Putting on the Ritz

Richmond County school system

2017 Teacher of the Year Banquet

Putting on the Ritz

AUGUSTA MARRIOTT AT THE CONVENTION CENTER OCTOBER 26, 2016 7 PM Richmond County Public Schools Teacher of the Year 2016 Phyllis Johnson-Porter Jenkins-White Elementary School 2015 JaVonne Jones Deer Chase Elementary School 2014 Denise Turner Warren Road Elementary School 2013 Stephanie Ross Glenn Hills Elementary School 2012 Ladell Fortune Butler High School 2011 Traci Cooper Pine Hill Middle School 2010 Steve Galvin ` Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School 2009 Heather Davidson Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School 2008 Aletha Snowberger Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School 2007 Mary Frances Howard Ursula Collins Elementary School 2006 Amy Hillman Freedom Park Elementary School 2005 Malinda Cobb T.W. Josey High School 2004 Judith Duke McBean Elementary School 2003 Fran Brewer Goshen Elementary School 2002 Vicky Bedell Southside Elementary School 2001 Judith Mealing A.R. Johnson Magnet School 2000 Julie Purvis Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School 1999 Melinda Starnes Garrett Elementary School 1998 Andy Baumgauter A. Brian Merry Elementary School 1997 Caroline Misklosovic Hephzibah High School 1996 Sherri Brunkow Morgan Road Middle School 1994 Eleanor Willingham Bungalow Road Elementary School 1993 Marion Kelly Tims Monte Sano Elementary School 1992 Beverly A. Hite Sue Reynolds Elementary School 1991 Susan W. Bourbo Southside Elementary School 1990 Linda M. Johnson Langford Middle School 1989 Dr. Charles J. Smith, Jr. T.W. Josey High School 1988 Annie Searles Southside Elementary School 1987 Susan E. Craig Glenn Hills High School 1986 Dr. Bill Bass Glenn Hills Elementary School 1985 Lounelle Beecher Butler High School 1984 Joan Vanover A. Brian Merry Elementary School

Richmond County Board of education School Board District 10 at Large (Districts 3, 6, 7, 8)...... Helen Minchew, President

School Board District 1...... Marion E. Barnes, Vice President

School Board District 2...... Charlie Hannah

School Board District 3...... Alex Howard

School Board District 4...... Barbara Pulliam

School Board District 5...... Patsy Scott

School Board District 6...... Jack Padgett, Jr.

School Board District 7...... Frank Dolan

School Board District 8...... Jimmy Atkins

School Board District 9 at Large (Districts 1, 2, 4, 5)...... Venus Cain

Board Attorney...... Leonard O. Fletcher, Jr.

Superintendent and senior team

Dr. Angela D. Pringle...... Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw...... Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Debbie Alexander...... Associate Superintendent

Dr. Lamonica Hillman...... Assistant Superintendent for Area 1

Dr. Malinda Cobb...... Assistant Superintendent for Area 2

Ms. Deborah Harris...... Assistant Superintendent for Area 3

Mrs. Kathryn Perrin...... Chief Human Resources Officer

Mr. Gene Spires...... Chief Financial Officer Teacher of the Year Program

Soft Music...... Mr. Lynwood Holmes, Fine Arts Program Specialist

Introduction of Master of Ceremonies...... Mrs. Kathryn Perrin, Chief Human Resources Officer . Master of Ceremonies...... Mr. Kaden Jacobs, Director of Communications & Community Engagement

Presentation of Colors...... AFJROTC Color Guard, T.W. Josey High School

Greetings...... Mrs. Helen Minchew, President, Richmond County Board of Education

Inspirational...... Dr. Phyllis Johnson-Porter, 2016 Richmond County Teacher of the Year

Greetings...... Dr. Angela D. Pringle, Superintendent of Schools

Blessing...... Mr. Gene Spires, Chief Financial Officer

Dinner

Soft Music...... Mr. Lynwood Holmes, Fine Arts Program Specialist

Introduction of Judges...... Mr. Marion E. Barnes, Vice President, Richmond County Board of Education

