Contact: Sammy McDavid
Gwin Hannah
A veteran Cleveland High School educator is receiving the 2003 Schillig Society Counselor of the Year Award.
Gwin Hannah, who has spent most of 37 years guiding students at his Central Delta alma mater, recently was honored by the Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholars Society at Mississippi State, an organization representing some of the university's top students.
A $500 check accompanied the award established in 1999 by society members to recognize "the significant contributions of high school counselors to the academic progress of their students."
Hannah serves as an academic adviser to more than 500 students. He also is faculty sponsor for the CHS Student Council and co-sponsor for the Key Club.
One nominating colleague said Hannah treats each student "with utmost respect." She added: "He not only advocates doing what is right, but is willing to take the fallout for making the tough choices on what is right for the students to reach their desired goals."
A graduating senior said she considers Hannah "a mentor," adding, "I feel that people like Mr. Hannah are rare and I know that I am going to miss him next year when I am in college. The students at Cleveland High School are lucky to have been exposed to such a wonderful person for so many years."
Hannah holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Delta State University and, in 1995, completed requirements for certification in secondary administration. His professional memberships include the Mississippi Counseling Association, Delta Counseling Association and Mississippi Professional Educators.
Meda L. Vassar of the Pontotoc City School District was last year's honoree.