School systems across Georgia have until this afternoon to nominate outstanding school support employees for statewide recognition through the Georgia RISE Award.

The Georgia Department of Education says nominations for the 2026 Recognizing Inspirational School Employees Award must be submitted by 5 PM Wednesday, September 30. The nomination period opened August 10.

The award recognizes full- and part-time classified employees who provide exemplary service to students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

Eligible employees include those working in clerical and administrative services, custodial and maintenance services, food and nutrition, health and student services, paraprofessional positions, security, skilled trades, technical services and transportation.

That means employees ranging from bus drivers and paraprofessionals to cafeteria workers, custodians and school office personnel may be considered for the statewide honor.

Nominations may be made by district superintendents and school principals.

The deadline applies to school systems across Georgia, including Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools.

The RISE Award is designed to recognize school employees whose work supporting students and educators often takes place outside the spotlight.