October 3, 2025—The Georgia Department of Education, led by State Superintendent Richard Woods, awarded five Cobb County elementary schools for their outstanding achievement in cursive handwriting through the John Hancock Award, including Garrison Mill Elementary School. 

During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 300 schools applied for the award, resulting in 93 schools earning the Ribbon of Distinction and 188 schools recognized with the Proficiency Ribbon. Superintendent Woods congratulated Garrison Mill on taking home the Proficiency Ribbon.

State Superintendent Woods emphasized the lifelong value of cursive writing, noting its significance in both practical and historical contexts. 

"Every student needs to own their signature. It's something they'll carry with them for the rest of their life," Superintendent Woods said.  

The John Hancock Award recognizes schools where at least 90% of students can sign their names in cursive (Proficiency Ribbon) or where 90% of students can also write the preamble in cursive (Ribbon of Distinction).

Congratulations to the staff and third-grade classes at Garrison Elementary for this fantastic accomplishment!