Vidalia BOE Honors Teachers of the Year
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Vidalia city schools personnel and community members filled the Vidalia City Schools Board Room on Tuesday, October 14, as the Board of Education, Superintendent Sandy Reid, and school administrators recognized the recent Teacher of the Year honorees.
“This is always one of my favorite meetings of the year, whether it is in this role [as superintendent] or as principal, because teaching sometimes feels like a thankless profession, even though its not. Peo- continued from page
ple really do love teachers, and they come around and support them, but in the day-to-day of it, sometimes you lose sight of just how important you are to people and what your impact is on not just individual students but collective groups of students, which attribute to the overall community. So, it is always so great to be able to come together and recognize the people who are the best of the best,” Reid told the audience.
She continued, “When I saw the names come across my desk this year for this group of Teachers of the Year, [I thought,] ‘Yes, yes, yes, and yes.’ There was just no doubt. [Assistant Superintendent] Mrs. [Lesa] Brown and I talked about what a struggle it was going to be to select the district teacher of the year because we had so many awesome options to choose from.”
Reid also spoke to the honorees’ families, as she thanked them for being willing to support these teachers in their endeavors. “I just want to thank the teachers of the year for what they do. I also want to take a minute to thank the families – I try to do this every year. I have two girls and a husband who will probably tell you that I spent more time raising other people’s children than my own. They turned out perfectly fine and are fine with it, but that is the truth: when you are in this profession, you love other children in a way that nobody else will understand and they do become your own children. Because of that, sometimes, your families have to make sacrifices, so for the families that are here, I just want to say thank you for what you have been willing to sacrifice to allow these teachers to be Teachers of the Year,” she emphasized. District Teacher of the Year Vidalia High School Construction Teacher Gray Meredith was not only honored as the Vidalia High School Teacher of the Year, but also the District Teacher of the Year.
Vidalia High School Principal Ellis Strobridge spoke on Meredith’s award, saying, “It gives me honor to speak today about someone who has made an extraordinary impact on our community at the high school,” he began. “Mr. Meredith is not only an outstanding educator, but he is a remarkable person. He is a role model, and he is a mentor. He consistently goes above and beyond in the classroom, making learning engaging and meaningful.”
Strobridge told the audience that he had asked the Vidalia High School audio/visual department to make a video capturing what students, teachers, and school administrators thought about Meredith. He showed the video to the audience, as numerous individuals spoke of their admiration for Meredith.
“Coach Meredith, in my short time of knowing you, everything that was spoken – I can say that’s who you are,” Strobridge told the honoree. “They said that you were humble. That you were a team player. That you are a leader. That you are welcoming. You are hard working. You are determined. You make meaningful connections. You are all-in with your pursuit of excellence. You are patient. [You have] lots of heart [and are a] champion of students. Loyal. Dedicated. High expectations. And you give back to the community.”
He continued, “We are so glad to have you at Vidalia High School. I can’t thank you enough for all that you do. Since my short time being here, I am very honored to know you as a person and have you on my teaching staff.”
Meredith reacted to the honor, commenting, “Thank you, I am humbled by this award. After listening to all of the other [presentations], I think you chose the wrong guy. They are great ladies and I’m sure they make a great impact in their class. I wake up every day and try to do that. I love what I do, [and] I love Vidalia, so I’m here to serve.”
Meredith will now join numerous other District Teachers of the Year for the chance to be named the state Teacher of the Year. If he receives the state title, he will take a year off from teaching and will travel across the state for speaking engagements and to advocate for public education.
J.D. Dickerson Primary School J.D. Dickerson Primary School Principal Charlene Norfleet introduced J.D. Dickerson Primary School Teacher of the Year Robin Dees to the audience.
“This is a very special night, and I always appreciate this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our Teacher of the Year. I am humbled, and it is just a blessing to recognize and celebrate Mrs. Robin Dees,” Norfleet said. “In my time as an administrator at J.D. Dickerson Primary School, I have had the privilege of witnessing Mrs. Dees serve our students with extraordinary dedication across first grade, pre-k, and kindergarten. No matter the grade level, her heart for children remains constant. She has consistently prioritized not only their academic growth, but also their emotional health and wellbeing.”
She continued, “Mrs. Dees has a rare gift of creating a classroom where every student feels seen, they feel valued, and they feel loved. She fosters a strong sense of community, drawing in students and parents in her warmth, her support, and her unwavering belief in every child.”
Norfleet shared that she and Dees had made numerous memories together, ranging from serious times to times filled with laughter. “I can say without a doubt that Mrs. Dees is someone who chooses to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. Even when the path isn’t easy, her perseverance, love, and faith are evident in everything that she does. She often tells me that she continues to pray for me daily in her prayers, and I always do the same for her. That mutual encouragement and respect speaks volumes about the kind of colleague and person she is,” Norfleet added.
J.D. Dickerson Primary School Assistant Principal Beth Wiggins was unable to attend the ceremony, but sent a written statement about Dees, which read, “Mrs. Dees is a teacher with the biggest heart – leading with empathy, compassion, and Christ at the center of all that she does. Her kindness shines in every interaction. She is truly a gem and a blessing to our school community, whether it’s through an uplifting note, a heartfelt prayer, a thoughtful gift, or simply, a smile, Mrs. Dees shows up in the most meaningful ways.”
Norfleet concluded the recognition, as she emphasized, “Mrs. Dees, from all of us, thank you so much for your dedication, for the love that you pour into your students, and for the light that you bring into our school each and every day. You are without a doubt a ray of sunshine, and we are so grateful to call you ours.”
