Wiggins Named April Super Star Teacher

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Lyons Upper Elementary School Teacher Leslie Wiggins was recently celebrated for her excellence in the classroom, as she received the April Greater Vidalia Chamber Super Star Teacher Award.

The Super Star Teacher award is an initiative the Chamber began in 2024 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.”

The 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.

Recently, Greater Vidalia Chamber representatives, Program Sponsor Southeastern Technical College Representative Barry Dotson, Monthly Sponsor Georgia Home Center Representative Jaiden Hulett, Lyons Upper Elementary School administrators, and fellow educators surprised Wiggins with the award.

Wiggins was selected for the award by a panel, who after reviewing her nomination, felt that she was most worthy of the honor. The anonymous nomination for Kight stated, “I believe Ms. Wiggins should be selected for Super Star Teacher because she does not just teach, she puts her heart into every single child. She creates a classroom where students do not just come to learn but they come to feel safe, loved, and truly seen. Every day she shows them that they matter and that kind of impact goes far beyond academics.

One example that stands out is the way she intentionally connects with each student. No matter what they may be going through, she meets them with patience, kindness, and understanding. She celebrates their successes, lifts them up in their struggles, and never lets a child feel invisible. You can see the difference she makes in the way her students walk into the room with smiles, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

What makes her even more special is that she extends that same love and support to those around her. As her co-teacher, I can honestly say she has been just as much a blessing to me as she is to her students. She makes me feel valued, supported, and appreciated every single day.

Every one of our students not only met their math iReady goals in December, they exceeded them, and thinking about that as a Special Education Inclusion teacher gives me chills. Students cannot truly learn unless they first know they are loved, and I can say without a doubt that they feel that love every single day, both inside and outside the classroom. Ms. Wiggins pours her heart into her students. You will often find her at the ballfield in her free time, cheering them on in baseball, football, or basketball.

Her dedication, care, and unwavering support inspire her students to reach higher than they ever thought possible. She is the kind of teacher who changes lives, and I am so grateful to witness the difference she makes. She is more than deserving of this recognition.”

This nomination was shared during the award presentation, as presenters celebrated Wiggins for her work.

SPRING FLING – Lyons Community Heart and Soul hosted a Spring Fling celebration on Saturday, April 18, during which attendees enjoyed food, crafts, kids activities, and more.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

YUMION 1ST PLACE, 1ST-2ND GRADE DIVISION — Aria Garcia, Sally D. Meadows Elementary.

YUMION KINDERGARTEN 1ST PLACE_— Olin Fischer Nelms,_Lyons Primary.