2009 President’s Fulfilling the Dream Awards
January 17, 2009
On Friday, January 16, 2009, the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Clarke County School District, and the University of Georgia joined together with the nation to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday by sponsoring the Sixth Annual Freedom Breakfast. The President's 2009 Fulfilling the Dream Awards went to four individuals who have made significant efforts to build bridges and understanding within the UGA and Athens-Clarke County community over the past year.
The Freedom Breakfast was held at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel where Rep. John Lewis, who represents Georgia's 5th Congressional District, spoke to the welcoming crowd before the awards were presented.
UGA's vice president for public service and outreach, Art Dunning, was honored for his work in enhancing diversity for educational and economic development.
Ira Edwards, newly-reelected sheriff of Athens-Clarke County was chosen for the award for his work on children's causes such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program.
Jenny Penney Oliver of the department of counseling and human development in UGA's College of Education, was recognized for her work in promoting multicultural education and diversity at the local, state, and national levels.
Felton Hudson, former teacher, advisor, coach, and school principal, was selected for the prestigious award due to his tireless efforts in educating the youth of Greene County.
One highlight of the event was a video presentation shown while the breakfast was being served. It was a compilation of student presentations from Clarke County schools showing the importance of the work of Dr. King.