The 2019 Pike County Schools “Teachers of the Year” were announced Thursday at the school system’s Teacher In-Service Day.

Dr. Mark Bazzell, superintendent of Pike County Schools, expressed congratulations to “a great group of teachers.”

“As always, the teachers selected for this honor go far beyond in their service to the students,” Bazzell said. “They deserve this honor and they are to be congratulated for their outstanding efforts.”

The honored teachers are: Laura Hixon, Banks Primary School; Rebecca Lester, Goshen Elementary School; Jamie Rich, Goshen High School; Debbie LaViner, Pike County Elementary School; and Melinda Defee, Pike County High School.

Debbie LaViner was named overall Elementary Teacher of the Year and Jamie Rich was named the overall Secondary Teacher of the Year.

The Teachers of the Year are nominated at their local schools and are asked to complete an application packet.

“The packet is rather detailed,” Bazzell said. “It includes letters of support and a summary of the teacher’s involvement in events and activities outside the classroom. The packets are then given to outsider readers who make the final selections.”

LaViner and Rich are now eligible to compete in the Alabama Teacher of the Year program.

Bazzell said both represent Pike County Schools well.