Fuhrey Receives Trailblazer Award

NCSS Superintendent Named a 2021 “Trailblazer” By US Representative Hank Johnson
Posted on 03/31/2021
US Rep Hank Johnson and Samantha FuhreyNewton County School System (NCSS) Superintendent, Samantha Fuhrey, is one of 11 “Trailblazers” recently celebrated by U.S. Representative Hank Johnson. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Congressman Johnson selected 11 women who are “Trailblazers” due to their pioneering careers and service to the greater community.

According to Congressman Johnson, the women recognized “were the firsts in their fields of endeavor or positions.” Each woman was personally recognized by the congressman during a special online ceremony on Monday, March 29.

“As we reach the end of Women’s History Month, I’m proud to recognize the contributions of the honorees who are all are pioneers in their fields,” said Congressman Johnson. “All of these outstanding citizens are trailblazers in their own way, leading us into a brighter and more inclusive future.”

Fuhrey is the first female superintendent of the Newton County School System; she was elected Georgia’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year. That year she was also named one of four finalists—and the only female—for National Superintendent of the Year. During her eight-year tenure as NCSS Superintendent, Mrs. Fuhrey has earned numerous awards. She is the recipient of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders 2021 Vision Award. In addition, Mrs. Fuhrey’s outstanding leadership abilities were recognized by the Georgia School Superintendents Association when she was awarded the President’s Award in 2016. Her alma mater, Maywood University in Dunmore, Pennsylvania awarded her the Distinguished Alumni Award and the University of Georgia’s Mary Frances Early College of Education presented her with the Johnnye V. Cox Award.

“It is certainly an honor to be named by Congressman Hank Johnson as a Trailblazer for the 4th Congressional District,” said Fuhrey. “I am thrilled to accept this recognition as it reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire Newton County School System team. Everyone on the team works diligently to ensure the success of our students, and I am proud of our efforts.”

“Monday evening we honored Newton County Schools’ Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey not just because it is Women’s History Month, and not just because she was Georgia's Superintendent of the Year and one of four finalists for the National Superintendent of the Year,” said Johnson. “Superintendent Fuhrey exemplifies a superwoman: always ready and willing to put her family and her students before herself for the greater good of others.”

Other Trailblazers recognized for the 4th Congressional District include: Judge Eleanor Ross, Federal Judge of the Northern District of Georgia; Marcia Glenn Hunter, former Mayor of Lithonia; Nicole Love Hendrickson, Gwinnett Board of Commissioners Chair; Mereda Davis Johnson, former DeKalb Magistrate Judge, Mirtha Ramos, DeKalb County Police Chief; Chief Christine Hudson, Clarkston Police Department; Tisa Washington, Rockdale County Tax Commissioner; Phinia Aten, Rockdale County Magistrate Judge; and Dr. Fannie H. Tartt, DeKalb County School System.

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