When Karen Wright recently knelt on Marietta Square to unveil her handprints permanently etched on the sidewalk, the moment served as a reminder of how teachers positively impact their students. Cameras flashed and her students, colleagues, family, and a host of community members cheered as the County School District of the Year revealed her place on the teacher walk of fame.

The historical moment would not have taken place if it had not been for a couple of elementary school teachers who, decades ago, wouldn’t give up on a student. 

“I was a struggling student who had difficulty reading, spelling, and doing math and was constantly working with teachers to build my skills. In the third grade, I struggled so much that I was in jeopardy of being held back,” confessed Cobb Schools Teacher of the Year Karen Wright. “Every day for six weeks, I rode my bike to summer school, where my teacher promised me that I would go on to the fourth grade with my [twin] brother. She kept her promise by working with me every day to make sure that I was ready for the next year.” 

Like her prior teacher, Ms. Wright’s fourth-grade teacher had no idea that her impact would lead to her once-struggling student making history on Marietta Square. Her teachers' compassion and dedication planted the seeds that would later blossom into Ms. Wright’s own passion for teaching. 

“Fourth grade is where I found my wings. My fourth-grade teacher was amazing at her job. Knowing what I know now about teaching, she was a rock star. [She] taught me how to write and gave me the tools and confidence to find my voice,” Ms. Wright shared. 

Today, Ms. Wright is a fourth-grade teacher herself and uses memories from her elementary school years to positively impact her students. Following the advice of her aunt, who was also a teacher, Ms. Wright tries to be the teacher she needed when she was a struggling student in elementary school. 

 The impact Ms. Wright is having on her students was on full display as they rushed to congratulate her at the handprint unveiling even before the celebration kicked off.

"When they got off the bus to walk into the square, they were so excited to be here," added Cobb’s Teacher of the Year. "Yesterday was like the day before Christmas. My classroom had so much energy in it.” 

The handprint ceremony, which will forever enshrine her legacy on the Marietta Square, felt like a reflection of her work in the classroom.

"Teachers put our fingerprints on the lives of the children we teach, and as they reveal our handprints, I believe it’s a reflection of every teacher who worked so hard to make a difference in the lives of their students,” shared Ms. Wright, who was honored along with the Teacher of the Year from Marietta City Schools. 

As a retired educator and chair of the Cobb County Board of Education, Randy Scamihorn has seen firsthand the impact of Cobb educators like Ms. Wright. 

“Cobb teachers truly are the best. When given the opportunity and supports they need, our teachers lead students to success that reaches far beyond graduation and is felt throughout the community,” said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn.

Ms. Wright’s students who attended the community celebration will one day bring their children back to see those handprints, a symbol of the impact she has had on generations of learners. "It’s an exciting moment for them, too. They can come back and say, ‘This is my fourth-grade teacher, and I was here for this,’” noted the veteran educator. 

The handprint celebration is not the end of the community’s recognition of Cobb’s top teacher. Later in October, students from across Cobb County will fill the gym of Wheeler High School to celebrate their school’s teacher of the year like a rock star. As part of the fanfare, Karen Wright, along with the middle school level and high school level Teachers of the Year, will find out which brand of new car they will drive for one year, thanks to the generous support of Voyles Automotive Group. The Handprint Ceremony and pep rally are part of the Cobb Chamber’s annual Give Our Schools a Hand celebration that honors teachers from Cobb Schools and Marietta City Schools. 

Before Ms. Wright walks into the pep rally of the year, she has time to reflect on what it means to have her handprints sealed in a place of honor. 

“As a struggling student back in elementary school and even through middle and high school, coming here today and having my handprints in Marietta Square, it shows that you can do anything, that anything is possible,” proclaimed Cobb’s top teacher.

After sharing her unexpected and inspiring journey to being named Cobb’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Wright expressed her deep gratitude to the community for their continued support of educators. 

"Having all of the community here to support us—the different businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, the school district—really shows the level of support that these community businesses and individuals have for teachers. It was a great feeling to know that they were here for us," she said. 

For Karen Wright, the unveiling of her handprints on the square wasn’t just a celebration of her own achievements but a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the lasting impact teachers have on their students. 

"To the student who stood in my shoes, or to a parent who has a child who is struggling, keep working. Never give up. You can do it," the Cobb Teacher of the Year declared.