By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—At a virtual meeting Thursday evening, the Henry County Schools Board of Education honored the district’s Teachers of the Year.
Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins congratulated the teachers, noting that due to COVID-19, the presentations could not be made at a public meeting. “Like the recognition of the tenured teachers, this is another disappointing part of the COVID situation, that we’re not able to recognize them in person.”
Teachers of the Year are:
Henry County High School: Judy Cunningham, grades 10-12
Henry County Virtual Academy: Jessica Pryor, grades K-4
Grove School: Cynthia Green, grade 9
Harrelson School: Heather French, grades K-4; Holly Thompson, grades 5-8
Henry School: Amanda Cook, grades K-4; Natalie Norwood, grades 5-8
Lakewood Elementary: Shay Armstrong, grades K-4
Lakewood Middle: Dana Jackson, grades 5-8
Dr. Watkins said, “We’re super proud of them and appreciate all the work they do.” Their names will be given to the State Department of Education for review for state recognition.
Everyone on board for the virtual meeting applauded the Teachers of the Year and the teachers said they were honored with the recognition.
District Maintenance Supervisor John Akers noted that the weather temporarily halted work on the turf project. “Kyle Norwood did a real good job getting everything off the football field before the weather hit,” Akers said. All contracts for the project are approved and signed, he said.
In other business:
–The board appointed Board Members Stan Dunagan and Tom Beasley to a board scholarship committee. The board had voted last year that a portion of each board member’s salary would go toward scholarships, but the project was stalled by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
–Dr. Watkins and the board also recognized the hard work that has been done by the district’s principals. “I have to say our people have worked so hard and have had to learn so many new things” during the past year. Our principals have gone through different phases during a very challenging time.”
Board President Jill Coker said, “We thank everyone out there for their hard work every day.”
–Dr. Watkins also gave a shout out to Board Member Junior Staggs for receiving the Loyal Patriot Award for his work with Helping Hand; to Maria Cox for being accepted in the Tennessee Rural Principals Network and to Student Preston Pooler for overseeing construction of the greenhouse at Lakewood for his Eagle Scout project. (Pooler’s project was the subject of a feature on our website yesterday).