From left, Jenkins County School Superintendent Melissa Williams presents Jean Gay, system-wide Teacher of the Year, with a ring in recognition of her achievement. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett) The Jenkins County Board of Education (BOE) recognized one of its own during the group's Oct. 12. Jean Gay, system-wide Teacher of the Year, was presented with a Teacher of the Year ring in recognition of her achievement.

Gay, a math teacher at Jenkins County High School (JCHS), has been employed by the local school system since 1994. She was chosen STAR teacher at David Emanuel Academy and has received the honor twice during her 14 years at JCHS. She holds a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science from the University of Georgia and received her Level T-4 teaching certification in Middle Grades Education and Secondary Math Education from Georgia Southern University.

"You epitomize an excellent teacher," commented Jenkins County School Superintendent Melissa Williams during the presentation.

JCHS was also recognized for having been named the regional Class 3A winner in the Governor's Cup program. As a regional winner, JCHS received a regional champion trophy and a $1,000 grant. Regional winners are recognized for having the largest numerical improvement in SAT scores among schools in their Georgia High School Association (GHSA) region.

In other business, Superintendent Williams reported that the Jenkins County Middle School (JCMS) Leadership Council had written a letter to Mayor King Rocker requesting that he look into the feasibility of painting a crosswalk on Barney Avenue between the JCHS/JCMS building and the Jenkins County Agriculture Center, noting that numerous students cross the busy street to attend various activities at the agriculture center.

Superintendent Williams reported that enrollment in the local school system was up one student from the previous month for a total enrollment of 1,515. Enrollment at the three schools was reported as follows: JCHS, 422; JCMS, 318; and Jenkins County Elementary (JCES), 775.

Several personnel issues were approved by the BOE as follows: resignations of the JCES Food Service Manager and JCHS assistant varsity baseball coach were accepted; four full time bus driver positions were approved; two substitute bus driver positions were approved; and additions to the Substitute Teacher List and School Food Service substitutes were approved.