Once a year, schools and WACOPEP (Walker County Partners for Educational Progress) recognize and honor the work accomplished by their school coordinators and partners. This year the WACOPEP Arnold Eaves Partner of the Year Award was given to The Sonic Drive-In collectively at all three Walker County locations.

The Sonics in Rossville, Chickamauga and LaFayette were nominated by multiple school partners who spoke of their comprehensive approach to supporting public education. Their contributions and involvement with their partner schools help to reward excellence in academics and attendance, support clubs and activities, and assist with school-wide events. They recognize staff as well as student achievement and help to encourage outstanding performance. They themselves are involved and help their schools to encourage parents to be involved in their schools and their students' education. Their corporate structure also supports education with a national, networking website and a grant program.

The Chickamauga Lions Club was named the 2010 WACOPEP Civic Partner of the Year. Simpson United Methodist in Rossville was selected Faith Partner of the Year. The 2010 Small Business Partner is W.D. Scott Landscaping and Large Business Partner is BI-LO in Rossville. Chattanooga Coca Cola Bottling was named System Partner of the 225-member partnership organization.

WACOPEP is an organization of businesses, civic clubs, faith organizations and individuals, from Georgia and Tennessee, partnered with public schools in Walker County. Partnerships with Walker County Schools and Chickamauga City Schools bring real life experience to the classroom and help to raise student achievement to higher levels.

Below are all the nominees from each category:

The Chattanooga Chapter of the American Payroll Association, The Chattanooga Food Bank, the Chickamauga Lions Club, LaFayette Lions Club, LaFayette Optimist Club, Rossville Exchange Club and Walker County Young Farmers were nominated for Civic Partner of the Year.

First Baptist Church of Chickamauga, First Baptist Church of LaFayette, Flintstone United Methodist Women, Lookout Mountain United Methodist, McFarland United Methodist, Oakwood Baptist, Rock Spring Community Baptist, Simpson United Methodist and South Rossville Baptist were nominated for Faith Partner of the Year.

C.J.'s Southern Traditions, Covenant Bank, Jim Floyd Distributors, Hammond Jones Hardware, McDonald's of LaFayette, Medi-Thrift Pharmacy, The Melon Patch, Paws Pets, W.D. Scott Landscaping, The Sonic in Chickamauga, LaFayette and Rossville were nominated for Small Business Partner of the Year.

BI-LO in Rossville, Gateway Bank in LaFayette, Little Caesar's Pizza, Nissin Brake, Shop Rite, Top Flight Paper, Inc. and Wal-Mart of LaFayette were nominated for Large Business Partner of the Year.

The Bank of LaFayette, Capital Bank, Chattanooga Coca Cola Bottling, Lane Funeral Home and Walker County commissioner Bebe Heiskell were nominated for System Business Partner of the Year.