FORSYTH COUNTY — A board member of a local child-focused nonprofit and former superintendent for Forsyth County Schools was recently honored by the state branch of the organization.

Paula Gault received the 2016 CASA Board Member Leadership Award from Georgia CASA at its state conference earlier this month.

Gault has been on the board for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Forsyth County since 2008, continuing to serve children in the community after she retired that year after seven years at the helm of the school district.

She has served two terms as board chair and is supportive of the CASA staff, said Janet Walden, executive director of the organization.

“She always greets new CASA volunteers going through training, as well as attends the swearing-in ceremonies to thank them and their families for their commitment to serve,” Walden said. “She also participates each year in CASA of Forsyth County’s Superhero Run, even wearing her superhero cape.”

Due to her leadership, Walden said, board-solicited sponsorships for the event have “dramatically increased,” resulting in $36,000 in event proceeds in 2016.

“Paula’s dedication and the hands-on work she has done as a board member have had a ripple effect on her fellow board members,” Walden said.

“While she will be stepping down from the board in June, she will leave a solid board in place whose members share the same knowledge, passion and vision.”

Georgia CASA supports and develops affiliate programs throughout the state.

The CASA program is central to fulfilling “society’s most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect and child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family.”

Last year, more than 2,100 volunteer advocates served more than 9,700 children in Georgia. Currently, 47 local programs operate across the state, serving 145 counties.