Recognition of Teachers of the Year...... Dr. Angela D. Pringle & Senior Team

Tribute to the Teachers of the Year...... Ms. Petula Gilmore

Presentation of Finalists...... Dr. Angela D. Pringle & Principals

Presentation of RCCS’s 2017 Teacher of the Year...... Dr. Angela D. Pringle & Dr. Phyllis Johnson-Porter

Remarks...... 2017 Teacher of the Year

Closing Remarks...... Mr. Kaden Jacobs, Director of Communications & Community Engagement A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Guests,

On behalf of the Board of Education, staff, and administrators, we thank you for sharing in this Richmond County School System Teacher of the Year Banquet experience this evening. It is with a great deal of pride and joy that we honor some of our remarkable, inspiring, and committed teachers who have been selected to represent their individual schools as “Teacher of the Year.” These teachers have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that success is the only option. Their dedication, energy, and creativity are helping to prepare our students to become college and career ready.

The very focal point of our mission as a school system is our students. By working together, we have an opportunity to build upon our suc- cesses to ensure that all students are learning at high levels and every classroom in the district supports classroom efforts. Your presence here tonight demonstrates your partnership and well wishes in a special way. It communicates that we share a common goal of educational excellence as we help our students to soar.

Even as we celebrate the accomplishments of these deserving teachers, I look forward to collaborating with parents ad community members on our focus of teaching and learning with an emphasis on learning. Significant academic achievement requires engagement and commitment from families and community. I invite every community member, parent, and all caregivers that touch the lives of children, to be on board with our focus. Thank you for the impact you offer daily to produce a quality-engaging environment for the students of Richmond County.

Yours truly,

Angela D Pringle

Angela D. Pringle, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools Teacher of the Year Finalists

Randall Williams Anna Trulock Diane Collier Vanessa Patten Lindsay Girosky Randall Williams Famous writer and historian John Henry Clark once said, “A good teacher, like a good entertainer first must hold his audience’s attention, then he can teach his lesson.” As I reflect on eleven years with the Richmond County School system, I believe that a teacher must first focus on the students they are educating. Once you have your students’ attention you can tap into their interests and guide them through learning. Our job is to keep the students engaged as much as possible. We are educating children in an ever changing world. Many students lose interest easily and it is our job as great teachers to capture their attention, guide them through a lesson, and then assess to see if they truly understand. In my classroom, I research and imagine new ways to teach math topics. I believe students need to talk about, write about, and show what they are learning. Math has been my focus for the last few years at my school. I delve into new ways to show and excite students who find math challenging. I believe it is my job to be enthusiastic about what I am teaching. Through math manipulatives, real world connections, and technology I see students excited about math. When I see that excitement, I know I have done my job and impacted their lives. Anna Trulock Throughout my younger years, it was obvious that I was going to become someone who would be everyone’s big- gest cheerleader, someone who would always find the good in every person, and someone who would recognize others for who they really are and support them as they live out their purpose. I was born to be a teacher! One of my main goals as a teacher has always been to promote the love for learning. I strive to instill the desire to learn so that my students will become intrinsically motivated in their education. However, it is not just encouraging the children to be excited about learning, it is also enabling these children to take ownership of their experiences in a safe and comfortable place. I feel it is important to lead a self-regulated learning environment that encourages my students to be risk-takers and participants, making each feel a part of the group. I love watching children in my classroom go from powerless to fully capable of contributing to their own success. So, although my contributions to education are not objects, you can feel them in your heart when you enter my classroom. Diane Collier Life is a journey of steps. A Chinese proverb says, “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.” My heartfelt passion is to ensure that each child within my reach has the best chance to take successful steps during the earliest part of their life journey. I am not only a leader in education; I am also a leader in technology. In today’s modern and ever-changing society, I believe that technology is one of the most fundamental skills the enables students to become lifelong learners and contribute to society in meaningful ways. My advanced degrees reflect my technical expertise and my passion for integrating technology into every facet of education. I am a highly organized and motivated individual. I am able to manage many different responsibilities at one time. As an innovative leader, I consistently exceed the requirements and goals. Teaching allows me to use my vivid imag- ination and resourcefulness to bring subjects to life in ways students will always remember. At my core, I am a hard- working and dedicated teacher who believes that students who learn today will become future leaders of tomorrow.

