Jenkins County teacher is ‘arrested’

From left, are STAR student Rachel Welch, STAR teacher Marsha Madray and Deputy Matthew Williams. (Photo contributed) When Jenkins County High School (JCHS) senior Rachel Welch learned that she was the 2009-2010 STAR student she knew just who she would select as her STAR teacher, Marsha Madray, who had taught her Senior Anatomy.

Rachel also knew that she wanted to break the news to Mrs. Madray in a unique and unusual manner. To accomplish this, she enlisted the help of her father, Ron Welch, and the two hatched an idea that brought Mrs. Madray to tears.

“I was teaching class one day when I heard the lock on the classroom door turn, so I knew it was the ‘big’ man. In came principal Dr. (Joey) Kirkland, Mrs. (Ruth) Hearn and this law enforcement officer, Mathew Williams. I didn’t know what was going on, so I just continued to teach until Dr. Kirkland stopped me, saying that the officer needed to speak to me,” Mrs. Madray said.

Deputy Williams explained to Mrs. Madray that he was there to “arrest” her, which Mrs. Madray said immediately sent her mind racing and struggling to recall any minor incidents that could possibly be the reason for Deputy Williams’ presence.

“By this time, I was in tears,” Mrs. Madray said.

Williams then read an “arrest warrant” issued by Rachel, citing the reasons for Madray’s selection as her STAR teacher.

It was a moment that both “STARS” will remember for a long time.