The Georgia Association for Gifted Children (GAGC) recently held its 45th annual conference in Columbus, Georgia. GAGC advocates for and promotes awareness of the needs of gifted students.  It provides professional development, scholarships, and resources for educators, parents, and communities to enhance talented services for students statewide. 

During this year's conference, GAGC announced the election of its new officers for the coming term.  Donna Marshall, Colquitt County School District Director of Assessment, will serve as the President after serving as President-Elect since 2023.  She was previously the Convention Co-Chair.  According to the press release, "The role of President will allow her to continue to make a positive difference to the organization.  Her leadership and vision will guide GAGC in its mission to promote excellence in education for gifted children."

Mrs. Marshall retired as a full-time educator in Colquitt County in 2018 but has remained with the district since in a part-time role, working with assessments across all grade levels.  Before her retirement, she worked as the district's first collaborative gifted teacher.  She then moved to other roles, such as assistant principal, the Interim Gifted Director, and the first director of the Gifted Education and Academic Rigor (G.E.A.R.) program, which she helped begin.  Marshall has been a member of GAGC since 2004, serves on the Georgia Department of Education's Gifted Task Force, and is a Gifted Endorsement teacher for Coastal Plains RESA.

When asked about being elected as GAGC President, Mrs. Marshall said, "The conference theme for this year is 'Panning for Gold,' which applies to identifying gifted and talented students.  We can also use this concept to identify exceptional teachers.  I look forward to using strategic steps to identify gifted students and exceptional educators.  By expanding our identification methods, ensuring equity in the process, and providing ongoing opportunities for development, we will uncover the hidden potential of Georgia's gifted students and educators."