At Monday's meeting of the Jackson County Board of Education, West Jackson Primary School and Systemwide Teacher of the Year Diane Mergele listens as her principal Linda Bell shared comments about the teacher who has devoted 18 years to the students at West Jackson Primary.
School Superintendent Dr. Shannon Adams said recognition of the Teachers of the Year represents one of the high watermarks of the Jackson County School System.
During Monday’s meeting of the Board of Education, Adams said, “We have some of best teachers at any school system in the state and these are the very best of the best,” said Adams.
Human Resources Director Kathy Elrod agreed, saying honoring the teachers made her smile inside. “Their peers choose them at the very top,” said Elrod.
Elrod welcomed school administrators to present their school’s Teacher of the Year. Each honoree received a framed certificate and will be honored at the Feb. 27 STAR/Teacher of the Year Reception hosted by the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce. See more on Teachers of the Year on Page 3B.
West Jackson Primary School teacher Diane Mergele, honored as Systemwide Teacher of the Year, was presented by Principal Linda Bell, who describes Mergele as phenomenal.
“She has brought so much joy to our school,” said Bell. Mergele has gone over and beyond expectations in her 18 years an as educator at West Jackson Primary. “She chose to be there.”
Mergele’s husband Jason and daughter were in the audience as were her parents.
Mergele has been involved in countless committees and offers support with events and activities. “She has an open door policy in her classroom where great things are going on,” said Bell.
Teachers and administrators from the county and surrounding counties visit to experience her teaching style.
She is now involved in development of beginning writing instruction, giving presentation to the Jackson County Schools’ mini-conference, the Georgia Reading Association and other professional groups.
Jackson County Teachers of the Year
School Superintendent Dr. Shannon Adams said recognition of the Teachers of the Year represents one of the high watermarks of the Jackson County School System. During Monday’s meeting of the Board of Education, Adams said, "We have some of best teachers at any school system in the state and these are the very best of the best," said Adams.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-001.gif"]Jackson County Comprehensive High School teacher Scott Holtzclaw was presented by Principal Scott Smith, who said Holtzclaw was also blessing East Jackson students as the engineering teacher is shared by both schools.
"He is a great blessing to our school and community," said Smith of the teacher who came to the classroom by way of the business world. After earning his masters and specialist degrees, Holtzclaw spent 10 years working in the engineering field for companies including Reliance before getting the call to work with young people, Smith said.
Smith said he observed in Holtzclaw’s classroom and felt right at home as the lesson began with an "old-school" T-square which Smith used. Holtzclaw then advanced onto the CAD system and "fancier things" and involved students in a design project which engaged student. Perhaps Holtzclaw’s greatest compliment is that students want to be in his class. Smith said he would like to be one of Holtzclaw’s students. He complimented his knowledge and compassion for students as well as his teaching skills. Smith said Holtzclaw’s return to JCCHS was anticipated as it would be at EJCHS for the second semester.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-002.gif"]HR Director Kathy Elrod presented recognition to Scott Holtzclaw, who was presented as Teacher of the Year by JCCHS Principal Scott Smith.[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-003.gif"]East Jackson Comprehensive High School’s Teacher of the Year Jean Wall was presented by Principal Dr. Patricia Stueck.
A resident of Athens, Wall earned her three degrees including her EdS at the University of Georgia. The science educator is gifted and AP certified and has taught biology, physical science and physics and inspires students in the Science Olympiad.
She wants students to be better problem solvers and to learn something about themselves, said Stueck.
Wall accelerates her students and each year has a larger percentage of students who exceed on testing. Selected to teach at the Department of Education Summer Express to assist students who have failed repeatedly to pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test, Wall had 80 percent of her students to pass.
"A Master Teacher," Stueck said, "she is amazing" with amazing strategies and skills and involved in training other teachers.
Her parents were in the audience for her recognition.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-004.gif"]West Jackson Middle School Teacher of the Year Kristin Howell was presented by Principal Malissa Hill, who said Howell, a seventh-grade life science teacher has been in the classroom for 15 years.
She began her career at a nature center and found she had a passion for instilling a love of science in children. She transferred her knowledge into the classroom and "brought some of the nature center with her."
There are real critters and something crawling around in her classroom to provide students with hands-on experiences so they can touch and feel science, Hill said.
Howell inspires confidence in her students and creates a classroom environment you don’t want to leave.
