October 1, 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 Powers Ferry Elementary School.

During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 300 schools applied for the award. Ninety-three schools earned the Ribbon of Distinction, and 188 schools were recognized with the Proficiency Ribbon. 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). 

Powers Ferry Elementary School earned the Ribbon of Distinction. Third-grade students went beyond learning their signatures and also wrote the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive. 

Powers Ferry Principal Elayna Wilson described the energy that teachers bring to the classroom. 

"Our teachers have such energy that when they bring anything to our students, they embrace it," Principal Wilson said. "Not only were they able to write their names, but they also wrote the Preamble in cursive. That motivation really shows the dedication of our teachers and the eagerness of our students." 

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. 

Congratulations to the Powers Ferry administration and third-grade class on this fantastic accomplishment!