The Doreen Sears Literacy Award is given to a 5th Grade student at each elementary school in Muscogee County who has made the most gains in reading during the school year. This award is named after Doreen Sears, who was a K-12 Reading Specialist for Muscogee County. Doreen lost her battle with cancer in October 2009. This award was established to honor her memory and her passion for all students to develop a lifelong love of reading.