Vanessa patten I am 1st grade teacher at Wheeless Road Elementary School, and grew up in a neighborhood filled with educators. It’s a small wonder that the little girl who used to play school and force her baby sister to sit while she read aloud to her became a teacher. Although I have been an educator for 27 years, I don’t take what I do lightly. I don’t view the field of education as a career choice, I view it as a calling… It’s not only where my passion lies, but it’s also a fulfillment of my purpose in the world. My goal is not just for my students to be successful in my class, but to have their foundation be so strong when they leave me that they are successful from this point on.

Lindsay girosky I am currently a fifth grade teacher at Lake Forest Hills Elementary. I spent four years working as a Special Education teacher at Blythe Elementary School. I believe teachers have the power to change the lives of their students and it is one of the most important and worthwhile jobs a person can have. Being a teacher means helping students to see the potential within them. A teacher is an instructor, a facilitator, a mentor, and a coach. The job comes with enormous responsibility, and it brings tremendous rewards. I believe in having high expectations for my students and for myself. I strive to make learning engaging, rigorous, and enjoyable. I believe one of the most powerful things a teacher can do is to install a love of learning into their students. In my current position I learned about the IB attributes of being caring, open-minded, balanced, principled, and knowledgeable, as well as being a communicator, thinker, inquirer, and being reflective. I believe these attributes provide an excellent basis for teaching and learning. A quote that I believe sums up the role of teacher says, “If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart.” - Unknown Reflections

Poetry, just as music, utters the inexpressible longing of the soul’s desire to articulate the yet-unleashed, immaterialized hopes, dreams, and visions of things to come. The dream poems written by Langston Hughes became an indispens- able part of my daily life as I encouraged myself to dream dreams, protect them, and create fertile ground that would provide assiduous growth. During my life’s pilgrimage, and as a result of my spiritual maturation, I have come to trea- sure the importance of maintaining dreams and of having vision that permeates a resilient will to persevere.

Receiving the honor to serve as Richmond County School System’s 2016 Teacher of the Year has been a motivation factor that has stimulated my passion for encouraging students to think of themselves as special creations with extraordinary potential. This honor ignited in me, more than ever before, the desire to continually remind students that all things are possible and that their dreams and aspirations can become reality as long as they set high goals and persevere through life’s difficulties.

I am thankful to many for inspiring me along the way - my family, friends, teachers, administrators, other educational leaders, and community members. I am most grateful, however, for all of the students who have unknowingly as- sisted me in becoming the educator I am today.

I would like to congratulate each Teacher of the Year and I am honored to relinquish my title as the County’s Teacher of the Year to the one who will be named tonight.

Phyllis E. Johnson-Porter, Phyllis E. Johnson-Porter, Ed.D. General/Choral Music Specialist Jenkins-White Elementary School Planning Committee

Ms. Candy Beggs...... Accountability Technology Specialist

Ms. Laura Bussiere...... Human Resources Coordinator

Ms. Shana Drish...... Human Resources Associate

Ms. Cheryl Elder...... Principal, Copeland Elementary

Ms. Shannon Floyd...... Human Resources Associate

Dr. Latoya Doby-Holmes...... Director of Professional Learning and School Improvement

