The Cherokee County Board of Education and Superintendent Keevin Woody have announced the 2024 principal, teacher and staff members of the year.
- Principal of the Year – Trish Mathews, Peachtree Elementary School.
- Teacher of the Year – Jenni Cable, Andrews Middle School.
- Support Staff Member of the Year – Lenia Yonce, Andrews Middle.
“These outstanding individuals represent the best of Cherokee County Schools,” according to a release. “Through their leadership, innovation and tireless commitment to student success, they inspire us all. We are so grateful to have educators and staff of this caliber supporting our children.”
Here are the Teachers of the Year for each school:
- Jessica Wright, Andrews Elementary School.
- Jenni Cable, Andrews Middle.
- Joshua Schwarting, Andrews High School.
- April Harper, Hiwassee Dam Elementary/Middle School.
- Wendy Britt, Hiwassee Dam High School.
- Cynthia Postell, Martins Creek Elementary/Middle School.
- Brian Hoyt, Murphy Elementary School.
- Joe Thorley, Murphy High School.
- Tamitha Sellers, Murphy Middle School.
- Von Loudermilk, Peachtree Elementary.
- Hanna Berry, Ranger Elementary/Middle School.
- Sonya Crouch, The Oaks Academy.
- Chris Crayton, Tri-County Early College.
“We also want to take a moment to recognize and thank each and every one of our incredible teachers. Your dedication to educating, nurturing and empowering our students is remarkable,” the release says.
“Even in the face of unprecedented challenges these past few years, you have gone above and beyond to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Our district’s success is a direct reflection of your efforts.”
Here are the Support Staff Members of the Year for each school:
- Sandy Solesbee, Andrews Elementary.
- Lenia Yonce, Andrews Middle.
- Larissa Dooley, Andrews High.
- Maggie Clayton, Hiwassee Dam Elementary/Middle.
- Betty Jean Jones, Hiwassee Dam High.
- Lisa Graves, Martins Creek Elementary/Middle.
- Teresa Dills, Murphy Elementary.
- Amanda Killian, Murphy High.
- Pam Cheeks, Murphy Middle.
- Kerri Garrett, Peachtree Elementary.
- Melanie Curtis, Ranger Elementary/Middle.
- Cindy Gibson, The Oaks Academy.
- Judy Breezeale, Tri-County.
“To our entire Cherokee County Schools community, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership,” the release says. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students and building a brighter future for Cherokee County.”
All five of Cherokee County’s high schools, in addition to Nantahala High School in neighboring Macon County, will be graduating the Class of 2024 soon.
Here’s the high school graduation lineup:
- 6 p.m. Thursday – The Oaks Academy, at Shepherd of the Mountains Church in Murphy.
- 8 p.m. Thursday – Andrews High School, at Hugh Hamilton Stadium (the football field).
- 6 p.m. Friday – Tri-County Early College, in the Enloe building at Tri-County Community College in Peachtree.
- 6 p.m. Friday – Nantahala High School, in the school’s gymnasium.
- 8 p.m. Friday – Murphy High School, on David Gentry Field at Bob Hendrix Stadium (the football field).
- 10 a.m. Saturday – Hiwassee Dam High School, in the school’s gymnasium.
Admission is free. Come early for a good seat and parking.