Ernest receives annual trailblazer award

    Stephens County Probate Court Judge Glenda Ernest entered the room surprised.

     Friends, family, and co-workers had come together on Monday, March 11, to honor Ernest with the annual Susan Clark Campbell Trailerblazer Award. Local attorney and county commissioner Tara Simmons presented the award to Ernest in the Grand Jury Room in the Stephens County Government Building.

    Referencing Ernest’s career, Simmons said Ernest had more than 40 years serving Stephens County and more than 23 as Probate Judge. Simmons said Ernest was dedicated to the office and enjoyed its aspects such as marrying couples and having a picture album in memory of every couple whose wedding she presided over. “Judge Ernest just loves people,” Simmons said.

     Simmons said that not even surgery could keep Ernest from her work as she had paperwork delivered to her while recovering in the hospital and at home.

     Speaking on receiving the award, Ernest said she loved talking to attorneys and her staff over the years and working with other elected officials.

“I feel so blessed,” Ernest said. She said that receiving the award was a “total shock”.

“I feel the friendship with all of you,” Ernest said.

Ernest is retiring from her service as Probate Court Judge at the end of the year. This is the second year in recognizing women attorneys with the Trailblazer Award. It’s named in honor of its first northeast Georgia recipient, Habersham County attorney Susan Clark Campbell.

Trailblazer Awards acknowledge individuals who are creating a more peaceful, equitable, and safe world and who, through their leadership, demonstrate that woman are agents of change.