Columbia County Teachers of the Year

One winner will be chosen from among five hopefuls for Columbia County Teacher of Year on Thursday.

The five finalists for the education honor are Grovetown Middle language arts teacher Penny Barclay, Stevens Creek Elementary fourth-grade teacher Karen Granfeldt, Greenbrier Middle social studies teacher Rebecca Holley, Blue Ridge Elementary second-grade teacher Sherry Hodge and Lewiston Elementary fifth-grade teacher Cheryl Williams.

One of them will receive the school system's top teaching honor at a banquet Thursday at West Lake Country Club.

The winner will go on to represent Columbia County for the state Teacher of the Year honors later in the school year.

Each school selected its own Teacher of the Year, each of whom automatically qualified for the systemwide title. The three-judge panel pared the list of 27 teachers down to the five finalists.

FINALIST

Sherry Hodge

Blue Ridge Elementary School

A 20-year veteran of Columbia County Schools, Sherry Hodge has earned an undergraduate degreen in elementary education, master's in reading, specialist degree and National Board Certification in early childhood education.

"The basis for my heart for teaching is my God-given desire for learning and knowing the truth," she said. "I am a student at heart; therefore, I love to help others enjoy and love learning."

"It is exciting to play a role in shaping young children's educational experiences, and I feel honored to be a part of (it) and to represent the Blue Ridge learning community."

FINALIST

Becky Holley

Greenbrier Middle School

Becky Holley began teaching in Richmond County at Hephzibah Middle School and then returned to her home county to teach.

"I strive to make learning fun and different," Holley said. "The element of surprise keeps students salivating and asking, 'What's next?' Being creative, fostering critical thinking, and making learning a real-world experience enables my students to learn for life."

Holley teaches gifted social studies and language arts. With 16 years under her belt, Holley cannot imagine doing anything else.

"I look for opportunities to encourage them individually and to build self esteem," Holley said.

FINALIST

Penny Barclay

Grovetown Middle School

Penny Barclay has been teaching 16 years in Columbia County.

She has taught at many grade levels and locales, including U.S. soldiers in California, gifted students in Georgia, and special education students in Hawaii. She now teaches one of her favorite subjects - seventh-grade language arts.

Barclay teaches through story telling and enjoys helping students meet challenges and attain their goals. She has two master's degrees, one in public administration and one in education, and a specialist degree in communication skills. She is working on a doctoral program in teacher leadership through Walden University.

FINALIST

Cheryl Williams

Lewiston Elementary School

Cheryl Williams, a fifth-grade teacher, started her college education at the age of 36. She taught fifth grade for three years at Bel Air Elementary before moving to Lewiston Elementary.

Williams received her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Augusta State University in 1997, then attended Troy State University for a master's degree in leadership.

"As a young mother, it was my greatest pleasure to spend time at home with my daughter," Williams said. "As she grew into a young woman, I knew that God was calling me to work with children."

Williams nurtures and encourages each one of her students.

FINALIST

Karen GranfelDt Stevens Creek Elementary

"Being surrounded by highly qualified, dedicated and supportive teachers and administrators who care about the needs of each child has made teaching in Columbia County the best years of my teaching career," said Karen Granfeldt, a teacher of 18 years.

She has taught in Texas, Florida and the British Virgin Islands and has taught third and fourth grades at Stevens Creek for four years.

"Meeting students where they are, making personal connections and keeping everyone challenged can be quite a juggling act at times," she said. "Yet, I am doing the very thing that makes me feel complete. Teaching is just part of who I am."

Shannon Douglas

Bel Air Elementary School

Shannon Douglas received her bachelor of science degree in therapeutic recreation from Clemson University and a Master of Education degree in emotional and behavior disorders from Augusta State University.

The young children in her classroom are constantly in motion as she turns every moment into a learning experience.

Douglas meets each child where he is and sets her expectations high. She treats each student with the utmost respect.

Douglas was honored when she was selected by her peers as Bel Air Elementary's Teacher of the Year and appreciates all the support her family gives her daily.

Beatrice Brown

Brookwood Elementary School

Beatrice Brown began her 25th year of teaching this fall.

