Teacher of the Year winner Leah Thomas, center, is pictured with award sponsors John Fair of Peach State Federal Credit Union and Kelly Wilkins of Habersham Electric Membership Corporation.
Woodville Elementary School 4th grade teacher Leah Thomas is Habersham County’s Teacher of the Year. She received the honor during the school system’s annual awards banquet on March 12.
Woodville swept the top honors.
Lisa Porter, a Kindergarten Parapro at the school, was named Habersham County’s Support Person of the Year.
Woodville principal Dr. Susan Davis is understandably proud of the pair’s achievements.
“Woodville Elementary may be small in number, but we are big on talent and dedication,” she says. “We have something very special here, and these two ladies are shining examples of the level of care and commitment that defines the WES Team.”
A “positive school culture”
Davis calls Thomas “innovative and creative” and says she willingly shares her talents serving others. “Her students know that she cares about them, and they adore her. Her classroom is warm and welcoming, and the model of efficiency.”
Outside of the classroom, Thomas remains actively involved in the school. She’s a mentor teacher, and serves on Woodville’s leadership and beautification teams. She also serves on the school’s benevolence committee. “Ms. Thomas’ belief in the importance of a positive school culture is evident in everything that she does,” Davis adds.
This is Thomas’ last year teaching at Woodville. She’s transferring to Fairview Elementary School where she’ll teach 3rd grade next year.
A “ray of sunshine”
Dr. Davis offers high praise for Porter, too.
“Lisa Porter is a ray of sunshine from the moment she walks in the door each morning. In the classroom where she serves, she is a true partner with the kindergarten teacher, working tirelessly and joyfully with students.”
Porter encourages students and celebrates their successes. She enjoys spending time with them and chooses to eat lunch with them every day in the cafeteria.
Beyond the classroom, Porter supports Woodville Elementary School with lunch and parent pick up duties. She does everything, Davis says, with a smile. “She is thoughtful, dependable, flexible, and a true team player.”
Doling out top marks for these two top educators, Davis adds both “have a delightfully positive influence on everyone around them. They demonstrate a deep and abiding love for the students and families they directly serve, their colleagues, and the entire school community. They choose excellence everyday, and they inspire those around them to do the same.”
Thomas and Porter were selected as the system winners from among fourteen school level winners in Habersham.
A “magical night”
This year’s awards banquet was not just a momentous occasion for Woodville, but also for the school system. Two local businesses sponsored the event.
“The System was so fortuate to form a Partnership with HEMC and Peachstate Credit Union to give each of our winners a magical night,” says Habersham County School System Human Resources Manager Angela Robinson. The sponsors gave each system winner a check and gift bag.
“I have dreamed of local businesses supporting this event for years. Not just with their money but coming and being a part of the event,” says Robinson. “This night is so important to me because I know how hard these people work and how much they care for our students, and the banquet is my way of giving back to our staff.”
This article has been updated to reflect that TOTY Leah Thomas is transferring to Fairview Elementary at the end of this school year