Mr. Lynwood Holmes...... Fine Arts Program Specialist

Mr. Kaden Jacobs...... Director of Communications and Community Engagement

Ms. Linda LaMarr...... Director of Internal Auditing

Mr. DeMargo Lewis...... Community Engagement Specialist

Dr. Phyllis Johnson-Porter...... 2016 Teacher of the Year

Ms. Eleanor Prater...... Communications Specialist

Special thanks

The Richmond County School System would like to extend a special thank you to all of its teachers, students, personnel, sponsors and community for their continuous dedication and support. Elementary School Teachers of the year

Veronica Frazier Jessica shuff Lindsay Girosky Barton Chapel Elementary School Bayvale Elementary School Blythe Elementary School

Teresia Prescott Carly Gilchrist Randall Williams Copeland Elementary School Craig-Houghton Elementary School Deer Chase Elementary School

Cathy Simmons Cassandra Reed Patricia Robertson Diamond Lakes Elementary School Freedom Park Elementary School Garrett Elementary School Elementary School Teachers of the year

Nadia Samuels Tamara Arnett Mary Price Glenn Hills Elementary School Goshen Elementary School Gracewood Elementary School

Tanginikki McKenzie Jennifer Williams Lafrance Carpenter A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School Hephzibah Elementary School Hornsby Elementary School

Daphne Carter Jonay Bailey Anna trulock Jamestown Elementary School Jenkins-White Elementary School Lake Forest Hills Elementary School Elementary School Teachers of the year

Eric Berge Kerry Mullins Christine Johnston Lamar-Milledge Elementary School McBean Elementary School Meadowbrook Elementary School

Amy boulineau Tamiko whaley carolyn west A. Brian Merry Elementary School Monte Sano Elementary School Sue Reynolds Elementary School

Katrina prophet Jessica castro Nikita Herrington-hart Rollins Elementary School Southside Elementary School Terrace Manor Elementary School Elementary School Teachers of the year

Justin Flanders Manda Cawthon Laura mobley Tobacco Road Elementary School C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet Warren Road Elementary School School

Vanessa patten Shelley Wolfe Xavier Johnson Wheeless Elementary School Wilkinson-Gardens Elementary Willis Foreman Elementary School School

Nichole Sanders Windsor Spring Elementary School MIDDLE School Teachers of the year

Sheri S. Calhoun Lori Ledwig Deborah rashada Glenn Hills Middle School Hephzibah Middle School Langford Middle School

Kay Crawford Arstasia evans Marsha Moorman Morgan Road Middle School Murphey Middle School Pine Hill Middle School

Denard Scott Jarmichael jones Diane collier Sego Middle School Spirit Creek Middle School Tutt Middle School HIGH School Teachers of the year

Katie West Melvin dukes Calvin Moore Academy of Richmond County Butler High School Cross Creek High School

Genevieve Williams srinivasan thiyagarajan Billterrence streetman Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Glenn Hills High School Hephzibah High School

Richard Smith Heather staniszewski Byron willingham A.R. Johnson Health Science and T.W. Josey High School Lucy C. Laney High School Engineering Magnet School HIGH School Teachers of the year

Crystal Crawford nikia Johnson Richmond County Technical Career Westside High School Magnet School

Special School Teachers of the year

Carrie Perry Richard Dunn Valerie mundell Alternative Education Performance Learning Center Sand Hills Center Judges