Relationship-building with students, parents and colleagues is a Howell strong point, according to Hill, so students often return to tell her what they are doing in their high school science class.
Howell puts the needs of her kids before her own, said Hill.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-005.gif"]Kristin Howell proudly shared the Teacher of the Year recognition with her daughters, Heather and Lilly, and husband, Jeremy. She was selected by fellow West Jackson Middle School teachers.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-006.gif"]Kings Bridge Middle School Robert Andrews was presented by Principal Howard McGlennen, who said Andrews was loved by students and teachers.
Described as a "go-to guy," Andrews is a great person to have in the building since he is the school’s first line of defense when dealing with computer issues.
As the Business and Computer Science teacher, Andrews will be teaching Connections at East Jackson Middle for the second semester. He has been at Kings Bridge since its inception five years ago, and earned his EdS from Piedmont College last year. He has helped coach football and golf and is involved with the school’s Electric Vehicle program.
"He is a jack of all trades," said McGlennen and is doing it for the kids.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-007.gif"]Kings Bridge Middle School principal Howard McGlennen presented TOTY Robert Andrews.[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-008.gif"]East Jackson Middle School Teacher of the Year Abby Tankersley was presented by Assistant Principal Anna Savage, who said she was pleased that someone with a vocational background like hers was selected.
Tankersley is shared with Kings Bridge and her husband, Ross, was in attendance.
Tankersley took FCCLA students on summer trips to California and Chicago provided a chance of a lifetime trip, "a trip those kids will always remember," said Savage.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-009.gif"]Teacher Chris Stewart was presented as Teacher of the Year by West Jackson Intermediate School Principal Diane Carr, who said Stewart’s goal is to make a difference in the life of a child.
Merging teaching and working as an Instructional Technology Specialist is the best of both worlds for Stewart who enjoys using powerful tools to teach students. Capturing students’ attention is possible through integrating technology in the classroom and he is eager to share those tools with other teachers. His eagerness to support fellow teachers was noted in what co-workers had to say about him and his ability to reduce anxiety for the computer challenged. Incorporating 21th century ideas into the classroom has helped enrich the positive culture at West Jackson Intermediate.
Described as professional and gracious, he is considered an asset to the school. He has developed more than 200 lessons on the SmartBoard and is working toward his masters degree.
He credits his family with their support.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-010.gif"]Samantha Barrett was introduced by Jackson Elementary School Principal Pam Johns as Teacher of the Year. In her third year as a classroom teacher, Barrett is from a family of educators and it seems to come naturally. She handles herself like a veteran in the classroom as she inspires her students through her creativity.
She is working on her masters and her husband Josh joined her at the meeting. She has an ability to move students forward and encourage them. She has organized the Science and Math Day and is giving with her time and ideas.
She is described as a go-getter who is eager to learn and try new strategies in the classroom, and she is described as extremely positive.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-011.gif"]North Jackson Elementary School's Stacy Cantrell was presented as Teacher of the Year by Principal Jamie Hitzges, who said Cantrell, a second-grade teacher, is one of the inclusion teachers who maintains a calm demeanor. He said you could tell her there was a fire in her classroom and she would tell you she has it under control.
While she loves to go hunting, she also enjoys scrapbooking. She is compassionate with excellent ideas and is described by co-workers as a great colleague and a great person.
A teacher for seven years, she is a nurturer who lovingly pushes children to do their best.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-012.gif"]Maysville Elementary School teacher Aimee Vickers was presented by Principal Jackie Morgan, who said Vickers taught her child and instilled much confidence. After earning her degree at Florida Atlantic University, she taught fifth grade in Florida. She has also taught EOL and Pre-K and joined the Maysville staff in 2005 where she now teaches gifted. She instructed at the gifted conference.
Vickers always aspired to be a teacher and has developed Math Superstars and works with the drama club. Her husband, Keith, two sons and daughter accompanied her to the meeting. She is encouraging of her students and urges them to Never Quit. She challenges them to try for they will never grow. She maintains that solutions are best found when struggle is involved.
She is also up for a challenge: She has completed four half-marathons and will compete in her fifth on March 5.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-013.gif"]Gum Springs Elementary School's Alice Lyle was presented as Teacher of the Year by Principal Alisa Hanley, who grew emotional when she told of the meeting at which she announced that Pre-K teachers could be considered for Teacher of the Year honors. The Pre-K teachers were furloughed that day but cheers went up as peers realized Lyle could be a nominee. "That showed what she meant to the staff," said Hanley.
