Kellie Martin, the mother of a first-grade student at Elcan-King Elementary School and a parent volunteer, has been awarded a Georgia Parent Leadership Award.

Martin is one of six winners statewide for the prestigious award, presented by the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Parent Teacher Association.

The award was created to recognize parents across Georgia who utilize their various skills and talents to strengthen schools and positively impact the lives of school children.

“We have come to rely on her help at Elcan-King,” said EKES interim principal Jennifer Wilkinson. “She is a lady of many facets and always ready to help out in any way.”

Wilkinson, along with EKES assistant principal Chip Davis, nominated Martin for the award.

Martin serves as the parent involvement coordinator at EKES and teaches classes to other parents who are interested in becoming volunteers. She also serves on the school-wide plan team and on the school accreditation committee.

Through Martin’s efforts, EKES has registered and trained more than 30 volunteers who are now considered “certified volunteers.”

During Thursday’s Decatur County Board of Education meeting, Martin said there was no place she would rather be than Elcan-King Elementary School.

“I love Elcan-King and there is no place else I would rather spend my time,” she said. “I am lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and I love being at the school.

“If I can contribute in any way to bringing the students any amount of joy while they are at school, then that’s what I love to do.”

Martin will be recognized, along with the other statewide award winners, at the Georgia Department of Education’s Recognitions Reception in Atlanta on Feb. 15.

Additionally, Martin will serve as an honorary member of the state superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, will participate on state focus groups and task forces, and will be showcased by the Georgia Parent Teacher Association at their annual Convention Leadership Training Awards Banquet.