Earlier this month, the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP) announced Brian Tam as one of nine statewide recipients of the 2008 Educational Patron Award. Tam, who has been a resident of Forsyth County for approximately 15 years, operates Tam’s Backstage in Cumming, Ga. with his wife, Kelly.

As a recipient of the local Partners in Education’s Gold Level Award, a recipient of the Don Hendricks Memorial Award, and as a partner in education for many of our local schools, Tam understands the importance of giving back to our students and teachers.

Tam was nominated for the award based on his service as a representative on the Local School Council at Sharon Elementary School, here in Forsyth County. His service on the local school council has allowed him the opportunity to provide valuable input, which in turn helps ensure the children at Sharon receive the best education possible. In addition, Tam was instrumental in raising more than $60,000 for the implementation of an outdoorclassroom at Sharon. Today, he continues to raise money for much needed media center books by hosting the annual “Kindergarten on Stage with Tam’s Backstage.”

“The school system is the benchmark for which a community is measured,” stated Tam. “A quality school system means higher property values, a better quality of life and a desire by quality commercial development to want to locate here in Forsyth County—which ultimately leads to lower taxes for our homeowners.”

As the son of an educator, Tam values the importance of quality education. Debbie Smith, former Sharon Elementary Principal and current principal at John’s Creek Elementary nominated Tam for the Patron’s Award. “Forsyth County and indeed, the State of Georgia, are very lucky to have community leaders such as Brian…Brian not only values the importance of supporting our students, he also supports and respects our educators,” stated Smith. (excerpted from the nomination letter submitted to GAESP)

Brian and his wife reside in South Forsyth with their three children, Robert, Dorothy and Rene.
 

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