Dr. Jacqueline Fason of Augusta Dr. Jacqueline Fason retired from the Richmond County School System in 2011. Dr. Fason started as a paraprofessional and then was hired as a teacher. She was promoted to Lead Teacher/Assistant Principal. Thirty-three years later, she retired from James- town Elementary School as the Principal. Dr. Fason is a product of the Richmond County School System having graduated from George P. Butler High School. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from The Fort Valley State University, her Masters degree in Individual and Family Developmental Studies and a Masters degree in Rehabilitative Counseling from South Carolina State University. She received her Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction and a Doctorate in Ed- ucational Leadership from the University of Sarasota. Dr. Fason has taught in many schools in the district, and has worked under the leadership of many great administrators. Currently Dr. Fason is an Adjunct Professor at Paine College where she serves as the Coordinator of Field and Clinical Experiences. Dr. Fason is the proud mother of one son and two very lively grandchildren. Mrs. Gloria b. Lewis of Augusta Mrs. Gloria B. Lewis, retired January 2016 after 44 years of service, was the executive Director of CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority, Inc. (CSRA, EOA, Inc.), private nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, nationally designated as a community based self-help organization, whose mission is to promote self- sufficiency and ease the human suffering of individuals, children, and families with low incomes. Mrs. Lewis provided leadership and guidance for the agency’s over 500 employees and had the overall responsibility for the financial and operational integrity of the organization’s 40 work-sites in 14 counties, which include 1,500 Head Start and Pre-K children and their families, and over 350 Education Staff and Administrators. Under Mrs. Lewis’s leadership, CSRA, EOA, Inc. was awarded several prestigious state, regional, and national awards of excellence in the areas of program development, governance, and self-sufficiency. Mrs. Lewis earned the designation as a Certified Community Action Manager. She graduated at the level of Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Organizational Management from Voorhees College. She has participated in numerous educational opportunities for continued personal and professional development. Mrs. Lewis and her husband, Dennis, are the proud parents of Dr. LaMonica Lewis Hillman and husband, Mr. Terence Hillman, Mr. Tremayne Lewis, and Mrs. Tamarah Lewis Bing, and her husband, Dr. Dana Bing. They are the grandparents of two adorable granddaughters, Jamya Areaun Lewis and Bella Noelle, Bing and one delightful grandson, Terence Eugene Hillman, II. Mrs. Deborah M. Walker of Hephzibah Mrs. Deborah Walker is a retired high school principal who worked in the Richmond County School System for 34 years, including 24 years in the classroom and 10 years of administrative experience. She served as a mathematics teacher, department chairperson, assistant principal, and principal. She has also taught in the Upward Bound Program at Paine College and the Adult Education Program held at Lucy C. Laney High School. Mrs. Walker received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education from the Fort Valley State College and Masters in Mathematics Education from South Carolina State University. A second Masters’ Degree and her Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Instructional Supervision were earned from Augusta College. While she was principal, A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School received numerous local, State and National recognitions. She has been married for 42½ years to her husband, Larry, and they have over 20 God-children and God-grandchildren. She is a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia, where she has served continuously as musician and Music Coordinator for over 38 years.

Mrs. jordel v. rihl of Augusta Mrs. Jordel V. Rihl has 46 years of experience in public education. As an employee of the Richmond County School System, she was a Resource Teacher, Title I Math Teacher, Title I Evaluator and Pre-K/Title I Consultant for 25 years. For six and a half years she was Director/Coordinator of Elementary Personnel. Mrs. Rihl earned her Bachelor’s Degree at West Chester State University in Pennsylvania, Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees at Augusta State University. She is a past President of the CSRA Reading Association, an affiliate of the International Reading Association and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Education Society. Mrs. Rihl is an active member of her church where she teaches four and five year old children. She currently works as a consultant for Richmond County School System. She has been married for 51 years to her husband Bob. They have one daughter, Dr. Laura Lee Joiner and three grandchildren. She enjoys gardening, baking, traveling and visiting with her grandchildren.

Dr. peter Paige of Lincolnton Dr. Peter Paige has 38 years of experience in public education, including 11 years in the classroom and 26 years as a principal. Dr. Paige earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Minnesota, Master’s Degree at Georgia Southern University and Doctorate at Georgia State University. Dr. Paige is a past President of the Georgia Elementary Principals Association and former member of GAEL’s board of directors. While he was Principal, Warren Road Elementary School was recognized as a Georgia School of Excellence. Dr. Paige is an active member of his church in Lincolnton, Georgia where he also plays the saxophone and sings in the choir. Dr. Paige retired as Assistant Professor at Troy University, Augusta in July, 2012. Special thank you to our Sponsors

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LEARNING TODAY...... LEADING TOMORROW

The mission of the Richmond County School System is to educate students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens.