Sen. Billy Hickman Celebrates First Annual Georgia Literacy Night Under the Gold Dome

ATLANTA (December 23, 2025) - On Tuesday, December 16, educators, literacy advocates and community leaders gathered under the Gold Dome for the first annual "Georgia Literacy Night." Cohosted by Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives John Burns (R-Newington) and his wife, Dale Burns; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) and his wife, Jo Ann Hickman; and Chairman of the House Committee on Education Rep. Chris Erwin (R-Homer) and his wife, Laurie Erwin, in partnership with the Georgia Literacy Council, the evening highlighted the importance of early literacy and the collective efforts underway to improve reading outcomes for Georgia's youth.

"It's time we build a system that truly supports our children's literacy skills," said Sen. Hickman. "We cannot allow students to graduate without the ability to read and then expect them to succeed in the world. Seeing so many committed advocates under the Gold Dome made it clear that literacy is a top priority throughout the state. I see this event as both a celebration of progress and a preview of the work ahead this upcoming legislative session."

The program also included remarks from Malcolm Mitchell, a former University of Georgia standout and Super Bowl champion, who shared how literacy shaped his own path and why early reading support is essential for student success.

Georgia Literacy Night was envisioned and led by Georgia Council on Literacy member Andri Pilgrim, whose leadership helped center the evening on elevating exceptional literacy educators and ensuring their work informs statewide policy.

She spoke on the event's success, stating, "We not only want to celebrate the best teachers in Georgia, but, most importantly, learn from them so we can replicate their success. We are going to identify, listen, and learn from the top reading teachers in Georgia. These excellent teachers are reaching all types of students with a range of challenges in both life and with reading. If we do not recognize, celebrate, and learn from teachers who are excelling in teaching reading, what are we telling all educators?"

Proceeds from the event will support Georgia's literacy educators through the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.

More information on the Georgia Council on Literacy and its initiatives 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 4^th 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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