Savannah, GA, October 1, 2025 – The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is pleased to announce its 2025 Sarah Nichols Pinckney Volunteer of the Year Award winners, Kathy Shutts and Tomika Courtney, educators within the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Shutts and Courtney received the award in recognition of their service to the Georgia History Festival, particularly GHS’s Georgia Day Expo. The award was presented at the Whitney Administrative Complex on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, by the Georgia Historical Society.
“The Sarah Nichols Pinckney Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes those who reflect the Georgia Historical Society’s motto, Non Sibi Sed Aliis—‘not for self, but for others,’” said Elyse Butler, GHS Manager of Programs and Special Projects. “Tomika Courtney and Kathy Shutts exemplify this through their enthusiasm for and support of GHS’s educational mission. Their efforts have increased the visibility of GHS and its programs among educators and students across Chatham County.”
Given annually in memory of Sarah Nichols Pinckney, the Volunteer of the Year Award honors individuals and groups who selflessly dedicate their time and talents to advance GHS’s mission.
Through their leadership, Shutts and Courtney helped GHS transition from the long-standing Georgia Day Parade to the dynamic, interactive Georgia Day Expo and broadened participation in the Georgia Day Art and Classroom competitions. They are frequent participants in GHS professional development and steadfast advocates for connecting local educators and students with Georgia’s history.
“I am so honored to receive the Sarah Nichols Pinckney Volunteer of the Year Award,” said Kathy Shutts. “It has been a true pleasure to work alongside the dedicated team at the Georgia Historical Society. I am deeply grateful for all that GHS does to bring history to life for the students of Savannah, and I am proud to be a part of that mission. Every time I look at this award, I will remember my sweet friend Amy Snyder, whose enthusiasm and contagious smile will forever remain a part of GHS.”
“Receiving the Sarah Nichols Pinckney Volunteer of the Year Award is such an honor,” said Tomika Courtney. “Working with GHS has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and through our efforts, the Georgia Day Expo has made a meaningful impact on students across the district. I humbly and thankfully accept this award in memory of Amy Snyder, whose passion for history and unwavering support of educators will continue to inspire me forever. I look forward to continuing this work so that future generations may learn from and take pride in the rich tapestry of Georgia’s past.”
Amy Snyder, who served as Education Manager at the Georgia Historical Society since December 2023, died on August 2, 2025.
To learn more about the Georgia History Festival and the Georgia Day Expo, please visit georgiahistoryfestival.org. For additional information about the Sarah Nichols Pinckney Volunteer of the Year Award, contact Elyse Butler, GHS Manager of Programs and Special Projects, at 912.651.2125, ext. 119, or ebutler@georgiahistory.com.
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ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia and American history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.