Editor

jevans@pickenssentinel.com

CENTRAL - In the midst of a busy school year, district officials took time to honor those employees who go the extra mile, whether it's in the classroom, in the office, or in a school bus.

District officials hosted a Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year reception at Southern Wesleyan University Thursday night, to honor each employee nominated for those accolades.

The talent assembled in the room proved the School District of Pickens County is not a failing district, said board chairman B.J. Skelton.

"We're not a failing school system," he said. "We're on the cusp of becoming a premier school district."

The district has seen many changes over the years, including technology and curriculum changes, Skelton said.

"We are moving forward, I am tremendously pleased with what I see in the school district," he said. "We have our bumps and we'll have them in the future. A ship doesn't move without making a wake."

Gettys Middle School media specialist Christina Connell is the district's 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year.

"Christina calls herself a firebug," said 2007-2008 TOY Kathy Duncan Grant, referring to a William Butler Yates quote: "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire."

Connell uses innovative teaching methods, including online book chats, to teach her students to love reading, Grant said.

"She wants to make reading real again, to make it something students want to do again," she said.

In a moving speech, Connell dedicated her award to her late husband Beau, who passed away in July.

"Thank you for being such a good friend to education," Connell said, reading a thank-you note to her husband. "You inspired me and challenged me to raise the bar again and again.

"I really do thank you so much," Connell told her peers, urging them to thank those who had helped them achieve success. "Thank them often. It's never enough."

Liberty High School registrar Judy Edwards is the 2008-2009 Support Employee of the Year.

"She is known for going above and beyond her duties," said Anne Snider, 2007-2008 SEY. "She always has a smile for everyone and is always eager to help in any way she can."

Edwards said she "loves what I do."

"I'm so blessed to be able to work in an environment where everyone truly loves each other," Edwards said. "Few people are as dedicated as those in the education profession. I applaud everyone in this room, for each of them has devoted themselves to building a better life, building success beyond the classroom, for each of our students, and it takes all of us to do that."