Clay County Board of Education Honors Outstanding Teachers and Dedicated Substitutes at November Meeting

From left: Silas Brown, Christy Caruso, Michelle Rhinehardt, Colby White, Kristin Taylor, Jessica Wilson McClure, Louise Smith, Kristy Kennedy, Pam Shepherd.

Mountain Buzz

Staff Report

During its regular meeting on Monday, November 24, the Clay County Schools Board of Education recognized several teachers and staff members for outstanding performance and dedicated service throughout the 2024-25 school year.

Teachers whose students exceeded growth according to EVAAS scores were celebrated for their exceptional impact on student achievement.

Those honored included:

• Silas Brown, Hayesville High School Agriculture

• Christy Caruso, Hayesville High School Health Occupations

• Michelle Rhinehardt, Hayesville High School Consumer & Family Science

• Colby White, Hayesville High School Math

• Kristin Taylor, Hayesville Middle School 7th Grade Math

• Jessica Wilson McClure, Hayesville Middle School 8th Grade ELA

• Louise Smith, Hayesville Primary School 2nd Grade

• Kristy Kennedy, Hayesville Primary School 2nd Grade

• Pam Shepherd, Hayesville Primary School 2nd Grade

• Zach Moss, Hayesville High School Biology teacher

Chris Lange was acknowledged for completing his certification in Chemical Pesticides and for continuing to serve the district in that capacity.

The board also expressed appreciation to substitute teachers who worked 50 or more days during the school year. Judy Bourne served 65 days and Carla Nuckolls served 58 days; both were present for recognition.

Additional substitutes honored included Pam Arrowood (55 days), Brenda Rogers (55 days), Sarah Snowden (60 days), Kat Kaczmarek (89 days), and Teresa Ashe (90 days).

The recognitions highlighted the ongoing commitment of educators and support staff to student success in Clay County Schools.