CCSD Director Named Volunteer of the Year for Rowing Initiative

<p><em>Woodstock Community News| Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>Dr. Erin Jacobs, a director with the Cherokee County School District (CCSD), has been named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. Jacobs received the honor on January 14 for her role in establishing and coordinating an indoor rowing program for local middle school students.</p><p>Jacobs, who serves as the district's director of accountability and assessment, accepted the recognition at the agency's Volunteers in Parks awards banquet. The award acknowledges "countless hours" given to the Allatoona Rowing Association to provide new opportunities for Cherokee County citizens. She was joined at the ceremony by Ann Carey of the rowing association and Mill Creek Middle School PE teacher Donna Ross, who assisted in coordinating district-wide competitions.</p><p>The rowing partnership launched in 2023 after the district secured a George Pocock Foundation Erg Ed Grant under Jacobs' leadership. Funds from the grant allowed the district to introduce indoor rowing, also known as "erg," into physical education classes at all CCSD middle schools. The program aims to improve student physical fitness through specialized equipment and instruction.</p><p>Beyond the classroom, the initiative has expanded to include competitive events. The district recently hosted its first CCSD Erg Sprints competition, which attracted 115 student participants. Teasley Middle School was named the inaugural school champion. According to the district, top individual winners from the local event will advance to compete at Georgia Tech next month.</p>