School board recognizes star staff, faculty

Davis Cobb, The Tifton Gazette, Ga.
·2 min read

Aug. 21—TIFTON — Tift County Board of Education recognized some of its star staff and faculty in wake of recent achievements.

Various members of the faculty and staff of Tift County Schools were praised either for obtaining a prestigious award or for their recent accomplishments.

Kevin Dobard, executive director of human resources, said he was happy to award the Teacher of the Year and True Blue awards to Brianna Huston and Josh Bowyer, respectively.

Both Bowyer and Huston received a $1,000 prize and a paid day off from work, but Huston additionally received a new car for use in school-related purposes.

Hannah Harrison was declared the winner of the Blue Devil Passport contest, a competition that encourages new teachers to become immersed in their community and the area.

Vanessa Hayes, nutrition director, awarded Shakia Rance with District Nutrition Manager of the Year, while John May, transportation director, presented Braxton Driskell with District Driver of the Year. May said he was honored to have Driskell working for the district.

Mickey Weldon, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, mentioned the recent positions attained by three TCS staff members.

Weldon reported that Dr. Chad Stone, principal of Tift County High School, had become the executive president of the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals, Dr. Stephanie Morrow, principal of Annie Belle Clark Elementary School, had become executive president of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals, and Jennifer Howell, principal of Matt Wilson Elementary, had become the District VIII president of GAESP.

According to Weldon, in these positions all three would be working at a state level to help coordinate instruction and negotiate with legislators, making each position vital and one more than worth recognizing.

Each faculty and staff member recognized at the meeting was given a round of applause by people in attendance, as well as thanks from the board, and School Superintendent Adam Hathaway, for their hard work.