The Douglas County School System honored its top English to Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL) achievers over the past week, recognizing teacher Araceli Hurley and student Alex Njoroge for their extraordinary contributions to language learning.
Hurley, a 28-year veteran educator who has taught in the ESOL program for the past eight years, received the 2025 Exemplary ESOL Educator Award on March 20.
Njoroge, a senior at Douglas County High School, received the 2025 Exemplary English Learner Award on Tuesday.
Hurley teaches literature and serves as the lead teacher at the school system’s Newcomer Center, which focuses on the educational needs of students who are new to the country.
“Her passion for supporting language learners has been pivotal in the success and growth of the Newcomer Center,” Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning K’Asha Davis said. “She ensures that each student feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. She helps her students to see that language isn't a barrier but an access point to learning.”
DCSS ESOL Specialist Cher Algarin added: “Ms. Araceli Hurley is an outstanding educator who consistently goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for students of all backgrounds. She possesses a deep understanding of second language acquisition and is able to teach complex concepts in an accessible, engaging, and encouraging manner. Ms. Hurley has been instrumental in promoting and maintaining the Newcomer Center.”
Hurley said she was “completely surprised” by the award and that it is nice to be recognized for all she does for her students.
She said she takes pride in seeing her students succeed.
"Even with all the hardships that they've had in their past and all the barriers that they're having to face while they're here and trying to cross over, when they recognize that they can do it," she said, "and then the icing on the cake is when I see them doing it, and they graduate and they call me to attend their graduation. And just the pride that I see in them and their family, watching them succeed, it's beautiful. There's nothing that can replace that."
Njoroge was nominated for the award by DCHS ESOL teacher Maria Moses.
He was born in College Park to Kenyan parents, and his first languages were Swahili and Kikuyu. He started learning English in preschool and elementary school and has improved over the years.
“Now, today, I've really proven myself that I'm good at speaking English and improving my writing,” he said.
In addition to excelling in academics in Honors and AP classes and Dual Enrollment courses, he is also an accomplished long distance runner on DCHS’ track and cross country teams.
He plans to major in accounting at the University of West Georgia and has earned a scholarship to run track and cross country for the Wolves.
“Alex is a quiet, hardworking student who is deeply committed to achieving excellence in both academics and athletics,” DCHS Principal Kenja Parks said. “His dedication and achievements have truly set him apart within our district.”
Algarin added: “Alex Njoroge exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding English Learner (EL) student. He is a senior at Douglas County High School, excelling in AP and Honors courses, and is a rising star in cross country. His resilience and commitment to excellence are evident as he navigates the challenges of an American education, achieving remarkable academic and athletic success.”