-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
Evening of Excellence & Teacher of the Year
On Thursday, May 2, 2019, hundreds of parents and community members came out to a packed auditorium at South Granville High School to celebrate the second annual “Evening of Excellence” for our schools. The event celebrated the accomplishments of two groups: all students who earned straight A’s and perfect attendance in grades K-12; and employees who demonstrated excellence through their work across the district.
Pictured left to right: Jamar Perry, HR Director; Dr. Michael Myrick, Asst Supt, Jade Currin (CENTER) 2019 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Alisa McLean, Superintendent, Beth Day, Asst Supt, Dr. Stan Winborne, Exec Director. (Photo courtesy GCPS)
Employees were honored at a reception in the school’s Media Center with refreshments and heavy hors d’oeuvres served to staff and their families prior to the event.
The event kicked off as students marched across the stage to thumping music and bright lights as they were greeted by formally dressed district staff and Board members. These proud, smiling students were honored for earning perfect attendance and straight A’s for the year. Students from every school who earned these top honors had the privilege of walking the red carpet and receiving their gold star, which they can now proudly wear as evidence of their outstanding efforts in academics.
Board chairman Dr. Tom Houlihan commented in his opening remarks, “Recognizing excellence in the academic achievement of our students is fundamental to our work. The students here tonight should be commended for their efforts, and we are so proud of what you do each and every day. You are on the right path and are models for your peers. Congratulations!”
Also recognized at the event were dozens of staff members for excellence in their profession. Those first called on to the stage were teachers who received honors (and monetary bonuses from the state) for their students’ performance on End-of-Grade tests, Advanced Placement Exams, and Career and Technical credentials. Each walked the red carpet to receive their gold star and recognition.
The next employees called on stage were the “employees of the year” from a wide range of categories. Each received a gold star plaque as they walked the red carpet.
2019 Employees of the Year:
Crystal Daye – CG Credle – Bus Driver of the Year 2019
Deborah Adcock – JTOH/SS – Child Nutrition Employee of the Year 2019
Sarah Hardin – CESA – Clerical Employee of the Year 2019
Fred Frizzle – TRES – Custodian of the Year 2019
Christi Stephenson – Phoenix Academy – Student Support Employee of the Year 2019
Amy Clough – Phoenix Academy – Teacher Assistant of the Year 2019
Melanie Burnette – Exceptional Children – Instructional Support Employee of the Year 2019
Kasey Simmons – CG Credle – Outstanding Beginning Teacher of the Year 2019
Anthony Dickens – JF Webb – Assistant Principal of the Year 2019
Finally, senior staff and Board members recognized each of the eighteen schools’ respective teachers of the year as they were called onto the stage.
Superintendent McLean cut through the suspense-filled moment in the audience as she announced the 2nd and 1st runners up before finally announcing the 2019 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jade Currin, Kindergarten Teacher at Wilton Elementary School. Ms. Currin was presented with her trophy, flowers and a check for $1,000 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation, who was co-sponsor of the event along with Builders Services of Creedmoor. Each of the runners up were honored with a trophy and $500 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation.
Ms. Currin will go on to represent the district at the regional, state and, hopefully, national level of the competition. “We are sure that Ms. Currin will be a shining star among the others recognized across the country for this top honor. We are proud of her and all she represents,” proclaimed Dr. McLean.
2019 Granville County Public Schools Teachers of the Year:
BSES: Heather Mann
CG Credle ES: Katherine Thompson (2nd Runner Up)
CESA: HarleyAnn Lesher
Hawley: Justin Dickson
GCHS: Doug Roberson
GECHS: Danielle Igims
JTOH: Angela Norwood
JF Webb: Carole Griffin
Webb SLHS: Wendi Leas
MPMS: Detroit Yancey
MTE: Susan Nutt
NGMS: Brian Kaprive (1st Runner Up)
Phoenix Academy: Bryant Blackwell
SGHS: Freda Lemay
SSES: Rebecca Starzynski
TRES: Heather Wolford
WOX: Karen Honeycutt
Wilton: Jade Currin (WINNER)
The evening concluded with a reception of desserts and refreshments for all who attended. Granville County Public Schools is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing excellence and achievement for all!