Hester & Morris Orthodontics Honored for Decade of School Support in Valdosta, Lowndes County

VALDOSTA — Hester & Morris Orthodontics has been recognized as the Community Partner of the Decade for 2016-2026 by Community Partners in Education (CPIE). This special acknowledgment honors ten years of exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students and schools across both Valdosta City Schools and Lowndes County Schools, according to a press release from Valdosta City Schools. The announcement also marked the conclusion of CPIE’s 35th anniversary celebration.

The recognition highlights a community partner whose sustained involvement has significantly contributed to defining the CPIE program over the past decade. Since 2016, Hester & Morris Orthodontics has received more CPIE Partner of the Year nominations than any other community organization. This consistently strong support and presence throughout both school systems reflect the practice's deep commitment to the overall mission of CPIE.

A key figure in this sustained engagement has been Mrs. Crystal Rowan, whose leadership has been integral to Hester & Morris Orthodontics' legacy with the program. Mrs. Rowan has served on the CPIE Advisory Council throughout the entire decade and has held the position of Council Chair for two terms. Her consistent presence at CPIE meetings, events, and initiatives has been vital in guiding Hester & Morris Orthodontics' ongoing involvement with local schools.

Representatives from both school systems and CPIE recently visited Hester & Morris Orthodontics to formally present the esteemed award. Those making the presentation included Dr. Craig Lockhart, Superintendent of Valdosta City Schools; Jennifer Steedley, Public Relations Director for Valdosta City Schools; Sandra Wilcher, Superintendent of Lowndes County Schools; Lauren Odom, Public Relations Director for Lowndes County Schools; and Kristin Calvert of Southland Children’s Dentistry, who serves as the current CPIE Advisory Council Chair.

Community Partners in Education was originally established in 1990 as a collaborative effort involving Lowndes County Schools, Valdosta City Schools, and the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. In its inaugural year, the program quickly garnered support, with 65 businesses, civic groups, and other organizations signing on as partners. This initial success laid the groundwork for a tradition of strong school-community collaboration that has now continued for more than 35 years in the Valdosta and Lowndes County areas.