The newly established Cherokee County Educational Foundation has selected the winning logo to represent the organization dedicated to supporting teachers and students throughout Cherokee County School District.

The winning entry for the foundation’s logo design contest is by Beth Sisson of Canton, a graphic designer at her husband’s company, Sisson Media, and a parent of two children in district schools.

Established at a school board meeting in June, the foundation’s mission is to support CCSD students and staff by promoting teaching and learning and celebrating achievements.

The foundation seeks funding and resources to help schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program such as “bright ideas” grants for schools, teachers and other staff and support for academic achievement and technology initiatives.

Sisson’s design includes the silhouette of an apple tree in black and dark red over the acronym CCEF and the words “Cherokee County Educational Foundation.”

Sisson said the logo was inspired by the classic children’s book, “The Giving Tree,” which she said still makes her cry when she reads it.

“My mom was a teacher, and I remember how she would do so much that was above and beyond… and I know that teachers often do that out of their own pocket,” she said. “It’s such a great idea to have a foundation to organize people who want to give to help teachers and their students.”

For her winning design, Sisson won a free year’s supply of Chick-fil-A from Chick-fil-A of Canton and a $100 deposit in a Credit Union of Georgia account. She also will be publicly recognized during a Cherokee County School Board meeting.

Barbara Jacoby, ex-officio designee for the group selected by Superintendent Dr. Frank Petruzielo, said the foundation received 100 entries in the contest, which was open to all Cherokee County residents.

Chick-fil-A of Canton donated a gift card for a free milkshake to every person who submitted an entry, which Jacoby said will be mailed to participants.

Amanda Arnold, foundation awareness committee chairwoman, said Sisson’s logo captured the organization’s mission in a clear, professional image that was ready for immediate use.

“The selection of a logo for the Foundation is an important step in raising awareness of our mission in the community, and we’re energized by the strong response we received for the contest,” Arnold said, noting the foundation plans to launch its initial community-wide fundraising campaign in February. “We look forward to engaging all of Cherokee County in our important mission of supporting our outstanding public school system.”

For more information about the foundation, see the Cherokee County Educational Foundation page on Facebook.