Marsha Madray named 'Teacher of the Year'
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Marsha Madray, system-wide "Teacher of the Year" addresses those attending the local school system's preplanning meeting held Tuesday, July 31. (Staff photos by Deborah Bennett)

Jenkins County High School (JCHS) teacher Marsha Madray has captured the local "Academy Award" of the teaching profession. She has been selected as Jenkins County's system-wide "Teacher of the Year." The announcement was made Tuesday, July 31, during the local school system's preplanning meeting held at the Jenkins County Elementary School.

Mrs. Madray has been employed by the local school system for seven years, teaching biology, anatomy and physiology. She was named JCHS's 2005 Teacher of the Year and was selected as STAR teacher the 2006-2007 school year. She was also selected as Teacher of the Year at Lyons Elementary School in 1992, and she annually sponsors a blood drive at JCHS.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in Health and Physical Education and Driver's Education from the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude. She also holds a master's of education degree from UGA, graduating magna cum laude, and a Master's of education post graduate degree in Biology, graduating summa cum laude.

From left, Lyn Rhodes, Jenkins County Middle School "Teacher of the Year", and Eleanor Jackson, Jenkins County Elementary School "Teacher of the Year," are recognized.

She is married to Wendell Madray, and they have three sons and one granddaughter.

In her remarks, Mrs. Madray expressed appreciation to the entire staff of JCHS, stating that her selection as "Teacher of the Year" was due to their continuous efforts.

Others recognized were Lyn Rhodes, Jenkins County Middle School (JCMS) "Teacher of the Year", and Eleanor Jackson, Jenkins County Elementary School (JCES) "Teacher of the Year."

Jenkins County School Superintendent Joan Blackwood welcomed school staff for the new year and outlined several new initiatives undertaken by the school system. These included Eagle Academy, Ninth Grade Academy, JROTC program, Power School, driver education classes and a proposal for a School Resource Officer. Appreciation was expressed to Matt Gay Chevrolet for the use of a car for the driver education program.

Mrs. Blackwood also presented an update on AYP standings for the local schools, announcing that JCES has earned the distinction for the 5th consecutive year and has also been recognized as a Title I School of Distinction. JCMS failed to make AYP due to math scores.

"But we're working on that," Blackwood commented.

The AYP standing of JCHS is dependent upon graduation tests scores of students who took the Georgia High School Graduation Tests during the summer.

"JCHS did not make AYP due to graduation test scores, but we're hoping that the summer scores will change that," Blackwood said.

Marty Miller presented a brief update on the occurrence of AIDS, stating that 30,405 cases were reported in Georgia and 1,502 cases in the Augusta health district for 2005. She also noted that local health officials indicated that HIV was on the rise in Jenkins County.

"We don't need to be scared. We just need to be aware," she commented.

Corey Weathersby remarked on the county's Child Abuse Protocol, reminding those present that they were all "mandatory reporters."

"You don't have to know that child abuse is taking place. You just have to suspect it to make a report," she said.

New employees were also welcomed and introduced, and Partners in Education were recognized as follows: Bethany Home Nursing Center, BILO, The Cotton Gin, Dairy Queen, Jenkins County Farm Bureau, Georgia Power Company, Hanging Rocks Plantation, The Huddle House, Leon's Menswear, Nu Hair, Papa's Pizza, Planters Electric Membership Corporation, Queensborough Bank, Regions Bank, Rusty's Paint and Body Shop and Superior Alarm of Millen.