Students aren’t the only ones getting accolades for their accomplishments. The Carmi Kiwanis Club handed out distinguished honors and said thanks to the retiring educators in Unit 5, timely given it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. First up, Kiwanis showed love to the retiring Robbin Huggins, the Director of Technology for the district. Huggins thanked Kiwanis, the community and her fellow teachers for their support over the years.
Support Staff of the Year was won by June Acord, who’s retiring after 26 years in the Pre-K. She’s been, for many, the first face children and their parents/guardians see as they enter the school system. The nomination letter called her a “hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, arms to hug, and all the reassurance that she’s there for the parents, students, and staff.”
Acord says of the recognition,
“Well that is so sweet. I am totally shocked. I never thought about this happening. When you enjoy your job, it’s not like work everyday.”
A teary Amy Rice was awarded the Educator of the Year honor. She spent the first 11 years of her career in Hamilton County before coming to Carmi for the next 16. The last 5 years, she’s served as the Special Education Coordinator for District 5.
“I try to live by the saying that Mr. Garrett gave me in PLS classes that ‘fair isn’t always equal’. A lot of the time, the population of the kiddos that I try to help, their life isn’t fair. So it may not look equal to the public. People have to trust that we know what we’re doing though. Yeah, this kid may get to do something different than this other kid, but there’s a reason behind it. It’s not because we’re playing favorites. There’s a lot behind these kids. The one thing I would tell any new teachers or anyone I got the chance to talk to is to look at the whole child. And remember that not everything has to be equal to be fair.”
Jefferson Principal Lacey Moore says this year has been a rock star year and the staff has done an amazing job.
“We have custodians who fix bicycle tires for kids when they come in flat. Cooks who truly try to make good food for kids that they want to eat. Support staff that goes above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly. And the most amazing teachers.”
Moore also recognized the 3rd grade 4th quarter Most Valuable Bulldogs. They include Demetrius Carter, Stanley Franks, Braden Tomm, Zane Sisco, Mollie Burnett, and Evangeline Carlson.