"An influential first-grade teacher sparked my desire to learn and to share with others," she said.

Brown recalls a childhood memory of setting up a makeshift classroom and pretending to teach.

A graduate of Albany State College and Mercer University, she began her career in Monroe County, Ga. She has been teaching in Columbia County since 1987.

Brown has dedicated her years of teaching to students with special needs. She believes that a conscientious teacher is always learning; therefore, she searches for innovative methods and materials to enhance her teaching and has participated in a variety of staff development courses.

Andy King

CCBOE Alternative School

Andy King is in his 11th year at the Columbia County Board of Education Alternative School. He spent 15 years in the Air Force and has completed several degrees: a master's degree in education from Troy State University, a bachelor's degree in biology from Augusta State University and an associate degree in personnel management from the Community College of the Air Force.

"When I finished my four-year degree, I started teaching in Columbia County and really enjoy the challenge presented (by) teaching at an alternative school," King said.

Lynda Morris

Columbia Middle School

Lynda Morris has spent 19 of her 23 years of teaching in the middle-school setting, with more than half of her career teaching physical education.

The health education teacher received her bachelor's from Georgia Southern University and her master's at Lesley University in creative arts learning.

"My heart is with the middle-school students as they are adjusting to many social, emotional and physical changes," she said. "Through health education, my goal is to help students feel confident enough to make good decisions concerning everything from bullying to nutrition to relationships.

"Teaching is an art and I love the challenges it provides."

Andrea French

Euchee Creek Elementary

Andrea French is in her second year of teaching at Euchee Creek Elementary. She taught pre-k her first year and is now teaching fifth-grade social studies.

French received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and her master's degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. She has taught in Canada, Korea and Germany, but now calls Augusta her home.

Her love of teaching and her enthusiasm to learn new things makes education a very rewarding career for her.

Marilyn Huff

Evans Elementary School

Marilyn Huff has been working as a kindergarten teacher at Evans Elementary for four years. She has taught in the pre-k programs at area day care centers.

She is a graduate of Georgia College and State University and is attending Augusta State University.

"As I look back on my life, so many factors led me to the teaching field," Huff said. "I grew up teaching Sunday school classes, vacation Bible school, and working as a summer-camp counselor. But my real teaching experiences started with the births of my children.

"One of my new parent friends taught at the local college. She encouraged me to enroll and further my education."

Cathy Sligh

Evans High School

Cathy Sligh has finished her 30th year of teaching, including 26 years of teaching biology at Evans High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in biology and is pursuing a Master of Education degree.

"I have had the privilege of working with an awesome faculty and administration, totally dedicated to helping kids succeed," Sligh said "Throughout my career, I hope that my students have developed a better appreciation for the wonders of the world around them and an understanding of their responsibilities to care for this world.

"Most importantly, I hope students have left my classroom with a passion for learning not only what is directly taught, but also what they can discover on their own."

Linda Robinson

Evans Middle School

After 30 years in the classroom, Linda Robinson still has a love for students and a love for her subject - social studies.

Robinson has been teaching for 35 years with the past 30 years at Evans Middle School teaching social studies and language arts.

"I have enjoyed teaching and seeing accomplishments made by students' hard work and (their) dedication in studying history," she said. "It has been wonderful knowing what changes I have made in a child's life over the years."

She also helps student teachers from Augusta State University, is a member of Sharon Baptist Church and teaches vacation Bible school.

"The key to having a productive life is education," she said.

Lisa Duncan

Greenbrier Elementary School

Lisa Duncan tries to fill every day with fun and meaningful experiences for her pre-kindergarten students.

"One of the most gratifying aspects of my job is having children from past classes stopping by to see if I'm still strumming on my blue guitar," Duncan said. "Children of all ages are moved by music, so I use it in my teaching as often as possible."

Duncan has degrees from Wesleyan College and Augusta State University. She has taught for 19 years in every grade from pre-k to fourth.

Away from work, she enjoys rowing, reading, watching her daughter cheer for Greenbrier High School and traveling.

Debbie Hill

Greenbrier High School

Debbie Hill has taught English at Greenbrier High School since the school opened in 1996. She holds a master's degree in English and a specialist degree in secondary education.

