GREENSBORO –  North Carolina High School Athletic Association president Maurice Green, superintendent of the Guilford County schools, has received a prestigious award.

       Recognizing his work and dedication to helping every student in Guilford County graduate from high school ready for career, college and life, the Welfare Reform Liaison Project awarded Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green with its Thurgood Marshall 2015 Esther Award.

       The awards are giving to seven men and women in Guilford County who are committed to building up their cities and communities. The Thurgood Marshall Award specifically recognizes a person who has been a champion of change.

       In a letter to the superintendent, the project’s board of directors cites Green’s dedication to the children of Guilford County, passion for education, unceasing work on behalf of the ‘Say Yes’ initiative and relentless efforts for excellence in education.

      In the seven-plus years of Green’s leadership, the district has raised its graduation rate, student achievement on test scores and scholarship dollars for graduating seniors. But just as essential, he has raised expectations for students, employees and parents, while restoring trust and public support of the school district. In 2015, thanks in part to the fundraising efforts of Green and the fundraising committee and the work he started in GCS, Guilford County was named a “Say Yes to Education” community. The designation gives eligible GCS graduates the opportunity to apply for last-dollar tuition scholarships to attend any two or four year public institution in North Carolina.

      “Mr. Green has striven to make education in Guilford County more suited to each child’s particular learning needs,” said Dr. Irish Spencer, president and CEO of the Welfare Reform Liaison Project. “Initiatives that he has sponsored or supported include mass reading campaigns, greater access to Advanced Placement courses, and partnering with non-traditional schools to find the right fit for each of our children to learn in their own way. Justice Marshall fought for equal opportunity in America, and Mr. Green is a worthy successor to his legacy, having fought for equal opportunity for our students and ensuring a fair, effective process for all parents in Guilford County.”

      The Welfare Reform Liaison Project, Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit community action agency, dedicated to proving services that will enable economically disadvantaged individuals and families to move toward self-sufficiency.

      Green has received numerous accolades for his work. In 2014, he was named the Distinguished Educator by the NCASCD (North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). He was also recognized by two community organizations in 2013, including the Education Award presented by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the Public Service Award from the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association.