The Greenbrier County Teachers of the Year and Service Personnel of the Year were celebrated during the Tuesday, November 9, meeting of the Greenbrier County Board of Education.
A round of applause followed the announcement of each winner, the board and the audience acknowledging the difficult jobs educators and service personnel have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Director of Elementary Education Ann Smith presented the first several awards.
“This is one of the hardest tasks that we have because, in my opinion, all our staff are excellent in Greenbrier County,” said Smith. “[Assistant Superintendent] Nancy Hanna was the chair this year of the committee that made the selections.”
The recognition began with service personnel, with one winner present for the meeting.
“I know that one of them is here with us,” Smith said. “Miss Dora McClintic, [Supervisory Aide at Frankford Elementary], please come down. Dora works in Frankfort now, but I had the pleasure of working with her for many years at White Sulphur, and I can tell you that she’s one of the best. She did everything that she could for those students, went above and beyond and just loved every minute of it.”
“It was quite an honor and surprise,” McClintic said. “I just do my job every day and I don’t do anything more than anyone else. I appreciate this.”
Smith, Frankford Elementary School Supervisory Aide Dora McClintic, and Bryant. |
“Our other service personnel, who I don’t believe is here today, was Mr. John Woodrum, who is a custodian at Lewisburg Elementary,” Smith continued. “We are sorry that he’s not here but he also does an excellent job for our county.”
A pair of elementary school teachers were awarded next.
“We had two this year,” Smith said. “Patricia Defibaugh of Ronceverte [Elementary School]. … She could not come tonight, but is an excellent educator.
“Our other Elementary [Teacher Of The Year] is Miss Heather Miller, who is with us from White Sulphur Elementary,” Smith continued. “I’ve had the joy of working with this young lady for many years. I read the recommendations that she received from students and parents and her fellow staff members, and they all love that she goes above and beyond. The kids love to be in her room and she makes learning fun, as well as educational during the COVID shutdown. She went out to homes [to help] all those students.”
“Just like Dora said, it’s my job. I love what I do,” said Miller. “It was an honor to be recognized.”
Smith, White Sulphur Springs Elementary School Teacher Heather Miller, and Bryant. |
The board then considered the Secondary Teacher of the Year, Becky Campbell of Eastern Greenbrier Middle School.
“It seems to be that, like all of her fellow educators, she goes above and beyond,” Smith said. “I have the pleasure of getting to know her a little bit with the after school program, and I can tell you that she does a wonderful job during the day and after school.”
“It’s such a great honor and I appreciate you guys so much,” said Campbell. “We have a great education [system]. I have wonderful parents that I work with. … It’s awesome for students to be here and I’m just thankful to be in Greenbrier County, thank you.”
The County Winner of Teacher of the Year, was the final person recognized during the meeting.
Smith, Eastern Greenbrier Middle School Teacher Becky Campbell, and Bryant. |
“Our Teacher of the Year is Ms. Barbara Lutz,” said Superintendent Jeff Bryant. “Barbara is a teacher extraordinaire. Barbara is known throughout the state, throughout the United States, and internationally. A lot of people don’t realize that when you’re local, that you’re respected by her peers everywhere. She is a musician’s musician. She not only did a fantastic job in Allegheny County Schools as their co director, but at Greenbrier East, she transcended the program. Fantastic job. She’s also director of the Greenbrier Valley Choral. She’s a clinician. She’s a guest conductor throughout the United States. Ladies and gentlemen, this is truly one great educator.”
“The only reason I’m going to speak is because I retired,” said Lutz with a laugh. “I want to say that I didn’t know I was going to retire until after I received this amazing honor. It’s kind of like ‘Oops, I’m sorry.’ I have loved my work and truly have loved teaching at Greenbrier East, with the staff and administration and all the team that has been developed there, working under Jeff and being a part of this wonderful County. I wore my singers mask tonight to say thank you to Dave McClure for buying them for all the choir members. It’s kind of weird, but it works really well because when I take a breath that doesn’t suck into my mouth. I just want to say thank you so much and wish everybody the best. Retirement is wonderful but … there’s so much to miss so much. I appreciate this honor, I truly do.”
Author’s note – this writer was a speaker at this Board of Education meeting on a topic unrelated to the content of this article.
Smith, Teacher of the Year Barbara Lutz, and Bryant. |
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.