Mike Cheokas sworn in as State Board of Education member for 2nd Congressional District

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal held a swearing-in ceremony recently for newly appointed former state representative Mike Cheokas to serve on the State Board of Education. Cheokas, who will represent the 2nd Congressional District, replaces W.T. Henry. “Mike Cheokas is a dedicated state and community leader who continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the well-being of Georgia's citizens. Future generations are the state’s most valuable resource and I am confident that Mike will proudly represent Georgia’s students on the State Board of Education. In this new role, he will help to solidify Georgia as a state that provides strong opportunities for all students in the coming years,” Governor Deal said. “This is truly a great honor for me to be appointed by Governor Deal to serve on the State Board of Education,” Cheokas said. “Through the Governor’s leadership, we have enhanced our reputation as an education state. It’s all about the children, our children, our future. I was happy to have the FFA students from Marion County Middle/High School joining me in the Governor’s office for this occasion. They were here representing all the students from the 2nd Congressional District. These young people are eager to learn, ready to expand their talents, and starting to map out their future. They depend upon a dynamic school system to help them reach their potential. Each individual school system, as well as the State Board of Education, must ensure that all of our students have access to a quality education. “I would be remiss if I did not mention that Mrs. Sandra Deal, Georgia’s First Lady, has been an inspiration to us all for her unwavering commitment to education. I want to thank Governor Deal, Speaker Ralston and the House leadership for their confidence and support. I also want to thank Marion County Schools FFA sponsor John Hagin, Superintendent Richard McCorkle, and Marion County Middle/High School Principal Jamie Penoncello for bringing the students to the Capitol,” said Cheokas. Mike Cheokas is a member of the South Georgia Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees and his appointment to the State Board of Education will allow him to continue to serve students of all ages and their families through his commitment to education at the primary, secondary and post-secondary levels. South Georgia Technical College is in the second congressional district and serves Sumter, Schley, Macon, Marion, Crisp, and Webster counties. Mike Cheokas is shown with Governor Nathan Deal after being sworn in as a member of the State Board of Education in Georgia.