Troy schools honor teachers of the year

Published 11:00 pm Monday, November 19, 2012

Three veteran teachers of the Troy City Schools are being honored by their peers as “teachers of the year.”

Katherine Davis, Hank Jones Early Childhood Center; Yvon Brantley Floyd, Charles Henderson Middle School; and Sharon Rhodes, Charles Henderson High School were recognized during Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

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“We don’t tell you often enough, thank you for the job you do,” said Lee Hicks, superintendent.

In recognizing Davis, who has taught kindergarten for 17 years, Principal Juan Henderson said, “she does a phenomenal job, day in and day out. This award comes as a vote of her peers, so I think that speaks loudly about what she does.”

Davis, in accepting of the honors, deferred to her peers. “I consider this a grade-level award for kindergarten, because we operate as a team,” she said.

Brantley, who teaches enrichment and gifted programs at the middle school, has taught with the city schools for eight years. “This is a real honor,” she said. “It’s a real pleasure to be in the Troy City Schools. This is my alma mater, a it’s good to be home.”

Rhodes, who oversees the library and the 1-to-1 technology program as media specialist, has been with CHHS for 16 years. “I just want to say thank you to the board for letting me a part of CHHS,” she said. “It’s quite an honor to receive this award from my peers because I work with the absolute best people, the highest caliber teachers at CHHS.”

The trio’s tenure with the school system has left a lasting impression. “I’ve known all of them as teachers,” said Roxie Kitchens, board member. “Mrs. Brantley Floyd and Mrs. Rhodes, both of you are just like parents to the children. And as a parent, I can tell you we appreciate that …

“And Mrs. Davis, you go above and beyond the call of duty … thank you to all of you.”

In other business, the board accepted the retirement of Becky Kirby, CHHS math teacher, effective Nov. 30. The board also approved supplements for the district’s two National Board Certified Teachers, Karla Johnson and Denise Adams.

Hicks, in his closing comments, talked about the positive activities taking place in the schools, including the CHHS Blue Machine band’s selection to participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., this spring. “They’re one of only 10 bands in the nation selected,” he said. “It’s quite an honor.”

Wally Lowery, board vice president, said the CHHS Trojans’ football team’s success has brought positive recognition to the district. The team is playing in the quarterfinals of the AHSAA 4A state championships.

“It’s always said that the football program is the front porch of a community,” Lowery said. “I’ve heard so many positive things, about our football team; our band; and our cheerleaders.”

The board meets again at 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 17.