Hill enjoys the enthusiasm that ninth- and 11th-graders generate as they learn new material and apply themselves to new projects.

Hill is also humbled in winning the Teacher of the Year for the second time at Greenbrier, realizing that the vote of her peers is a high commendation indeed.

Shelley Dent

Grovetown Elementary School

Shelley Dent is in her eighth year teaching pre-kindergarten at Grovetown Elementary School where she began her public school teaching career.

Dent graduated from Augusta State University with a Bachelor of Science in education. She prefers to teach pre-k because of the value placed on providing every child with a good foundation and a "great first start."

"I love to watch my students' progress from grade to grade and for them to remember me as their first teacher," Dent said. "Having a positive impact on a child's life is self-rewarding and will hopefully last a lifetime."

Mary Campbell

Harlem High School

Growing up in Columbia County and being mentored by some of Harlem's finest teachers inspired Mary Campbell to become an educator. She said that being a teacher is a wonderful way to give back to a community that has offered her so much.

During the past 23 years, she has had the privilege to be a part of a school system with the very best central office staff, administrators, faculties and support staff.

"My family continues to be of great support in pursuing a profession that I truly love," she said. "The students in my class challenge me daily to be the very best teacher that I can be. It is indeed an honor to be selected by my peers to represent Harlem High School as Teacher of the Year."

George H. Berry

Harlem Middle School

George Berry is in his 18th year of teaching health and physical education at Harlem Middle School.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Berry is also known as coach to the students and staff at Harlem Middle.

Berry loves being a middle-school teacher and has taught in public and private school at all grade levels. He said he finds middle school the most challenging and rewarding.

Berry has bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Georgia Southern University and a sixth-year degree from Lincoln Memorial University in administration and supervision.

Rick Raeuber

Lakeside High School

Rick Raeuber excels not only at providing rigorous math instruction, but also at establishing and maintaining relationships with his students and co-workers. Students frequently comment that he is tough, but "cool."

Raeuber spends time outside of work sponsoring Lakeside High's Rugged Outdoors Club. It's not unusual for Raeuber to take students canoeing on the Augusta Canal or bike riding at Clarks Hill.

He goes out of his way to expose students not only to the rigors of learning, but also to the beauty of nature. His positive, student-oriented personality helps make him an exceptional high-school math teacher and Lakeside is proud to have him on their team.

Nicole Ruge

Lakeside Middle School

After growing up an active member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Nicole Ruge decided to become a family and consumer sciences teacher. She has a bachelor's degree in family and consumer science education.

She wanted to share with her students the experience she had with FCCLA and has advised the club for the past three years.

"By incorporating FCCLA with the family and consumer science classroom lessons, I believe I am helping students become exemplary leaders, family members and contributing members of society," Ruge said. "The real joy is watching my students grow in self-confidence, leadership ability and personality as they journey through middle school."

Susan Thigpen

Martinez Elementary School

Susan Thigpen attended elementary, junior high and high school in Columbia County, and is entering her 22nd year of teaching at Martinez Elementary School.

She received undergraduate and graduate degrees in early childhood education from Augusta State University.

"Having grown up and been educated in the community I currently live and teach in, I feel very connected to the students I teach," Thigpen said. "As a first-grade teacher, I am dedicated to making knowledge accessible to all students regardless of their background. I strive to become familiar with the interests, abilities, skills, knowledge and family circumstances of the students I teach, because I believe all of these factors directly impact the learning process."

Tina Simons

North Columbia Elementary

After teaching at North Columbia Elementary for nine years, Tina Simons was named Teacher of the Year for her school.

Simons feels blessed to be a part of North Columbia Elementary and is honored to hold the title for Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007.

As a first-grade teacher, Simons enjoys seeing how the students grow throughout the year. She completed her undergraduate degree at Augusta State University as well as her master's degree in school counseling.

Simons is a very dedicated teacher who strives to help students experience success every day. She has a love of learning that she hopes has carried over to her students.

Cora Neal

North Harlem Elementary

Cora Neal spent her 26-year teaching career at North Harlem Elementary, with the majority of her career teaching third grade.

