Bibb County Sheriff’s Office launches B.E.A.M. Award to honor exemplary students

The award is dedicated to middle and high school students who demonstrate self-discipline, leadership, positive attitudes, good grades, kindness and integrity at school, at home and in the community, according to a Bibb County Sheriff's Office news release.

December 5, 2023

Tucker Sargent,

First Beam Award Recipients Gfx — Tyrianna Anderson, a senior at Central High School, and William Barnes, a Junior at Northeast High School, are the first B.E.A.M. Award recipients (Photos: Bibb County Sheriff's Office)

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has introduced the B.E.A.M. (Being Elevated And Motivated) Award to recognize and encourage the positive contributions of young people in the community.

The award is dedicated to middle and high school students who demonstrate self-discipline, leadership, positive attitudes, good grades, kindness and integrity at school, at home and in the community, according to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release.

On December 1, Sheriff David Davis, along with members of the sheriff’s office Outreach Section, presented the inaugural B.E.A.M. Awards to Central High School senior Tyrianna Anderson and Northeast High School junior William Barnes.

The sheriff’s office says the idea originated from Sgt. Sahkera Wooten and Lt. Linda Howard. Their vision was to recognize young people who are productively engaged in the community.

“This recognition seeks to counter the stories that are often publicized about teenagers being involved in criminal or disruptive actions,” the release stated.

“There are more good students making a positive impact in their schools and in our community than there are those who wish to disrupt our society,” Sheriff Davis said. “I am proud to recognize these exemplary students today and we look forward to recognizing more in the months to come.”

The sheriff’s office says it’s accepting nominations for future B.E.A.M. Award recipients. Principals, teachers, school counselors and other school leaders are encouraged to nominate deserving students. Nominations can be sent to Sgt. Wooten and Lt. Howard at SWooten@maconbibb.us and LHoward2@maconbibb.us.