Alumni Award Recipient

Award: 2003 Distinguished Service Award

Employer: Murray County
Occupation: Teacher

Achievements: With his interest in Murray County history, it’s easy to understand why a woman would contact Tim Howard for information concerning events and families of Murray County — it’s just that he was 10-years-old at the time, but what’s even more astonishing is that he knew the answers. Now that Tim is a little past the age of 10, his interest in Murray County has grown. In fact, Tim is known as “Mr. Murray County”. Tim’s interest in local history began in childhood; and by the time he was in high school he had become the youngest active member of the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society. Tim graduated from Berry College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts in History & English. In 1986, he received a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from West Georgia College. He has been a school teacher in the Murray County School System since he left Berry. Twice, Tim was named STAR Teacher, and in 1996 was named Georgia Society DAR American History Teacher of the Year. Tim is very active in the Whitfield-Murray Historical Societies having served as President, Secretary, Vice President, Committee Chair and Trustee. Tim has authored 5 books including Murray County Heritage which is in its 5th printing. As an educator, Tim has touched many young lives and his good example has led many of them to enter the teaching profession. Tim’s students regularly win social studies project awards at the local, regional and state levels; they also publish family research and community stories in various publications. Since 1986, he has manned the Homework Hotline for students. For his peers, Tim serves as eighth grade team leader and social studies department chairman. At school, Tim works with the Textbook and Curriculum Committee, the Teacher Evaluation Committee, the School Recognition Committee and the Sick Leave Bank Committee. In the community, Tim is a past board member and past chairman of the Murray County Red Cross. He is the current secretary of the Spring Place Ruritan Club and a council member of the Murray County High School Alumni Association. Tim is an instructor for Boy Scout Citizenship badges and a former church pianist and organist. He is a Past President of the Berry Alumni Association. Because of his contribution to the field of education and his dedication to the betterment of his community, Tim Howard has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award.