2019 Vocational Teacher of the Year Named

Commissioner : Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Billy Carter recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Billy Carter of Ware State Prison (SP), as Chaplain of the Year at the 15th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on September 24 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.  Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which were attended by more than 400 guests. Making the award presentation with Commissioner Timothy C. Ward was Alton Russell, Board of Corrections Chairman, Christopher Clark and Donnie Pope, Board of Corrections, and Assistant Commissioner Jay Sanders.

“Instructor Carter has played a tremendous role in providing offenders with skills to obtain employment upon release,” said Assistant Commissioner Jay Sanders. “He consistently demonstrates a tireless effort to see offenders and staff succeed.”

Instructor Carter is extremely knowledgeable in the planting and growing process and passes this knowledge on to his students.  He continually educates his class on the many facets of growing and care taking of plants, and goes above and beyond to improve everyone's knowledge and skills in dealing with bees. Instructor Carter is highly respected among his coworkers and students for many reasons including his knowledge and eagerness to help. 

The award recognizes a University System of Georgia (USG) Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) teacher, GDC employee or any other partner institution employee. The recipient must be a full-time or part-time teacher who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, has the respect and admiration of students, facility staff, and colleagues, plays an active and useful role in the facility, as well as in the school, and is poised and articulate and possesses the energy to withstand a demanding schedule.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.