District leaders set out with Board members traveling campus to campus where school leaders joined them to form the day’s Prize Patrol. Each deserving employee was surprised by the group with the exciting news along with flowers and a treat from the Blue Bear Cafe. Adding to the excitement of the announcements were students and staff throughout the district.
The day started at Mount Airy High School (MAHS), where three deserving recognitions were to be made. They included MAHS’s Teacher of the Year, Crystal Fain, Employee of the Year, Katie McCrary, and Mount Airy City Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year, Ashley Hultman.
Fain’s peers shared, “Ms. Fain has consistently demonstrated commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and leadership within our school community. She brings science to life through engaging, real-world applications that captivate students and deepen their understanding. Additionally, she is co-chair of the School Improvement Team and has stepped up to organize the National Honor Society.”
McCrary’s staff noted, “Mrs. McCrary has stepped into the assistant principal role and taken it by the reigns! She has been fantastic in showing concern for the staff and students, even if that means discipline. She has worked diligently to organize programs to run effectively and advocates for changes that would benefit all stakeholders.”
Principal Jason Dorsett shared, "Mrs. Hultman is a wonderful addition to our team. She is caring, knowledgeable, an excellent communicator, and has a positive, infectious attitude. She is right in the middle of learning, and the students feel supported and prepared. Mrs. Hultman does an excellent job of working closely with our local healthcare industry to provide students guest speakers and real-world training experiences. When talking with students and seeing Mrs. Hultman lead in her classroom, she is off to an amazing start in her career."
The caravan then traveled to JJ Jones Intermediate School (Jones), where Principal Dalton Tedder led the group to announce: Jones’ Teacher of the Year, Megan Gentry, Jones’ Employee of the Year, Jon Hooker, and MACS’ EC Teacher of the Year, Beth Bohart.
Gentry’s peers noted, “Mrs. Gentry is a dedicated and passionate educator who goes above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with each student, believing that strong connections lay the foundation for learning. She is committed to fostering growth in every child, regardless of their background or abilities. She creates a classroom environment through engaging and dynamic lessons where students are excited to learn.”
Hooker’s co-workers emphasized, “Jon is always willing to assist with a smile on his face and a kind word. Whether it's a simple or complex task, he never complains. It's nice to feel comfortable enough to ask for help with things we can't do on our own or to request items we need in the classroom on a whim. People like Jon make the world a better place.”
Exceptional Children Director Scott Dollyhite noted, “Mrs. Bohart is a dedicated educator who exhibits a strong commitment to her students' success and well-being. She brings creativity, passion, and empathy to her classroom while inspiring students of all learning levels. Whether using innovative methods, providing personalized support, or fostering an inclusive environment, she always goes the extra mile. Mrs. Bohart is also a phenomenal team player, supporting her colleagues through inclusion teaching and collaboration. Her positive attitude and dedication to student success make her an invaluable part of our school district.”
Before hitting the next school, the group stopped by Central Office to surprise the office’s Employee of the Year, Kimberly Heck, and Bus Driver of the Year, Amy Utt.
Heck’s peers stated, “For years, she has carried the workload of two departments. She is detailed and patient in her efforts and is a joy to work with. She works above and beyond to ensure that the district is performing in the most effective and efficient ways possible.”
Utt’s co-workers expressed, “Mrs. Utt is a dedicated and compassionate employee who cares for students and takes care of other drivers. She is knowledgeable of families and the routes. She is positive role model for students and fellow drivers.”
Mount Airy Middle School was next with four recognitions at hand. They included: MAMS’ Teacher of the Year, Phillip Riekehof, Employee of the Year, Melanie Sparks, MACS CTE Teacher of the Year, Lesa Thomas, and School Nutrition Manager of the Year, Candice Dollyhite.
Riekehof nominators shared, “Mr. Riekehof makes education fun for his students. He is caring and holds them accountable, all while creating an inviting and energetic space for them to learn. He contributes to our professional learning community and offers great insight.”
Sparks’ peers noted, “Mrs. Sparks always ensures communication is a top priority and her attention to detail helps our school run smoothly. She is clear and concise when meeting with parents and reassures them with empathy. She supports staff, provides a listening ear, and is available to assist.”
Thomas’ peers stated, “Mrs. Thomas is a dedicated Family and Consumer Sciences teacher with boundless enthusiasm and an unwavering passion for her craft. She brings learning to life for her students through hands-on experiences in cooking, sewing, design, and life management skills. Her commitment to supporting students at Mount Airy Middle School is remarkable, as she passionately fosters their growth, preparing them for future success in both their careers and life.”
Director of School Nutrition Celena Watson stated, “Candice Dollyhite is a very innovative manager. She goes above and beyond daily. She always wants to try new products and recipes and has the best ideas for promoting our school nutrition meals. She runs the MAMS kitchen with great precision, is a true team leader, and is a tremendous asset to our program.”
The final stop was BH Tharrington Primary School where Elizabeth Barrios was named BHT Teacher of the Year, Ronalda Parries was named BHT’s Employee of the Year, and Wendy Corn was named School Nutrition Employee of the Year
Señora Barrios’ co-workers noted, “Señora Barrios’ is a great leader. She is always on top of everything and does her best to help students reach their academic goals. She goes above and beyond when a colleague needs help and is a pleasure to work with.”
Parries’ peers shared, “Mrs. Parries is not only helpful but welcoming to students, staff, and families when they call or visit BHT. She is quick to smile and greet visitors and answer questions they may have. Her professionalism makes a huge difference in our school as the everyday stress doesn’t affect her or the way she treats others. It is evident through her knowledge and organization that she loves her job.”
Watson shared, “Wendy Corn is always willing to help with any task she is given. She is a trained cashier and handles this task with great skill, along with several other kitchen responsibilities. She does her job with a smile and a great attitude. She shows compassion with all the students and staff at BHT. She loves the opportunity to serve our children and in turn the children love her.”
Previously, Chelsy Payne was named Principal of the Year.
MACS will name its Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year at the district’s end-of-the-year picnic in May.