At the Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, January 7, we were able to spotlight the TORCH Award presented during the month of December. This newly branded award recognizes staff throughout our district for their exceptional commitment to students and their schools.

Our first stop in December for the TORCH Award was Mill Valley High School where Proud Superintendent Cory Gibson and Principal Gail Holder recognized a member of the Student Nutrition Staff, Mikki Bryant. With Mikki’s constant “can do” attitude, there is never a day that you don’t see her smiling and asking, “How can I help?” She is a true blessing to her Mill Valley colleagues and students each and every day. Her supervisor, Michelle Kile, shared that “Mikki lights up the place with her positive attitude, which is infectious!” 

Next, we tracked down Lauren Stringer, the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Mill Valley, to present her with the TORCH award. Principal Gail Holder shared more about Lauren’s ability to balance strong, rigorous learning while also letting her students know they are valued and cared for. Mill Valley counselor, Erin Hayes, shared that Lauren is able to connect with students which makes them feel heard and appreciated. She is always willing to go that extra mile which, in turn, helps her students reach their potential. Lauren is truly an inspiring educator with a kind heart and caring spirit. 

Our final stop at Mill Valley was the classroom of new Social Studies teacher Carter Sebasto. Principal Gail Holder revealed that Carter is one of the shining stars at their school. The high expectations for his students are evident any time one steps into his classroom. Fellow social studies teacher, Chris McAfee shared that Carter has a positive impact on students – making them feel seen, heard, included, understood and appreciated. This special trait lets students know they have a solid partner in their learning journey. 

From Mill Valley we then traveled west to Mize Elementary, where we visited the second-grade classroom of Christy Knox. Principal Gerri Balthazor shared with the students why their teacher was selected for December's TORCH award. Everything Christy does for her students goes above and beyond what is required. This includes fun and meaningful learning activities (an example of which was on full display in her classroom with her students building gingerbread houses when we surprised her with this award.) Her loving dedication is evident in everything she does for her students. Thank you, Christy, and congratulations.

Before we left Mize, we stopped by the front office to surprise beloved secretary, Liz Houghton, with the TORCH Award. Principal Gerri Balthazor shared that Liz has been such a positive constant in the lives of the many staff, families and students at Mize. Liz is always “merry and bright” to everyone she meets while also being a reliable and continual support for anyone who needs an extra hand. There are not enough words to express how extremely thankful they are to have Mrs. Houghton at Mize Elementary, as she is truly part of the school family.

Congratulations to all staff members recognized for the month of December with the 232 TORCH Award!