The Dahlonega Nugget was recognized at last Friday’s GSBA/GSSA convention, receiving a 2025 Beacon Award for its local coverage of public education, after being nominated by the Lumpkin County BOE; the annual event, sponsored by the Georgia School Board Association and the Georgia School Superintendents Association, took place at The Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center in Atlanta.
Beacon Award nominations must be formally approved by the local board of education, and the accompanying application requires specific examples of impact, integrity and consistency in reporting, with a focus on fostering a better understanding of public education overall.
Nugget Staff Writer Keith Murden said it’s the people that make it rewarding.
“The Lumpkin County School System makes my job easy by providing an endless number of passionate educators and engaged students to write about,” he said. “This Beacon Award is especially meaningful because it would not have been possible without the consideration of Superintendent Sharon Head and our local school board.”
Sports Reporter Eligha Roper said the award means the world to him and reflects how special the community is.
“With regards to sports, without all the great local kids and their achievements, I would not have so many great stories to share,” he said. “Without their achievements, this wouldn't be possible.”
Roper also appreciates the staff members of Team Nugget.
“I’ve never worked with a more committed team of people in my life,” he said. “Their tireless work and commitment to excellence is not only inspiring but another key ingredient to what makes our local paper so special.”
GSBA Awards Committee Chair Gwen Tucker explained the significance of the award before the presentation.
“These efforts inform the general public about programs, policies and issues affecting public schools, students and communities, contributing to meaningful dialogue and awareness,” Tucker said. “Eligible reporting includes online publications, television programs, radio broadcasts, printed publications, podcasts and more.”
Editor/Publisher John Bynum said he is grateful to the Lumpkin County Board of Education for nominating The Nugget for the award.
“We appreciate the recognition by the GSBA and the consideration by our local BOE to nominate our newspaper,” he said. “Everyone at The Nugget is focused on local news coverage, and a big part of that is public education.”
Bynum said the local reporters deserve the credit for this award.
“Murden and Roper, along with Executive Editor Matt Aiken, consistently cover many different aspects of public education in Lumpkin County,” he said. “Whether it’s teacher accomplishments, sports, the Arts, academic achievements, or preparing students for a successful life, there are so many stories that stem from our local schools.”
