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Macon school system honors its best

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Deena Bouknight

The Aug. 19 meeting of the Macon County School Board began focused on the past school year’s outstanding individuals. Employees throughout the district were nominated by their peers to receive the highest “of the [2024] year” honor, based on their “great talent, great hearts,” noted Superintendent Josh Lynch. Each was presented a certificate and an award.

After the White Sisters – triplets Tamara Deal, Teresa Holland, and Tammy Drinnon – presented their a capellarendition of “God Bless America,” Lynch read some of the comments written about honorees. They included such accolades as “integrity, high standards, enthusiasm, inspiring …” Overall, he expressed, “We have some incredible folks in our school system.” 

I WAS mentored by the best,” said 2024 School Principal of the Year Kristen Lynch, Cartoogechaye Elementary School, when she was presented her award by her husband, Josh Lynch.

Following is a list of individuals honored for their service for the 2023-24 school year: 

Teacher of the Year 2024 

  • Bartram Academy- Nestor Montanez
  • Macon Middle School and District Teacher of the Year – Emily Wilson
  • East Franklin Elementary School- Dawn Watson 
  • Highlands School- Joy Archer
  • Mountain View Intermediate School- Miranda Shepherd

  • Cartoogechaye Elementary School- Brian Crupi
  • Iotla Valley Elementary School- Elise Parham
  • Nantahala School- Jenny McMahan
  • South Macon Elementary School- Edana Deas
  • Franklin High School- Michelle Kussow
  • Macon Early College- Lindsey Rowland 

Support Person of the Year 2024 

  • Bartram Academy- Nikki Oberley
  • Macon Middle School- Christy Barnett
  • East Franklin Elementary School- Betsy Colagerakis 
  • Highlands School- Kassie Bradley
  • Mountain View Intermediate School- Tammy Foster 
  • Cartoogechaye Elementary School- Tamara Deal 
  • Iotla Valley Elementary School- Katie Wiggins 
  • Nantahala School- Tammy Coleman
  • South Macon Elementary School- Eric Henson 
  • Franklin High School- Dan Gibson
  • Macon Early College- Jill VanOrder 
SUPERINTENDENT JOSH Lynch pointed out that Tamara Deal, 2024 Support Person of the Year, “always has hugs and a smile for everyone.”

CTE Teacher of the Year 

  • Jenny Collins- Franklin High School 
CHIEF ACADEMIC Officer and Director of Federal Programs Mickey Noe explained that CTE (Career and Technical Education) Teacher of the Year Jenny Collins “goes above and beyond,” as evidenced by having her commitment to “blend application with real world experience.”

Exceptional Children’s Teacher of the Year 

  • Vanessa Long- South Macon Elementary School 
EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN’S Teacher of the Year Vanessa Long “shows unwavering commitment to students’ success,” said educator Cristy Passmore, who presented Long’s award.

Exceptional Children’s Support Person of the Year 

  • Barbara Guest- Macon County Schools 

School Nutrition Employee of the Year 

  • Rhonda Collins- School Nutrition Assistant- Macon Middle School 
CHILD NUTRITION Director David Lightner explained that the school system’s unsung heroes are often employees involved in meeting students’ nutritional needs. Honored as Employee of the Year was Rhonda Collins.

School Nutrition Manager of the Year 

  • Tammy Shepherd- School Nutrition Manager- East Franklin Elementary School 
School Nutrition Manager of the Year was Tammy Shepherd, a 27-year veteran in the school system. Lightner said both are “reliable, meet needs, and provide an outstanding and friendly environment for students.”