Augustin named Thomasville City Schools District Teacher of the Year

May 17—THOMASVILLE- Thomasville City Schools Board of Education recognized all of its Teachers of the Year during the board meeting on Tuesday night, before announcing Scott Elementary's Ruth Augustin as District Teacher of the Year.

Augustin was recognized by the Board of Education, along with community sponsors and Director of Federal Programs Nathan Espy.

"The important work of educating our future generations cannot be overstated," Espy said, thanking all of the teachers. "We thank the superstars who have decided to make this their calling and mission in life."

Espy went on to say that the teachers present were the lifeblood of the school district and he was proud to celebrate the individuals who consistently poured into the Thomasville City Schools students daily.

With so many teachers going above and beyond the call of duty, Espy said the selection committee found themselves in a tough spot to choose just one Teacher of the Year.

Each teacher had to submit a 20-minute video of themselves teaching and a personal narrative of their education philosophy, and to participate in a one-on-one interview.

"Each one is so highly deserving of being named Teacher of the Year," Espy said. "Each one is to be commended and is an exceptional teacher who we are blessed to have."

However, it was Augustin's teaching philosophy that put her above the rest, earning her the distinguished title of District Teacher of the Year.

Augustin was overwhelmed as Scott Elementary Principal Selena Dawson embraced her with a hug. She was then presented with several gifts from community partners.

Scott Jernigan of Jostens announced he will be creating a custom Teacher of the Year ring for Augustin.

If that wasn't enough, Lauren Radford and her team at Big Oak Benefits Group, presented a $1,000 monetary prize to Augustin, with each school Teacher of the Year also receiving $300.

"Tonight I'm here to thank our teachers," Radford said. "I'm the parent of two city school system students, so I see what you do day-to-day, and I just want to say thank you for that."

Augustin also received a one-year family membership from YMCA CEO Tom Everett, while all Teachers of the Year received a six-month family membership.

"One of the easiest decisions I ever had to make was for the YMCA to come alongside our school district and recognize the Teacher of the Year," Everett said. "It was a no-brainer for us because our teachers go far above and beyond what scratches the surface. What little notoriety and praise they get, is so much more deserved."

Everett said these memberships were a small token of their appreciation.

"These are for you to go blow off some steam after a hard day in the classroom," he joked.

Kellie Merck of Envision Credit Union presented Augustin with her final gift of the night and a bouquet of flowers to conclude the Teacher of the Year ceremony.

Espy provided one last round of applause, sharing his congratulations for Augustin, saying he knows she will wear the title well.