Clarke County Teachers are "Excellent!"

The Foundation For Excellence in Public Education has recognized nine educators in the for their exceptional teaching, leadership and community service.

The FFE is a privately funded volunteer organization and teachers are nominated for these awards by parents, community members and co-workers each spring. A selection committee reviews the nominations over the summer to select the recipients.

“It was a joy for the Foundation for Excellence trustees to make the award presentations to the teachers,” said Sherry Moore Malone, president of the FFE in a media release. “The Foundation is privileged to honor so many outstanding individuals and appreciates the community’s support in making this possible.”

The awards will be presented at the FFE’s annual banquet Oct. 10 at the .

Teachers recognized from Clarke County Schools were: 

• David Ragsdale, Clarke Central High School, who received the $500 Dr. Walter Allen, Sr. Excellence in Teaching Award. 
• Eric Blake, Hilsman Middle School, who received the $2,400 Cardee Kilpatrick Middle School Teaching Award.
• Erin Cawthon, Clarke Central High School, who received the $500 Friends of Eve Carson Excellence in Teaching Award. 
• Matthew Hicks, Cedar Shoals High School, who received the $500 Joan Humphries Excellence in Teaching Award.
• Stephen Hinson, Clarke Central High School, who received the $500 Newland Excellence in Teaching Award.
• Vernellia Wade, Alps Elementary School, who received the $500 Ken Sherman Double Century Excellence in Teaching Award.
• Jessica Ellett, Chase Elementary School, who received the $500 Freida M. Thomas Teacher of Promise Award.
• Andy Plemmons, Barrow Elementary School, who received the $500 Kathryn H. Hug Instructional Leadership Award.
• Lauren Cunningham, Howard B. Stroud Elementary School, who received $500 the Howard B. Stroud Award for Community Service.