C.A. Gray Junior High School (CAG) and Willie J. Williams Middle School (WJW) have been named 2025-2026 Capturing Kids' Hearts® National Showcase Schools. This prestigious honor is awarded to campuses that demonstrate excellence in building a culture where students feel safe, connected, and engaged. This marks the second consecutive year both schools have earned this national designation.
The National Showcase Schools® Award recognizes campuses that go above and beyond to create environments where students thrive both academically and emotionally. Now in their third year of implementing the Capturing Kids' Hearts® (CKH) process, educators at CAG and WJW utilize relationship-building tools to foster a positive campus culture. Following their success, Colquitt County High School also began implementing the program this school year.
C.A. Gray Junior High School: Stability and Growth
By implementing the CKH process with fidelity, C.A. Gray has reported significant improvements in school culture and staff stability:
- Student Behavior: Incidents decreased by approximately 33%, proving the impact of a relationship-centered approach to discipline.
- Teacher Retention: Staff retention increased by 8%, reflecting a supportive professional culture that encourages long-term commitment.
"This recognition reflects the 'heart work' our staff pours into our students every day," said C.A. Gray Principal Dr. Fred Smith. "At C.A. Gray, we don't just teach content—we build relationships that change lives. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, academics and behavior naturally rise. I am proud of our 'Dream Builders' for proving that when relationships come first, results follow."
Willie J. Williams Middle School: Connection Over Transactions
Since implementing CKH, WJW has seen a dramatic shift in campus climate. Discipline referrals plummeted from 1,838 in 2024 to 935 as of April 2026.
"I am so proud of our staff and students for truly investing in each other," said Principal Dr. Josh Purvis. "School at WJW is not a transaction where teachers teach, and students learn; it is a relationship where student learning is the outcome of strong connections. All the credit goes to our amazing school family!"
A District-Wide Commitment
A key component of the CKH process is the support of a dedicated Strategist. Janet Kingsley, the CKH Strategist for the district, noted the rarity of this achievement.
"Very few schools nationwide reach National Showcase School status in their first years of implementation," Kingsley shared. "For WJW and CAG to do it twice in three years is a true testament to their work. When you pull up to these schools, you feel a sense of belonging. It is obvious they care about the students, staff, and the entire community. The leadership of Dr. Purvis and Dr. Smith both support and empower their staff AND students to create a culture that supports connection, collaboration, and exceedingly high academic and behavioral expectations and standards.
As the district enters its fourth year of the program, more than 400 employees have undergone training. Each school receives ongoing support, including site visits from a CKH Strategist twice per year to ensure continued growth.
About Capturing Kids' Hearts®
Capturing Kids' Hearts® equips educators with the tools to build high-achieving centers of learning by strengthening relationships between students and staff.