The annual Golden Rule Character Awards ceremony, hosted by the Katz-Helen and Ray Whittle Jr. Foundation in collaboration with the Glynn County School System, celebrates exceptional students and staff who exemplify positive character traits during the school year.

The Golden Rule Character Award Students of the Year, selected from various schools, demonstrated outstanding character and integrity. The 2024-2025 winners were Maryn Covey (C.B. Greer Elementary), Alli Gill (Risley Middle), and Jeremiah Abray (Brunswick High). Each received a $250 cash award for demonstrating outstanding character and integrity.

Selected as Senior Students of the Year were Davin Parker (Brunswick High), William Hulsey (Glynn Academy) and Sydney King (Golden Isles College & Career Academy). Each received a $3,000 cash award for their leadership and positive influence. Senior of the Year runners-up Jeremiah Abray (Brunswick High), Anderson Sanders (Glynn Academy) and Heidi Martinez-German (GICCA) received $1,500 cash awards each for their commitment to the Golden Rule. Additionally, the Senior of the Year second runners-up were recognized: Jocelyn Rivera (BHS), Mallory Mitchell (GA) and Emily Hoskins (GICCA). Each were awarded $1,000 in recognition of their exemplary character.

The Golden Rule Character Awards also extend beyond students to recognize dedicated staff members. This year’s Staff of the Year winner is Charles Harper of St. Simons Elementary. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he received a $1,500 cash award. Needwood Middle’s Leoni Palmer was named the Paragon of the Year Award winner, and received a $1,500 cash award for being a shining example of character and leadership.

The Golden Rule Character Award program was inspired by the late Helen Whittle Katz, founder of the Katz-Helen and Ray Whittle Jr. Foundation. Since its inception during the 1999-2000 school year, the program has emphasized the importance of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Through this initiative, Glynn County Schools continue to nurture a culture of kindness, respect, and integrity.

For more information about the Golden Rule Character Awards and the Katz-Helen and Ray Whittle Jr. Foundation, visit www.katz-whittlefoundation.org.