Ray Payne, teacher at Sonoraville Middle School, was recently recognized with the Team Gordon Member award by the Gordon County Board of Education for his work with robotics.

Payne was noted by Superintendent Dr. Bill McCown as the “father of robotics,” throughout the school district teaching students who in turn teach other students about robotics while utilizing science and math skills.

Recently, the Sonoraville Middle School robotics team went on to compete at the entry level winning several awards.

“Our kids won two distinct awards and I think that’s really based on teacher leadership and Mr.Payne has provided that leadership for other instructors. He has still instilled in our students a desire to learn and has used math and science in everyday life,” said McCown. “He’s just a quiet man who humbly goes about serving our children and I don’t think he knew he was nominated for this award because he does not seek that recognition for himself.”