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No one would doubt that teachers have a difficult job. Their efforts to help the children they teach often go beyond the facts they are responsible for instilling. Great teachers are masters of not only the transfer of knowledge but also modeling life skills to their pupils, said a spokesperson for the Rockbridge County High School Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA). These are the teachers and staff who go above and beyond, she said.
On April 23, the RCHS PTSA recognized a few of the outstanding teachers of Lexington and Rockbridge County during the Wildcat Inspiration Award ceremony.
This event was held at Big Spring Farm, where the honorees, as well as dignitaries from the community, attended to celebrate the work and impact these teachers made in the lives of the graduating seniors.
The Inspiration Award was started by Hayward Hand in 2018 to recognize teachers who go the extra mile for RCHS students. This is a senior-nominated award, where the seniors are asked to explain who they feel went above and beyond for them as they passed through Lexington City Schools or Rockbridge County Schools.
This award is open to not only teachers but also staff of the school systems.
Several essays had recurring themes such as respect. It seems respect is essential not only for teachers to feel respected for increased job satisfaction and a decreased burnout rate, but also for students to feel respected to flourish in a positive learning environment.
Several students reflected on the help that the faculty and staff provided. Nellie Orrison nominated Lisa vanRavenswaay, who works in the counseling office. Orrison explained vanRavenswaay took the time to help her during an otherwise stressful time and helped her through the college application process. “She was always there and helped me with a smile,” she said. The help she provided to RCHS seniors during the college application and scholarship process earned her this recognition.
Deborah Wright was nominated for the dedication she gives to her students in the nursing program. Catherine Balkey explained, “She didn’t stop working and helping me until I know everything and got it all right.” A 100% pass rate for her students on their Certified Nursing Assistant exam demonstrates her success. The time invested in the growth of her students will follow them into the workforce. As Balkey explained, Wright has “given me the faith and confidence to do my best.”
Sean Martino nominated Karen Mayo, a retired sixth grade English teacher from Lylburn Downing Middle School. His essay explained how her classes were welcoming and engaging. He also had the opportunity of knowing her outside the classroom in the Beta Club. This allowed Mayo the opportunity to teach “lessons on leadership and perseverance.” Martino commented on her ability to “approach every day with joy,” which was clearly transferred to her students.
Miranda Fitzgerald continues to make her classroom warm and welcoming to all students. This is why Malia Fitz nominated her for the Wildcat Inspiration Award. Fitz explained she is the type of teacher in whom you can confide in, laugh with and make memories. “Mrs Fitzgerald’s classroom feels safe, creating a place where you can feel at ease and do something you love.” Fitz said that Fitzgerald inspired her to seek a career in teaching by touching the lives and focusing on the mental health of her students.
Will Gibbs provided a video nomination for Eric Wilson, his English teacher at LDMS. Gibbs reflected on his time with Wilson and skills he learned. Gibbs explained he continues to use Wilson’s word list as a reference today. Wilson also imparted a love of words on his students. Gibbs explained Wilson helped “me think about literature more than words on a page, (but rather) how these words and meaning can be impactful it is to readers.”
Karen Emrey has made an impact on the life of Hallie Darmonte while at RCHS. Darmonte describes her as a “leading force in the school.” These two created a special bond while doing the morning announcements every day. E mrey m ade a n e ffort to stay up-to-date with Darmonte’s life and troubles. Knowing someone is there to help and willing to go the extra mile made a difference to Darmonte.
While all of the above faculty and staff members were recognized, Valerie Clay was the winner of the award. She received two nominations, from Nellie Orrison and Hannah Stephens. Both entries explain how Clay helped make history come to life by teaching through unique, engaging lessons. Orrison said she made learning fun and relevant. Clay has influenced Stephens to go into the field of teaching as well, and she will strive to be the type of teacher who shows students love and support.
During her acceptance speech, Clay said she feels this is extra special as she explained that as a native from Rockbridge County she recalled a time not too long ago that a high school education was not free, families had to pay for this, limiting access. Making this now free experience something students enjoy is critical to her. She said, “When you touch lives, you make a difference.”
Kathy Burant, vice chair of the Rockbridge County School Board, stated, “It is about building relationships.” Every one of the employees recognized has built a relationship with a student, said the PTSA spokesperson. This will improve engagement in the classroom for the students and reduce burnout for teachers. The bonds demonstrated between the recognized staff and students will no doubt last a lifetime, she said.
Lexington Mayor Frank Freidman said, “Do good things for good people and the rest will take care of itself.” This sums up the award that recognizes the great teachers of Rockbridge County and Lexington City School system doing great things for all the special students enrolled to these educational systems, said the PTSA spokesperson.