"Her glass is always half full." Lyle has tenderly cared for 4-year-olds for 10 of her 17 years as a teacher. She creates a warm and loving learning environment so that her students will develop a love for learning. She wants them to love school, said Hanley. Creating a positive experience for children is a passion. She has been selected to serve on the Bright from the Start advisory panel.
She and husband Robert have two sons and a daughter. Betsy, a high school senior, wants to follow her mother’s footsteps to North Georgia College and she wants to be a teacher.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-014.gif"]West Jackson Primary School teacher Diane Mergele, honored as Systemwide Teacher of the Year, was presented by Principal Linda Bell, who describes Mergele as phenomenal.
"She has brought so much joy to our school," said Bell. Mergele has gone over and beyond expectations in her 18 years an as educator at West Jackson Primary. "She chose to be there."
Mergele’s husband Jason and daughter were in the audience as were her parents.
Mergele has been involved in countless committees and offers support with events and activities. "She has an open door policy in her classroom where great things are going on," said Bell.
Teachers and administrators from the county and surrounding counties visit to experience her teaching style.
She is now involved in development of beginning writing instruction, giving presentation to the Jackson County Schools’ mini-conference, the Georgia Reading Association and other professional groups.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-015.gif"]Teacher of the Year Melissa Kirk was presented by Benton Elementary School Principal Pam Shields, who said Kirk comes from a family of educators. She has been in the classroom for three years but is a phenomental teacher as a self-contained special ed teacher.
She and husband Brad live in Madison County and are expecting their first child, a son, in March. Her father-in-law was also in attendance.
In keeping with the Benton tradition, a poem was written in honor of the Teacher of Year. Jeff Miller penned, The Smile, about Kirk and her love and inspiration of her special education students.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-016.gif"]HR Director Kathy Elrod presents the framed Teacher of the Year recognition to Systemwide Teacher of the Year Diane Mergele, pictured with her principal, Linda Bell.[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-017.gif"]Systemwide Teacher of the Year Diane Mergele listens as her principal Linda Bell shared comments about the teacher who has devoted 18 years to the students at West Jackson Primary.
[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-019.gif"]Teachers of the Year honored at the Monday meeting of the Jackson County Board of Education included, front from left to right: West Jackson Middle School Kristin Howell; East Jackson Comprehensive High School Jean Wall; South Jackson Elementary School Samantha Barrett; East Jackson Elementary School Tammy Standridge; Benton Elementary School Melissa Kirk; Gum Springs Elementary School Alice Lyle; Kings Bridge Middle School Robert Andrews; Back, left to right: Jackson County Comprehensive High School Scott Holtzclaw; West Jackson Intermediate School Chris Stewart; North Jackson Elementary School Stacy Cantrell; Maysville Elementary School Aimee Vickers; East Jackson Middle School Abby Tankersley; and West Jackson Primary School and Systemwide Teacher of the Year Diane Mergele.
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-001.gif"]Jackson County Comprehensive High School teacher Scott Holtzclaw was presented by Principal Scott Smith, who said Holtzclaw was also blessing East Jackson students as the engineering teacher is shared by both schools. "He is a great blessing to our school and community," said Smith of the teacher who came to the classroom by way of the business world. After earning his masters and specialist degrees, Holtzclaw spent 10 years working in the engineering field for companies including Reliance before getting the call to work with young people, Smith said. Smith said he observed in Holtzclaw’s classroom and felt right at home as the lesson began with an "old-school" T-square which Smith used. Holtzclaw then advanced onto the CAD system and "fancier things" and involved students in a design project which engaged student. Perhaps Holtzclaw’s greatest compliment is that students want to be in his class. Smith said he would like to be one of Holtzclaw’s students. He complimented his knowledge and compassion for students as well as his teaching skills. Smith said Holtzclaw’s return to JCCHS was anticipated as it would be at EJCHS for the second semester.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-001.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-002.gif"]HR Director Kathy Elrod presented recognition to Scott Holtzclaw, who was presented as Teacher of the Year by JCCHS Principal Scott Smith.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-002.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-003.gif"]East Jackson Comprehensive High School’s Teacher of the Year Jean Wall was presented by Principal Dr. Patricia Stueck. A resident of Athens, Wall earned her three degrees including her EdS at the University of Georgia. The science educator is gifted and AP certified and has taught biology, physical science and physics and inspires students in the Science Olympiad. She wants students to be better problem solvers and to learn something about themselves, said Stueck. Wall accelerates her students and each year has a larger percentage of students who exceed on testing. Selected to teach at the Department of Education Summer Express to assist students who have failed repeatedly to pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test, Wall had 80 percent of her students to pass. "A Master Teacher," Stueck said, "she is amazing" with amazing strategies and skills and involved in training other teachers. Her parents were in the audience for her recognition.