Sally D. Meadows Elementary School Sally D. Meadows Elementary School Principal Brandon Boston began his introduction of the Teacher of the Year by congratulating all of the award recipients, as he shared his admiration for each of them. Several teachers and administrators then joined him at the podium, as the group came together to recognize Sally D. Meadows Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jaya Robinson.
“Jaya has the biggest heart. Something that people don’t know is – and I hope she doesn’t mind me sharing – Jaya can go teach anywhere. Jaya chooses to be in Vidalia, and she is an asset to our school system. Jaya takes care of her grandparents, who are here today, and to see Jaya take care of her grandparents how she does – that same heart is for her students. So, I can talk up here all day about Jaya and what she brings to our school,” Boston remarked.
He explained that Robinson had taught for a total of 9 years – 4 years in Milwaukee, 1 year in South Korea, and 4 years in Vidalia. “Jaya is an asset,” he added. “We can talk all day about Jaya, but we are going to let the people that she impacts each and every day give you the story.”
Boston and the other school representatives presented the audience with a video of Robinson’s past and current students, who each shared their admiration for the teacher. The students discussed Robinson’s kindness and her enthusiasm for learning, as many shared that they were excited for her to receive the recognition.
After the video, Boston addressed Robinson’s family that was in attendance, as he stated, “To her family, thank y’all for sharing her with us because she is an amazing asset to our school.”
Robinson reacted to the award and video. “Thank you so much – I don’t have any words. I absolutely have found a home here in Vidalia and I am so grateful that I can experience this with you guys. Like he said, I have been in a lot of different places and I am glad to have Vidalia as a home. Thank you,” she emphasized.
J.R. Trippe Middle School J.R. Trippe Middle School Principal Eric Mc-Donald then took to the podium to recognize J.R. Trippe Middle School Teacher of the Year Joy Sharpton.
“I always say it is such an honor to be named Teacher of the Year at J.R. Trippe [Middle School] because of the quality of our teaching staff – this year is no different. I truly believe we are recognizing not only one of the best [teachers] that we have but also one of the best [teachers] that I have ever been around,” McDonald told the audience. “She’s so well-respected by her colleagues and she is loved by her students.”
He shared several written statements of appreciation and admiration from Sharpton’s fellow teachers, beginning first with her former coteacher and close friend, Portia Anderson. “I could write a book about Mrs. Sharpton and why she was selected by her colleagues for J.R. Trippe Middle School Teacher of the Year. I had the honor of working by her side for 3 years in seventh grade [before I was moved to another grade],” Anderson explained. “While working together, we always found fun ways to reach out to students and make seventh grade more enjoyable. When our instructional coaches and administrators wanted to try out something new, we jumped in with both feet, completing the task, and making adjustments to improve.”
She added, “Mrs. Sharpton is the golden girl for math – someone I look up to and go to for advice when I want to implement new strategies, and nine times out of ten, they’re already implementing those in the seventh grade. I could not ask for a better colleague and friend to work with and collaborate with at Trippe. Congratulations, Mrs. Sharpton, and as Dorothy would say, ‘C’mon, Rose, we have work to do.’” J.R. Trippe Middle School Fellow 7th Grade Math Teacher Brooke Perkins wrote, “Joy has been an incredible mentor and colleague. From the moment that I joined the building, she welcomed me with warmth and encouragement, always willing to share ideas, resources, and advice. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence inspires not only her students, but also those of us lucky enough to work alongside of her. Joy’s passion for teaching and her unwavering support of others make her truly deserving of Teacher of the Year.”
J.R. Trippe Middle School Fellow 7th Grade Math Teacher Ashley Boston echoed many of the same sentiments, commenting, “Joy exemplifies excellence in education through her deep knowledge of math content, her unwavering commitment to supporting students of all abilities, and her genuine compassion for every learner that she encounters. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each student feels valued, capable, and inspired to reach their full potential.”
“I can’t imagine better words to be said about a teacher,” McDonald remarked. “Mrs. Sharpton is a leader on our campus. She is heavily involved in decisions that we make and her input is invaluable. She is quiet – she’s a humble leader – but she’s not afraid to share thoughts, ideas, or input to help us continue to grow. We are blessed not only by her ability to teach, but by having someone with such high character to leading our young people. Congratulations, Mrs. Sharpton, [it is] welldeserved.”
These Teacher of the Year awardees continue to serve as leaders and exemplary educators in their respective schools, as they teach and inspire others daily.
VIDALIA CITY SCHOOLS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR – Front Row, L to R: J.D. Dickerson Primary School Teacher of the Year Robin Dees, J.R. Trippe Middle School Teacher of the Year Joy Sharpton, Vidalia High School Teacher of the Year Gray Meredith, Sally D. Meadows Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jaya Robinson. Back Row, L to R: J.D. Dickerson Primary School Principal Charlene Norfleet, J.R. Trippe Primary School Principal Eric McDonald, Vidalia City Schools Superintendent Sandy Reid, Vidalia High School Principal Ellis Strobridge, Sally D. Meadows Elementary School Principal Brandon Boston.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
THANKING PRINCIPALS – On Monday, October 20, Treutlen County Schools Board of Education members and Superintendent Susan Stone (center) recognized the Treutlen Elementary School Principal Dondrea Geter (right) and Treutlen Middle/High School Principal Josh White (left) with gifts in honor of Principal’s Month.
