EXPERIENCE

Debbie is in her 33rd year at BHMS as Choral Director and is branching out to add Theatre classes this year. She also taught Music Appreciation, Reading, Informational Literacy, Accelerated Writing, and Journalism at BHMS. She is involved with the Technology Student Association as the co-advisor for the BHMS chapter and photographer for Georgia and national TSA events. She was the director of the very first TSA National Chorus, which sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the opening session of the national conference. 

Debbie is a member of the National Association for Music Education and Georgia Music Educators Association. She was the All-State Chorus organizing chair for six years for the Middle School Mixed chorus and has presented at the state conference. She is a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, for which she is the Ben Hill County School System representative. She was inducted into the Delta Kappa Gamma Professional Honor Society in 2014. Debbie was selected as the BHMS Teacher of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year.

Debbie has worked with the high school drama department for years as a character coach for one-act plays and the spring musical. She was the director of the FHS one-act play in 2016 and 2017. She was the auxiliary coordinator for the FHS Marchin' Canes from 1991-1994.

Debbie has judged GHSA Literary Events for several years. She has been a judge for Dramatic Interpretation, Girl's Trio, Men's Quartet, and One-Act Play competitions. She has also been a judge for band competitions and festivals and has served on the board of directors for the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Arts Council. 

Debbie has served as the BHCS Music Department chair and the teacher representative on the BHMS School Council. She has also served on multiple committees, including Leadership, Media Advisement, PBIS, SACS Accreditation, and Public Relations committees.  Debbie has been the yearbook advisor and has sponsored the Actor's Studio and Calligraphy Club for students. She is the school's Club Coordinator.

BIO

Debbie is married to Barney Hamlin. Together they have one daughter, Leigh Anne, one son-in-law, Josh, one dachshund, Doodle, and a mixed-breed rescue dog, Cosette. Debbie takes part in local theater productions as an actress, director, musical director, and choreographer. She grew up in Valdosta, Georgia but now refers to Fitzgerald as home.