Newton County Schools (NCS) announced that Office Depot has been named the district’s 2025 Partner of the Year.
The honor was officially presented at the annual Partners in Education (PIE) Breakfast and Celebration held on Wednesday, May 7, at Newton College & Career Academy. The award was accepted by Ms. Marcia Nembhard, general manager of Office Depot in Conyers, whose store partners with Fairview Elementary School.
Fairview Elementary Principal Kimberlee Sorrell nominated Office Depot for the prestigious award, praising the store’s exceptional and consistent support throughout the school year.
“Ms. Nembhard and Office Depot of Conyers have provided supplies for staff and students to ensure that everything needed for learning and leading is readily available,” Sorrell said. “From pencils to chart paper to office chairs to hallway signs and even marketing signs to greet guests in the front of our building—Ms. Nembhard has paved the way to excellence for our entire school community this school year. Our Eagle NEST is forever grateful!”
One of the most impactful efforts spearheaded by Office Depot was the store’s selection of Fairview Elementary as the recipient of its 2024 Title I donation campaign.
Through this initiative, customers were invited to donate at checkout to support the school—ultimately raising thousands of dollars. These funds were used to furnish and decorate the school’s front office and to create vibrant, student-focused signage throughout the building, reinforcing Fairview’s PBIS expectations.
Beyond donations, Office Depot has consistently provided in-kind contributions, often surprising the school with much-needed supplies—ranging from basic materials to nearly 1,000 composition notebooks.
“For me, giving back is about more than just providing resources—it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and working together to create opportunities for success,” Nembhard said. “By supporting our schools, we’re investing in the future of our community and empowering the next generation to reach their full potential.
“I am truly honored that Office Depot has been named Newton County Schools’ 2025 Partner of the Year. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it reflects the genuine relationships we’ve built together over time. What started as a simple connection has grown organically into a partnership rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our community.”
NCS Superintendent, Dr. Duke Bradley III, also commended the partnership.
“Partnerships like this one with Office Depot are the heart of our school-community connection,” Bradley said. “They demonstrate the powerful impact that thoughtful, intentional collaboration can have on our schools and students. We are grateful to Ms. Nembhard and the Office Depot team for going above and beyond to support Fairview and Newton County Schools.”
NCS Board Chair Abigail Coggin weighed in as well.
“It is truly inspiring to witness the kind of care and initiative demonstrated by Ms. Nembhard and her team,” Coggin said. “Office Depot has not only provided resources—they’ve helped create a learning environment where students and staff feel seen, supported, and valued. That’s what genuine partnership looks like.”
Newton County Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Harper also praised the partnership between the school system and business.
“Strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand,” Harper said. “Office Depot’s commitment to Fairview Elementary is a shining example of how business partners can make a lasting difference in the lives of students and educators. We are proud to celebrate this outstanding partnership and grateful for the positive impact it has made in Newton County.”