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-003.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-004.gif"]West Jackson Middle School Teacher of the Year Kristin Howell was presented by Principal Malissa Hill, who said Howell, a seventh-grade life science teacher has been in the classroom for 15 years. She began her career at a nature center and found she had a passion for instilling a love of science in children. She transferred her knowledge into the classroom and "brought some of the nature center with her." There are real critters and something crawling around in her classroom to provide students with hands-on experiences so they can touch and feel science, Hill said. Howell inspires confidence in her students and creates a classroom environment you don’t want to leave. Relationship-building with students, parents and colleagues is a Howell strong point, according to Hill, so students often return to tell her what they are doing in their high school science class. Howell puts the needs of her kids before her own, said Hill.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-004.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-005.gif"]Kristin Howell proudly shared the Teacher of the Year recognition with her daughters, Heather and Lilly, and husband, Jeremy. She was selected by fellow West Jackson Middle School teachers.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-005.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-006.gif"]Kings Bridge Middle School Robert Andrews was presented by Principal Howard McGlennen, who said Andrews was loved by students and teachers. Described as a "go-to guy," Andrews is a great person to have in the building since he is the school’s first line of defense when dealing with computer issues. As the Business and Computer Science teacher, Andrews will be teaching Connections at East Jackson Middle for the second semester. He has been at Kings Bridge since its inception five years ago, and earned his EdS from Piedmont College last year. He has helped coach football and golf and is involved with the school’s Electric Vehicle program. "He is a jack of all trades," said McGlennen and is doing it for the kids.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-006.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-007.gif"]Kings Bridge Middle School principal Howard McGlennen presented TOTY Robert Andrews.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-007.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-008.gif"]East Jackson Middle School Teacher of the Year Abby Tankersley was presented by Assistant Principal Anna Savage, who said she was pleased that someone with a vocational background like hers was selected. Tankersley is shared with Kings Bridge and her husband, Ross, was in attendance. Tankersley took FCCLA students on summer trips to California and Chicago provided a chance of a lifetime trip, "a trip those kids will always remember," said Savage.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-008.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-009.gif"]Teacher Chris Stewart was presented as Teacher of the Year by West Jackson Intermediate School Principal Diane Carr, who said Stewart’s goal is to make a difference in the life of a child. Merging teaching and working as an Instructional Technology Specialist is the best of both worlds for Stewart who enjoys using powerful tools to teach students. Capturing students’ attention is possible through integrating technology in the classroom and he is eager to share those tools with other teachers. His eagerness to support fellow teachers was noted in what co-workers had to say about him and his ability to reduce anxiety for the computer challenged. Incorporating 21th century ideas into the classroom has helped enrich the positive culture at West Jackson Intermediate. Described as professional and gracious, he is considered an asset to the school. He has developed more than 200 lessons on the SmartBoard and is working toward his masters degree. He credits his family with their support.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-009.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-010.gif"]Samantha Barrett was introduced by Jackson Elementary School Principal Pam Johns as Teacher of the Year. In her third year as a classroom teacher, Barrett is from a family of educators and it seems to come naturally. She handles herself like a veteran in the classroom as she inspires her students through her creativity. She is working on her masters and her husband Josh joined her at the meeting. She has an ability to move students forward and encourage them. She has organized the Science and Math Day and is giving with her time and ideas. She is described as a go-getter who is eager to learn and try new strategies in the classroom, and she is described as extremely positive.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-010.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-011.gif"]North Jackson Elementary School's Stacy Cantrell was presented as Teacher of the Year by Principal Jamie Hitzges, who said Cantrell, a second-grade teacher, is one of the inclusion teachers who maintains a calm demeanor. He said you could tell her there was a fire in her classroom and she would tell you she has it under control. While she loves to go hunting, she also enjoys scrapbooking. She is compassionate with excellent ideas and is described by co-workers as a great colleague and a great person. A teacher for seven years, she is a nurturer who lovingly pushes children to do their best.