County Schools (NCS) is proud to announce the three finalists for the district’s 2026 HERO Award, an annual recognition that honors classified employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment, performance, and impact in supporting students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
The 2026 HERO Award finalists are:
• Ms. Diana Caid, Media Center Paraprofessional at Oak Hill Elementary
• Ms. Andrea Cummings, Kindergarten Paraprofessional at Rocky Plains Elementary
• Ms. Heather McCullough, Front Office Clerk at Newton College & Career Academy
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, Board of Education Chair Abigail Coggin, and district leaders surprised each finalist at their workplace Friday morning to share the exciting news. Family members of the finalists were also invited to take part in the surprise visits, helping celebrate the moment alongside colleagues and school leaders.
The finalists were selected from a group of school and division-level HERO Award winners and will now advance to the final stage of the selection process, participating in interviews with the district’s award panel on March 11, 2026.
Similar to the district’s Teacher of the Year program, Newton County Schools’ HERO Award process includes a comprehensive application and review process. Each school and division-level HERO Award winner submitted an essay packet along with letters of support, which were reviewed and scored by the district’s selection committee to determine the finalists.
“Our classified employees are essential to the daily success of our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley. “From the front office to the classroom, the cafeteria to the bus loop, these dedicated professionals help create the supportive and welcoming environments our students need to learn and grow. Ms. Caid, Ms. Cummings, and Ms. McCullough exemplify the commitment and care that make Newton County Schools such a special place for students and families.”
The three finalists represent a combined 23 years of service to Newton County Schools and serve students in roles that help ensure schools run smoothly each day. From welcoming families in the front office to supporting students in classrooms and media centers, their work reflects the vital contributions classified employees make across the district.
Meet the 2026 HERO Award Finalists
Ms. Heather McCullough
Front Office Clerk, Newton College & Career Academy
Ms. Heather McCullough has worked at Newton College & Career Academy for three years and has spent her entire time with Newton County Schools serving the NCCA community.
For McCullough, the motivation behind her work is rooted in the relationships she builds each day with students, staff, families, and community partners.
"I genuinely LOVE all the people I come in contact with, which includes NCCA and NCS staff, parents, business and industry partners, and especially the students from PreK through high school. I do this ‘job’ because I have a purpose here. My purpose is that I truly want to help others and brighten their day, no matter the situation. My relationships with colleagues and students inspire me to show up as my best self every single day. They are the reason I do what I do!”
Being selected as a finalist for the HERO Award is something she views as a meaningful recognition of the work being done across the district.
“To represent NCCA in the HERO program is a tremendous honor! There are so many wonderful individuals who work for Newton County Schools and being recognized not only as a HERO but also as a Top 3 finalist is incredibly gratifying. Each day, I strive to give my very best not only for NCCA but for Newton County Schools. This acknowledgment means so much.”
She also emphasized the importance of recognizing the work of classified employees.
“I believe it is incredibly important to recognize classified staff, as they are often the backbone of our schools and district departments. They work hard to streamline processes that make life easier for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. While we don’t do our jobs for praise, it truly means a lot to have our efforts acknowledged and appreciated.”
Ms. Andrea Cummings
Kindergarten Paraprofessional, Rocky Plains Elementary
Ms. Andrea Cummings has served Rocky Plains Elementary for seven years, first as a long-term substitute for five years before transitioning into her current role as a kindergarten paraprofessional. Throughout that time, she has worked closely with students and families, helping support children during their earliest years of learning.
For Cummings, the reason she does her work each day is deeply connected to the impact she can have on young learners.
“My why, being a part of a child's foundation, is a responsibility that I cherish. I do it for the children, the families, and the joy that just a simple hug or smile I give them can completely mold their day by making them feel needed and supported! My why is the way that each child knows they are valued when I am there. I enjoy uplifting my colleagues. I am their biggest cheerleader, and I make sure they are aware that what they do is worth showing up for every day!”
Cummings says she views the HERO recognition as a reflection of the everyday commitment shown by educators and staff.
“To me, being called a hero doesn't mean doing something big or extraordinary. It means showing up every day with patience, kindness, and a heart that is ready to support each child wherever they are. Being recognized in this way and representing Rocky Plains Elementary is truly an honor, and I am so humbled by this recognition.”
She also expressed appreciation for the district’s efforts to elevate recognition of classified employees.
“I think that NCSS is doing a wonderful thing by recognizing classified employees. It has brought attention to everyone in the building that makes a difference. It takes a village, and we are all part of it.”
Ms. Diana Caid
Media Center Paraprofessional, Oak Hill Elementary
Ms. Diana Caid has dedicated 13 years to Newton County Schools, including one year as a substitute and 12 years serving Oak Hill Elementary as a paraprofessional. During her time at the school, she has supported students in multiple roles, including as a paraprofessional in physical education, and currently serves as a media center paraprofessional.
Her passion for education is rooted in helping students feel supported, welcomed, and successful.
“I do what I do for the children. I love to see students be successful and enjoy learning. School is a place that ALL students should feel safe and welcome. All races, genders, and nationalities should feel as if they belong at Oak Hill. I want to be a part of that! I want to be a small part of their success story in life.”
Being selected as a HERO finalist and representing Oak Hill Elementary is something she says is both meaningful and humbling.
“I am honored to represent my school in such a special way. I want to make everyone proud that we are working together as a team to change kids’ lives.”
She also praised the district for recognizing the contributions of classified staff members.
“All certified and classified staff work very hard every day. It is an honor to recognize all classified staff as team players alongside the teachers they work with.”
The NCS HERO Awards were established to recognize classified employees who embody service, dedication, professionalism, and community impact. Modeled after the state and national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Awards, the program highlights the invaluable work of employees in clerical and administrative services, custodial and maintenance services, food and nutrition services, health and student services, paraprofessionals, security services, skilled trades, technical services, and transportation services.
To be eligible for the HERO Award, employees must have worked at least three years in Newton County Schools and at least one year in their current school or division. Candidates are evaluated based on their job performance, leadership, teamwork, school and community involvement, and their ability to positively represent classified employees across the district.
Newton County Board of Education Chair Abigail Coggin emphasized the importance of recognizing the many employees who support students behind the scenes.
“Every day across our schools, classified employees are making a difference in the lives of students,” said Coggin. “Whether welcoming families, supporting classroom instruction, or ensuring our schools operate smoothly, their work is vital to the success of our district. These finalists represent the heart of our school system, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication.”
The winner of the 2026 Newton County Schools HERO Award will be announced during the HERO Awards Celebration on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:30 PM at Porter Performing Arts Center. All school and division HERO Award winners will be recognized during the event, and the district winner will go on to represent Newton County Schools in the Georgia RISE Awards program for potential state-level recognition.