Sen. Billy Hickman Recognized with 2026 Torchbearer for Education Award

ATLANTA (October 22, 2026) - Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, was recently recognized with a 2026 Torchbearer for Education Award by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Sen. Hickman was honored for his leadership and commitment to supporting Georgia's educators and students.

During the 2026 Legislative Session, Sen. Hickman sponsored Senate Bill 150, which extended and expanded Georgia's educator return-to-work program. The program allows eligible retired teachers to return to the classroom full-time in hard-to-fill positions while continuing to receive retirement benefits. Sen. Hickman's legislation preserved an important tool for addressing teacher shortages and filling high-need positions with experienced educators.

PAGE also recognized Sen. Hickman for his sponsorship of Senate Resolution 237, which brought together state agencies and education associations to develop recommendations for improving educator recruitment and retention. The award further acknowledges his continued support for Georgia educators and leadership of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth.

"I'm honored to receive this award and grateful to PAGE for its continued advocacy on behalf of Georgia's educators," said Sen. Hickman. "As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, I recognize the important role our teachers and faculty play in shaping the lives of our students and the future of our state. I value the opportunity to work alongside organizations whose commitment to educators strengthens our shared efforts to improve education in Georgia. Through continued collaboration, we can build on this vision and leave the next generation of students and educators better prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead."

More information about PAGE can be found here.

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Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth. He represents the 4th Senate District, which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham and Evans counties, as well as a portion of Chatham County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1371 or by email at [email protected].

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