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-011.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-012.gif"]Maysville Elementary School teacher Aimee Vickers was presented by Principal Jackie Morgan, who said Vickers taught her child and instilled much confidence. After earning her degree at Florida Atlantic University, she taught fifth grade in Florida. She has also taught EOL and Pre-K and joined the Maysville staff in 2005 where she now teaches gifted. She instructed at the gifted conference. Vickers always aspired to be a teacher and has developed Math Superstars and works with the drama club. Her husband, Keith, two sons and daughter accompanied her to the meeting. She is encouraging of her students and urges them to Never Quit. She challenges them to try for they will never grow. She maintains that solutions are best found when struggle is involved. She is also up for a challenge: She has completed four half-marathons and will compete in her fifth on March 5.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-012.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-013.gif"]Gum Springs Elementary School's Alice Lyle was presented as Teacher of the Year by Principal Alisa Hanley, who grew emotional when she told of the meeting at which she announced that Pre-K teachers could be considered for Teacher of the Year honors. The Pre-K teachers were furloughed that day but cheers went up as peers realized Lyle could be a nominee. "That showed what she meant to the staff," said Hanley. "Her glass is always half full." Lyle has tenderly cared for 4-year-olds for 10 of her 17 years as a teacher. She creates a warm and loving learning environment so that her students will develop a love for learning. She wants them to love school, said Hanley. Creating a positive experience for children is a passion. She has been selected to serve on the Bright from the Start advisory panel. She and husband Robert have two sons and a daughter. Betsy, a high school senior, wants to follow her mother’s footsteps to North Georgia College and she wants to be a teacher.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-013.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-014.gif"]West Jackson Primary School teacher Diane Mergele, honored as Systemwide Teacher of the Year, was presented by Principal Linda Bell, who describes Mergele as phenomenal. "She has brought so much joy to our school," said Bell. Mergele has gone over and beyond expectations in her 18 years an as educator at West Jackson Primary. "She chose to be there." Mergele’s husband Jason and daughter were in the audience as were her parents. Mergele has been involved in countless committees and offers support with events and activities. "She has an open door policy in her classroom where great things are going on," said Bell. Teachers and administrators from the county and surrounding counties visit to experience her teaching style. She is now involved in development of beginning writing instruction, giving presentation to the Jackson County Schools’ mini-conference, the Georgia Reading Association and other professional groups.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-014.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-015.gif"]Teacher of the Year Melissa Kirk was presented by Benton Elementary School Principal Pam Shields, who said Kirk comes from a family of educators. She has been in the classroom for three years but is a phenomental teacher as a self-contained special ed teacher. She and husband Brad live in Madison County and are expecting their first child, a son, in March. Her father-in-law was also in attendance. In keeping with the Benton tradition, a poem was written in honor of the Teacher of Year. Jeff Miller penned, The Smile, about Kirk and her love and inspiration of her special education students.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-015.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-016.gif"]HR Director Kathy Elrod presents the framed Teacher of the Year recognition to Systemwide Teacher of the Year Diane Mergele, pictured with her principal, Linda Bell.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-016.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-017.gif"]Systemwide Teacher of the Year Diane Mergele listens as her principal Linda Bell shared comments about the teacher who has devoted 18 years to the students at West Jackson Primary.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-017.gif){kind=link}
![[img alt="" src="http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/thumbs/thumbs_0112-toty-019.gif"]Teachers of the Year honored at the Monday meeting of the Jackson County Board of Education included, front from left to right: West Jackson Middle School Kristin Howell; East Jackson Comprehensive High School Jean Wall; South Jackson Elementary School Samantha Barrett; East Jackson Elementary School Tammy Standridge; Benton Elementary School Melissa Kirk; Gum Springs Elementary School Alice Lyle; Kings Bridge Middle School Robert Andrews; Back, left to right: Jackson County Comprehensive High School Scott Holtzclaw; West Jackson Intermediate School Chris Stewart; North Jackson Elementary School Stacy Cantrell; Maysville Elementary School Aimee Vickers; East Jackson Middle School Abby Tankersley; and West Jackson Primary School and Systemwide Teacher of the Year Diane Mergele.](http://clickthepaper2.com/wp-content/flagallery/jackson-county-teachers-of-the-year/0112-toty-019.gif){kind=link}