Colonel Harwart received the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award at their annual conference. Georgia’s CTE is a state affiliate of the national organization. GACTE encourages and organizes teachers to become a part of a collective voice that can influence issues. 

     Colonel Harwart has been teaching at LFO for 15 years, after retiring from a 30 year career in the United States Army. He currently serves as President of the State Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) and also serves on the PAGE Legislative Task Force. Although he is an accomplished, hard working, well-respected teacher, Colonel Harwart was amazed to get award. “It’s not about me. It’s about what I represent. It’s the people and organizations,” said Colonel Harwart. He is heavily involved in Career Tech.

     “Paul is unique in that he uses and teaches the specific skills he acquired from his military experience. This gives him instant credibility and increased student interest. It is a cooperative effort on the part of the military services and host institutions to produce successful students and citizens while fostering in each school a more disciplined learning environment. Twelve years ago, Colonel Harwart led the LFO JROTC to improve its certification level to the highest standard.  We received the ‘Honor Unit with Distinction’ certification. We have maintained that status.” said LFO Principal Chance Nix. 

    Colonel Harwart is inspired by seeing students demonstrate what they’ve learned. “When they’ve learned how to be a better citizen… they are achieving the mission of JROTC,” said Colonel Harwart.