Neal was a graduate of Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education.

Neal helped students feel valued while assisting them with the organizational skills needed for the upper elementary grades. Her reassuring demeanor helped instill confidence in her pupils and she delighted in seeing children grasp concepts.

Beyond the classroom, she was devoted to the North Harlem Relay for Life team and worked to support everyone within the school community who needed her help.

Neal died Aug. 22 after a battle with breast cancer.

Christie JohnsoN

Riverside Elementary School

Christie Johnson has been teaching for six years and has just entered her second year at Riverside Elementary, where she teaches an Applied Behavior Analysis Resource class.

Johnson completed her master's degree in interrelated special education at Georgia College.

She works tirelessly to ensure the success of her students. She embraces each child as her own and celebrates each of their accomplishments.

Johnson does not stop teaching when she leaves Riverside Elementary. She also teaches Sunday school at West Acres Baptist Church.

Angie McQuaig

River Ridge Elementary School

Angie McQuaig, better known by her students as Ms. Mac, is a fifth-grade language arts teacher.

During the past 12 years, she has taught grades kindergarten through seventh in Florida, Maryland, Japan and England. She completed her bachelor's in elementary education at Florida International University and is working on a doctorate in educational leadership.

McQuaig's passion is teaching children to articulate their learning through skilled writing. The process of writing, she believes, leads students to the discovery and formation of innovative ideas.

McQuaig aspires to school leadership because she enjoys working with teachers and families

Vivian Easler

Riverside Middle School

Vivian Easler, a graduate of the University of Georgia, is entering her 23rd year of teaching. This is her 11th year at Riverside Middle.

Easler's love of music and her enjoyment of working with middle-school students allow her to fulfill her life goal of serving Christ.

"I count it a privilege to represent the faculty at (Riverside Middle School)," Easler said. "I work with an amazing group of professionals. To be recognized by them causes me to smile."

Jannie Dee JenkinS

South Columbia Elementary

Dee Jenkins has been teaching in Columbia County for 14 years. Eleven of those years were as a fifth-grade teacher. Presently, she works as an early intervention program teacher with fifth-graders.

She has a BS in middle grades education, a master's in education, and a specialist degree in educational technology. She is working on a doctorate in education with an emphasis in curriculum.

Jenkins describes herself as an eclectic teacher. Her teaching style reflects ideas from past and present administrators and staff of South Columbia Elementary.

"Everyday that I teach is the best day of my life and I cannot see myself doing anything else but teach."

Debbie Waddell

Westmont Elementary School

Debbie Waddell started her teaching career with kindergarteners in Wrens and Macon.

When she moved to Columbia County, an administrator convinced her that she would enjoy teaching third grade. Third grade was the perfect fit and she has been teaching it ever since.

Waddell has a bachelor's degree in education from Illinois Wesleyan and a master's in education from Augusta State College.

Now in her 24th year as an educator, she feels very fortunate to work with such a wonderful team at her school.

"My administrators work hard to make the staff feel like a family whose members feel supported and valued," Waddell said.

MEDIA SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

Cindy Beatty

Lewiston Elementary School

Even though she enjoyed being a "library assistant" as an elementary student, Cindy Beatty never dreamed she'd grow up to become a media specialist.

While teaching first, second and third grades in Richmond County and then teaching full time in the College of Education at Augusta State University, she used children's literature with both elementary students and adult learners.

Even though she had earned bachelor's, master's and specialist degrees from ASU, when the opportunity arose, she took the next logical step and added a master's of library and information science degree from the University of South Carolina.

FINALIST

Sherry Hodge

Blue Ridge Elementary School

A 20-year veteran of Columbia County Schools, Sherry Hodge has earned an undergraduate degree in elementary education, master's in reading, specialist degree and National Board Certification in early childhood education.

"The basis for my heart for teaching is my God-given desire for learning and knowing the truth," she said. "I am a student at heart; therefore, I love to help others enjoy and love learning.

"It is exciting to play a role in shaping young children's educational experiences, and I feel honored to be a part of (it) and to represent the Blue Ridge learning community."