GCS Principal of the Year

Valerie Akins, principal at Aycock Middle and former principal at Vandalia Elementary is proud to be GCS 2007-08 Principal of the Year.

A unique leadership style put Valerie Akins at the head of her class when she was named principal of the year at the Wachovia Best in Class Awards. She was also named elementary Principal of the Year. The 19-year education veteran is currently the principal of Aycock Middle and was formerly the principal at Vandalia Elementary. 

The passionate educator is known for having a unique perspective on leadership. "Despite my administrative position, I walk through the doors of my school each day as a teacher," said Akins. "The school is my classroom, the teachers are my students and the students are my children. As a leader, I have the ability to empower others and mobilize everyone around a common goal and vision of education and caring for children. By tapping into the strengths of the community and allowing everyone to be involved, students, teachers and parents, I am able to make my vision become reality."

Akins was recommended by Sue Villarrubia, former curriculum facilitator at Vandalia Elementary. “Mrs. Akins was a driving force of positive energy with a true vision for student success,” said Villarrubia. “She worked diligently to create an environment where teachers and students felt cared about, supported and motivated to achieve.”

Other principals receiving awards include Revonda Johnson from High Point Central High. She received $500 for being the secondary school Principal of the Year.

Principal of the Year finalists each received $300:

• Darcy Kemp from Morehead Elementary
• Dr. Grenita Lathan from Washington Elementary
• Pam Misher from Pearce Elementary, former principal of Alderman Elementary

Akins won a total of $1,500; $1,000 for winning the overall award and $500 for winning as elementary Principal of the Year. Akins and the finalists will be recognized at the October 9 Board of Education meeting where she will receive a $1,000 gift card to Harris Teeter Neighborhood Markets and $1,000 gift card to Friendly Shopping Center. Each finalist will receive a $500 gift card to Harris Teeter.

GCS Teacher of the Year

Carolyn Hiatt, teacher from Hunter Elementary shows off her award.

Because of her passion for teaching, Carolyn Hiatt was named the 2007-08 GCS Teacher of the Year at the Wachovia Best of Class Awards. Hiatt teaches second grade at Hunter Elementary and has taught for 20 years.

Hiatt knew as a little girl that she wanted to teach. Hiatt comes from a long line of teachers and credits her family for inspiring her to become a teacher. “I believe watching them teach and share the importance of teaching others was a major part of my inspiration for becoming a teacher,” said Hiatt.

Hiatt’s advice to new teachers is simple: “Take on this job if it is your passion and you are willing to give it your all,” said Hiatt. “Teaching is time consuming in so many ways, but the impact is so important. Don’t expect to see the impact with all students but store the memories of the ones you do impact to keep you going strong.”

The teacher known for being a great motivator to her students is humble also. “To receive this award has been an overwhelming and humbling experience,” said Hiatt. “I don’t believe what I do is special, it’s just my passion. Working with children and helping them to achieve has been my life-long goal.”

Hiatt won a total of $1,500: $1,000 for winning the overall award and $500 for winning as elementary Teacher of the Year. Teacher of the Year winners each received $500:

• Janice Clark from Aycock Middle – Middle School Teacher of the Year
• Kristal Britton from Dudley High – High School Teacher of the Year

Michael Joncas from Summerfield Elementary and George Eckart from The Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC were the remaining Teacher of the Year finalists and received $300 each.

Hiatt and the finalists will be recognized at the October 25 Board of Education meeting where she will be presented additional gift items compliments of Harris Teeter Neighborhood Markets. Each finalist will receive a choice of either $1,000 gift card to Harris Teeter Neighborhood Markets or the Friendly Shopping Center.