Clay County School Board Honors Teachers for Top State Exam Rankings

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Schools Board of Education on Monday recognized several teachers for their students' standout performances on end-of-grade and end-of-course exams during the 2024-25 school year.

At the board meeting, educators from Hayesville Elementary, Hayesville Middle and Hayesville High schools received accolades for achieving top rankings across North Carolina.

Gail Thayer and Keisha McClure of Hayesville Elementary earned first place in the state for fourth-grade reading scores. Fellow fourth-grade teachers Sara Jones and Jessica Hughes placed second in math.

From Hayesville Middle, Brooke Keling ranked seventh statewide in sixth-grade English language arts. Kristin Taylor came in ninth for seventh-grade math, while Danielle Barter placed 10th in eighth-grade math.

At Hayesville High, Colby White and Stephanie Foley were honored for third place in Math 3.

The board also spotlighted teacher assistant Amanda Danico of Hayesville Middle for her quick intervention during a classroom medical emergency last month. Officials noted it was not the first time Danico had used her first-aid training to assist a student in distress.

"We're so thankful she was able to come to the aid of our students when her assistance was needed," the board said in a statement.