Ware County Schools recognized two exceptional employees during the July 2026 Board of Education meeting with Golden Achievement Awards, honoring individuals whose dedication, professionalism, and servant leadership make a lasting impact across our school system.
This month's recipients represent two different areas of the district, yet both share a common commitment to serving others with excellence. Transportation Director Alonzo Scott recognized Mrs. Judy Lucas, while Human Resources Director Dr. Lezley Anderson recognized Mrs. Diana Ricketson for their outstanding contributions to Ware County Schools.
Mrs. Judy Lucas
Transportation Director Alonzo Scott recognized Mrs. Judy Lucas for her remarkable 35 years of service as a school bus driver, describing her as someone whose dedication has set the standard for others throughout the Transportation Department.
While safely transporting students requires skill, patience, and professionalism, Mr. Scott shared that Mrs. Lucas has always viewed her work as something far greater than driving a bus. She has spent more than three decades safely transporting the district's most precious cargo—its students.
One example perfectly illustrates her servant's heart. Whenever an extra route needed to be covered, Mrs. Lucas never simply saw additional work. She saw students who still needed a safe ride home.
Over the course of her career, she has earned the admiration of fellow drivers, school administrators, teachers, parents, and generations of students. As Mr. Scott noted, her legacy is measured not only by the miles she has driven, but by the countless lives she has touched.
Mr. Scott shared the following during his remarks:
“On behalf of the Ware County Board of Education and the Transportation Department, it is my distinct honor and privilege to recognize a very special member of our transportation family, Mrs. Judy Lucas, as our 2026 Golden Achievement Award recipient.
“As Director of Transportation, I have the privilege of working with many dedicated professionals, but every so often, you meet someone whose service sets the standard for everyone else. Mrs. Judy Lucas is one of those individuals.
“Being a school bus driver is far more than operating a vehicle. It is accepting the responsibility of transporting our community's most precious cargo—our children.
“It requires patience, compassion, sound judgement, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Mrs. Lucas has demonstrated these qualities every single day of her 35 years as a bus driver.
“One thing that truly sets Mrs. Judy Lucas apart is her willingness to double up on bus routes whenever the need arises. While others saw an extra route, she saw students who still needed a safe ride home.
“Mrs. Judy has earned the respect of her fellow drivers, school administrators, teachers, parents, and most importantly, the students she has served for 35 years.
“Her legacy is measured not only by the miles she has driven, but by the countless lives she has touched.
“Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Judy Lucas on this well-deserved honor!”
Mrs. Diana Ricketson
Human Resources Director Dr. Lezley Anderson recognized Mrs. Diana Ricketson for the quiet excellence that supports every corner of Ware County Schools.
As an integral member of the Human Resources Department, Diana works behind the scenes to ensure district leaders, principals, schools, departments, and prospective employees receive the support they need to be successful. Whether coordinating certification requirements, managing last-minute changes, or helping keep the hiring process moving forward, she approaches every responsibility with professionalism, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.
Dr. Anderson described Diana as someone with a true servant's heart—someone who anticipates needs before they arise, removes obstacles for others, and willingly goes the extra mile. Although much of her work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt throughout the entire organization.
Her integrity, reliability, and unwavering commitment to serving others make her an invaluable member of the Ware County School System and a deserving recipient of this month's Central Office Golden Achievement Award.
Dr. Anderson had this to say:
“It is my privilege to recognize this year's Golden Achievement Award recipient for the Central Office, Diana Ricketson.
“Diana exemplifies what it means to serve others with excellence. She is the person who quietly works behind the scenes to ensure our district leaders, principals, schools, departments, and prospective employees have the support they need to be successful. Whether managing last-minute changes, coordinating certification requirements, or helping keep our hiring process moving forward, Diana consistently approaches every task with professionalism, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.
“What truly sets Diana apart is her servant's heart. She anticipates needs before they arise, removes obstacles for others, and is always willing to go the extra mile. Her commitment to our district extends well beyond the workday, demonstrating a level of dedication that inspires everyone around her.
“Although much of her work happens behind the scenes, the impact she makes is felt throughout our entire organization. Her integrity, reliability, and unwavering commitment to serving others make her an invaluable member of the Ware County School System.
“Congratulations, Diana, for being our Central Office Golden Achievement Award recipient. Thank you for your exceptional service and for the difference you make every day.”
