Shelby County teachers of year honored at awards celebration

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The Shelby County Schools Teacher of the Year Celebration was held on Dec. 9 at the Fine Arts Center at Oak Mountain High School. 33 educators from schools around the county were honored as nominees, with one winner selected from each category. 

Kendall Williams, director Shelby County Schools Education Foundation she always enjoys this event and being able to recognize the teachers who make impact each and every day.

“It’s fun reading the applications, because the teachers talk about not just the subjects they teach, but how they really get to know their students and their stories,” Williams said. “We are proud to be able to recognize them tonight.”

Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks was on hand to pass out the awards to each teacher and said he was honored and blessed to be able to congratulate them. 

“This is one of the best nights we have in our district and to each teacher being honored, congratulations,” Brooks said.  

Elementary School Teacher of the Year nominees were:

Amy Allen (Calera Elementary), Carrie Baker (Calera Intermediate), Hannah Burton (Chelsea Park), Martha Bentley (Elvin Hill), Brady Akin (Forest Oaks), Toni Redding (Helena Elementary), Randy Maxwell, Jr. (Helena Intermediate), Kristen Sanders (Inverness Elementary), William Holley (Linda Nolen Learning Center), Karen Gaurino (Montevallo), Caroline Trewhella (Mt Laurel), Carol Popwell (Oak Mtn. Elementary), Kyle Henderson (Oak Mtn. Intermediate), Keri Howard (Shelby), Margaret Battle (Vincent) and Dana Nave (Wilsonville).

Middle School Teacher of the Year nominees were:

Jana Lee (Chelsea), Shelly Williams (Chelsea), Samantha Pursley (Columbiana), Anna McEntire (Helena), Shelia Jett (Montevallo), Gaye McKinnon (Oak Mountain) and Timothy Junkins (Vincent). 

High School Teacher of the Year nominees were:

Patti Waldrip (Calera), James Hill (CTEC), Noemi Blair (Chelsea), Amy Knight (Helena), Milene Panzica (Montevallo), Lindsay Thompson (New Direction), Travis Bender (Oak Mtn.), Natasha Cooper (Shelby County) and Samantha Disch (Vincent). 

The winners in each category were:

  • Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Martha Bentley (Elvin Hill)
  • Middle School Teacher of the Year: Anna McEntire (Helena)
  • High School Teacher of the Year: Amy Knight (Helena)