Perkins Named April Super Star Teacher
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Vidalia Heritage Academy Kindergarten Teacher Courtney Perkins was surprised with recognition and a gift on Wednesday, April 30, as she was presented with the monthly Greater Vidalia Chamber Super Star Teacher Award during the school’s chapel service.
The Super Star Teacher award is an initiative the Chamber began last year to honor the extraordinary teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and ultimately, impact lives. The program is overseen by Chamber Director of Operations Amber O’Connor, who spoke on the opportunity.
“The Chamber is excited to be able to offer this program to our community! We couldn’t think of a more deserving group of professionals in our workplace to be recognized for their dedication to students and their community,” she remarked. “A Super Star Teacher demonstrates excellence in leadership in their classroom along with motivation for their students. They show a high level of commitment to not only their students but their community.” he Chamber collects nominations for the award every month, then nominations are reviewed by monthly sponsors to select a winner, who is presented with the award and prizes during the school day. The sponsors for the April award were Trane Technologies and Dermatology Associates.
During the presentation, presenters read out the nominations that earned Perkins the award. “Mrs. Perkins goes above and beyond each day for her sweet kindergarten class,” the nomination shared. “She loves each of them like her own and is always thinking of special ways to teach them. She thinks outside of the box and brings things down to their level. Mrs. Perkins is always thinking of ways to spoil her kids and reminds them how special they are to her and God. She not only teaches them academics but she encourages them to love one another just like Jesus loves them. Mrs. Perkins pours her whole heart into her students each day. She often brings them special prizes from home and continues to invest in the children by personally purchasing resources to help them learn. She has recently helped me navigate through newly diagnosed learning disabilities for my child and is constantly looking for ways to help him learn. She has made kits to send home so that he can practice new methods of learning until we find the best method for him. She spends additional one-on-one time with him to ensure that he does not get left behind. I am so incredibly thankful for Mrs. Perkins and the love she pours into my child, the resources that she shares with us and the ways that she teaches him.”
Vidalia Heritage Academy Headmaster Jeff Mc-Cormick commented on Perkins’ excellence in the classroom and the recognition. “[She] certainly is a super star teacher here, and [she’s] been a super star teacher now for 12 years – those first babies that you had in kindergarten are now graduating this year. I know you’re proud of them and they’re certainly proud of you and proud of the impact that you’ve made in their life,” he remarked.
Nominations for the May Super Star Teacher award closed on April 25. The recipient of the award will be shared in coming weeks.
