A Davis Middle School teacher has been named as one of 15 finalists for the the Woodruff Arts Center's 2012 Woodruff Salutes Georgia Arts in Education Leaders Recognition Program.

DMS art teacher Katy King was named finalist for Visual Arts Educator.

Three Georgia educators were chosen in each of five categories for their exemplary leadership in the use of arts in education and their impact on the community, state, and discipline they serve. Woodruff Salutes is a recognition program honoring teachers, school and arts administrators, and community leaders who have championed and demonstrated the ability of the arts to positively impact the lives and learning of young people. One honoree will be selected from each category and will be announced at the fifth Annual Woodruff Salutes Georgia Arts in Education Leaders recognition ceremony on Saturday, September 15, 2012 during National Arts in Education Week. Each honoree will receive a $2,500 contribution to an arts program of each honoree’s choice, and will receive recognition events centering on the work of each honoree in their own communities.

The Woodruff Salutes 2012 Finalists include:

Category: Education Leadership
Crystal Collins, Principal, J.C. Magill Elementary School, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Elizabeth M. Eppes, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator K-12, DeKalb County Schools
Shawn Williams, Principal, Auburn Elementary School, Barrow County Schools

Category: Generalist Educator incorporating Arts Integration
Michelle Carter, Seventh Grade Teacher, Lafayette Middle School, Walker County Schools
Wendy Courtade, Interdisciplinary Teacher, Sandy Springs Charter Middle School, Fulton County Schools
Courtney Savage, Learning Specialist, Starr's Mill High School, Fayette County Schools

Category: Music Educator
Everett Cannady, Band Director, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, Richmond County Schools
Evelyn Champion, Orchestra Director, Sprayberry High School, Cobb County Schools
Teresa Dressler, Music Specialist, Auburn Elementary School, Barrow County Schools

Category: Theatre Educator
Jennifer Scott McNair, Director of Theatre, The Galloway School
Pam Ware, Teacher and Director of Theatre, Gainesville High School, Gainsville City Schools
Jayongela Wilder, Drama Teacher, Carver School of the Arts, Atlanta Public Schools

Category: Visual Arts Educator
Aimee Burgamy, Visual Arts Specialist, Trickum Middle School, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Jennifer Heyser, Visual Arts Specialist, Woodland Elementary School, Fulton County Schools
Kathleen Ann Diggs King, Visual Arts Specialist, General Ray Davis Middle , Rockdale County Schools

For more information about Woodruff Salutes and the finalists visit www.woodruffsalutes.org.