SBELA

Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal

During their two terms, the Governor led the state to become number one in the nation for business for six consecutive years, a first in Georgia history, and helped create more than 800,000 private sector jobs. Mrs. Deal continued her life-long priority of promoting literacy, including her “Read Across Georgia” tour, where she visited and read to all 159 counties and 181 school districts.

Under Governor Deal’s leadership, Georgia’s job growth outpaced the national average, while its population jumped from 10th to 8th nationally. He led several reform efforts, but the overhaul of Georgia’s Criminal Justice system was one of the most significant and became a model for other states and the federal government.

Proceeds and donations from the annual event help the Riverside Military Academy Foundation provide partial scholarships as need-based tuition assistance so deserving young men can attend Riverside.

Continuing her life-long dedication to encouraging childhood education, First Lady Deal promoted a statewide effort to strengthen and support families and communities. Among her many accomplishments, she took great pride in the “With a Servant’s Heart” initiative launched in 2011. The couple supported education as the key to future success.

Mrs. Deal’s health prevented the Former Governor and First Lady from attending the formal part of the program, but the family was there.

“Thank you all for sharing in this evening, and special thanks to Riverside, which is truly a part of the Deal family and serves such an important function in this community. My parents would be quick to say that these accolades are not for them but for everyone who helped them on their journey and in their accomplishments. They are the ones deserving of the credit,” stated Judge Jason Deal, as he and his sister Katie Deal Comeau accepted the awards that evening on behalf of their parents,

After working closely with the Deals in preparation for the awards dinner, Vice President for Advancement Ellen DeFoor shared, “Many are aware of the impact of the Deals' professional work and leadership across our region and state of Georgia, but their personal lives also serve as a testament to their commitment to family, and to each other. Theirs is truly a love story filled with adoration, respect, and support for each other.”