by: Morgan Guess
Staff Reporter
Oak Grove High School nominee, Mrs. Stacey Todd, received the honor of 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year for the entire Lamar County School District. Todd was nominated by fellow teachers to represent Oak Grove High School as Teacher of the Year. Next she submitted applications and several essays to be reviewed by the school board and administrators. Just like Oak Grove faculty, they believed she was the best candidate for Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Todd has taught the community- based class at Oak Grove for two years. “My favorite part of being a teacher is, of course, my students. My job is the greatest job in the world! I am so blessed to work with these exceptional kids and their families. They challenge me to be better every day. I learn more from them than they do from me,” Todd said. Before, she taught a special education class at Poplarville High School for five years.
Todd goes above and beyond when it comes to her job as teacher. Not only does she help students excel during school hours, but she also dedicates a lot of her personal time to students outside of school. She is dedicated to making sure her students are included in all school and community activities. For example, Todd takes some of her pupils to cheer on Tuesdays and to the movies and tailgating on weekends. It’s not hard to see the inspirational and distinguishing attributes of Todd as a teacher. “I think it’s wonderful that Mrs. Todd was selected Teacher of the Year, especially with all of the work she has put in. She’s making an amazing difference in our community. I can’t think of anyone else who is more deserving of the title,” sophomore Jr. Civitan member, Sam Knowles, said of Todd’s nomination.
Mrs. Todd has already been successful in helping her students become involved in extracurricular activities such as the Homecoming Court, a talent show, and the production of the Wizard of Oz. “My favorite thing to do is plays. I love the plays,” Kaitlyn Fuller, a student in Mrs. Todd’s community-based class, stated. Todd is also the sponsor of the chartering class of the Jr. Civitan Club.
As for now, Mrs. Todd is working to represent the Lamar County School District for the state title.
