School Social Worker of the Year

The School Social Worker Association of Georgia has proudly named Laura Etheridge as the 2024-2025 School Social Worker of the Year for District 9. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Laura’s unwavering dedication and the profound impact she has made within the Barrow County School System since joining in 2021.

BCSS Director of Student Services Dr. Christina Lowe says, "Laura Etheridge is a phenomenal social worker. She builds connections and relationships easily, and she pours so much love into her work with the students and families she serves. She has a gift of meeting people where they are, hearing their stories, and filling any needs to help them to be successful at home and at school."

Going above and beyond her daily responsibilities, Laura tirelessly advocates for her students, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.

Laura says, "I am honored to have received this award as the work I do every day is challenging, yet immensely rewarding. As a child of Mexican immigrants, I was instilled with the values of service and social justice from a young age. I have been given a voice to speak up for the voiceless, for the child with a disability, for the child experiencing homelessness, for the child with behavioral challenges, for the child who left their home country for a better life, for the child who has been abused and neglected, and for the child that deserves a just and free education despite the challenges in their life. I try to be the biggest and loudest advocate for every child."

Laura will now be considered for the State School Social Worker of the Year award.