LAURINBURG — Scotland County school system educators and staff were recognized for their hard work Wednesday during the second annual Employees of the Year Celebration Luncheon.
Superintendent Ron Hargrave said the recipients were nominated and voted on by co-workers.
“There’s no greater recognition than when you have been recognized by your peers,” Hargrave said. “I hope that you appreciate the fact you been designated in your respective categories, in your respective schools. I have to give thanks to you and all that you do for leaders in your school, for setting the example that the rest of the staff can look at. This about honoring you for all that you do.”
Hargrave also recognized the contribution of school public information officer Meredith Bounds. He asked audience members to take out their cell phones and take a photograph of Bounds.
“The first award goes to Meredith Bounds and it is called Photographer of the Year,” Hargrave said. “We don’t have a plaque for her. She comes to all these events and she hides behind the camera. She does a wonderful job and I think we need to recognize her.”
There were seven award winner from each school — Teacher of the Year, Teacher Assistant of the Year, Beginning Teacher of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, Student Services Personnel of the Year, Instructional Support Personnel of the Year and Support Staff Personnel of the Year.
Each school principal shared tidbits about each employee. Some shared words from students at the school or co-workers of those recognized when presenting the plaques.
“We can’t thank you enough for that you do, for us, for our kids and for the community. Without you we couldn’t get anything done,” said Larry Johnson, assistant superintendent of auxiliary services.
This year the event was held at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church.
“Today I am honored to be in a room with such wonderful professionals,” said school board member Raymond Hyatt. “I’ve always been taught that a chain is always as strong as its weakest link. It was obvious to me today, there are no weak links. Thank you for all your hard work and what you do in the classroom and what you do outside of the classroom. I hope you don’t forget that you’re not just impacting the students that are in your presence, but you’re changing a generation.”
Here is an abbreviated list of the employees of the year.
Covington Street Elementary School: Teacher of the Year-Molly Guest; Beginning Teacher of the Year-Rebecca Brown
I. Ellis Johnson Elementary School: Teacher of the Year- Gregory Boatwright; Beginning Teacher of the Year Kimberly High
Laurel Hill Elementary School: Teacher of the Year- Mary Norton Quick; Beginning Teacher of the Year- Jennifer Carter
North Laurinburg Elementary School: Teacher of the Year- Carol Chambers; Beginning Teacher of the Year-Kayanna Cain
South Scotland Elementary School: Teacher of the Year- Pamela Mercer; Beginning Teacher of the Year- Casey Lucas
Sycamore Lane Elementary School: Teacher of the Year- Jessica Mager; Beginning of the Year-Sarah Laviner
Wagram Elementary School: Teacher of the Year- Heidi Poage, Beginning Teacher of the Year- Courtney McLaughlin
Carver Middle School-: Teacher of the Year- Dara Hyatt; Beginning Teacher of the Year-April Campbell
Spring Hill Middle School: Teacher of the Year-Jody Odom; Beginning Teacher of the Year-Mark Davis
Scotland High School: Teacher of the Year- Kelly Cheek; Beginning Teacher of the Year- Mari DeRuntz
SEarCH: Teacher of the Year-Mariela Carter; Beginning Teacher of the Year- Marri Brooks
Shaw Academy: Teacher of the Year- Timothy Johnson
