The Dade County Board of Education hosted a special Tree City USA Tree Planting Ceremony on Thursday, recognizing The Hawthorn Project — a community-driven initiative founded by Dade County High School seniors Amelia Claire Anderson and LG Wylie.
The Hawthorn Project is a collaborative scholarship and support program created to expand post–high school educational opportunities for Dade County students. Its mission is rooted in community partnership and the belief that local investment in education strengthens future generations.
Representatives from local government, education, and civic organizations joined in the celebration. Among those in attendance were:
-
City of Trenton: Mayor Alex Case; City Commissioners Monda Wooten and Terry Powell, along with Powell’s wife
-
Dade County Government: County Executive Don Townsend
-
Dade County Schools: Superintendent Josh Ingle and Board Member Dr. Jayne Griffin
-
Tree City USA: Chair Jane Dixon; Board Members Laura Beth Cunningham (UGA Extension & 4-H), Sandy White (Alliance for Dade), Bobby Dunn (Georgia Forestry Commission), Renee Frank (DCHS FFA Teacher), Carey Fauscett-Anderson (Dade County Communications Director), and Past Chair Eloise Gass
-
Tree City Chaplain: Reverend Reece Fauscett, Pastor at New Salem Methodist Church
Additional attendees included FFA students Atticus Anderson and Keegan Sapp, along with local business owners Jon and Emily Wylie of Corner Coffee.
The tree planting served as a symbolic commitment to growth, education, and community collaboration — values central to both Tree City USA and The Hawthorn Project.
To learn more about The Hawthorn Project and its ongoing work, visit their Facebook page.
