Dawson County Earns “Certified Literate Community” Title

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County is one of only 39 of Georgia’s 159 counties to be designated a “Certified Literate Community” and as State Representative Kevin Tanner said, that’s a big deal.

“It’s a lot more than an award or a road sign,” Tanner said at the recent award ceremony. “It is a sign of progress for more jobs and better jobs. Better salaries allow for nicer homes, a financially sustainable community and more services can be made available. Education is a gift that gives back for a lifetime.”

The event was hosted by Reading Education Association of Dawson County (R.E.A.D.) which coordinated the effort. Community leaders like County Commissioner Julie Nix, R.E.A.D. Executive Director Sandy Lipkowitz, Board Chairman Billy Nickerson and Dawson County’s former Certified Literate Community Director Billy Izzard were on hand when CLCP Director Annaliza Thomas made the announcement.

Thomas had high praise for Dawson County’s R.E.A.D. program, calling its application one of the best we have ever seen. She and Izzard evaluated the program and agreed that when it came to community collaboration, Dawson County exceeded all others.

Lanier Technical College President Dr. Ray Perren called it a great day for Dawson County. “The work you are doing, as you already know, is not only changing lives today but its changing lives for generations that are not even born yet.”