With graduation, and related awards and accolades, past and the East Hardy baseball squad (as of this writing) still in contention for a state championship, Hardy County Schools also has recognized the best of those who make student accomplishments possible.
At the regular Board of Education meeting last week, all present heard the names of the service personnel and teacher of the year awards for Hardy County.
“This year we did things a little differently,” explained Sheena Van Meter, Superintendent of Hardy County Schools. She explained that “we actually went around to each building and recognized school level winners.”
From those honorees came the names of those who would be recognized on the county level.
“We surprised a couple of them by saying they were the county winners as well, which left them really surprised!” shared Van Meter.
Service Personnel of the Year for Hardy County Schools went to Emily Beck at East Hardy Elementary. Said principal Emily Morris, “Emily is an ECCAT in our kindergarten class.”
ECATS stands for Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher. According to the TeachWV website, an ECCAT “is a classroom assistant teacher employed in an early childhood classroom to work with teachers to support and enhance the instructional environment.” Those who serve in this role must complete a 600 hour program meeting State certification requirements.
According to Charleston’s Carver Career and Technical Education Center, they “support lead teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate educational curriculum” in almost any academic or social area that a child might need support.
Morris described Beck’s impact, saying one could often find her “instructing small groups of students.” She went on to add that Beck “is very encouraging and loving with her students.” Beyond her classroom role, Beck also serves on the Culture Action Team and is “really invested in the building.” Beck also stepped in to facilitate continuity of instruction when a teacher had to take extended time off.
Beck currently is pursuing an elementary education degree.
Van Meter then stated “we have some amazing folks” before introducing the Hardy County Teacher of the Year, Holly Lindale at Moorefield High School.
Lindale asked for some time to address the Board and other attendees and started by explaining that her husband moved to Hardy County for work in 2008. “I moved here not knowing a soul,” she stated.
“I love the small town feel of Hardy County and every child is blessed to go here,” Lindale went on to add, then said “from the moment I moved here, Hardy County Schools embraced me.”
She explained that “what these kids bring to our lives as teachers, I don’t think anyone realizes that.”
Lindale spoke at length about the impact that the example of her father made on her life. She described how even though he passed a decade ago, “my Dad was the rock in my life. Because of him, I strive to be half the educator he was.”
Beck also took to the podium to offer some thoughts. She opened with “I just love my school, the environment that we have . . . it’s a family.” She also said they “strive to be the best people we can be for our little ones.”
She related that “Mrs. Morris had to ambush me” to inform her of the honor and the kids nearby “could not contain their excitement.” One of the students who Beck said is often a bit shy, said “you are awesome. You are the best teacher. I hope one day I can be a teacher and be just like you.”
Beck praised Morris as well, calling the principal “the best support system. If we have a problem, we can go to her. If we need to talk, she’s there for us.”
Board members also heard the names of those who earned the awards on the school level. From Moorefield Elementary School, Alicia Reynolds earned Teacher of the Year and Sandy Cline Service Personnel of the Year. From Moorefield Intermediate School, Lacy Koontz earned Service Personnel of the Year and Jenae Billmeyer Teacher of the Year.
Moorefield Middle School saw Rachel Williams earn Teacher of the Year and Patty Smith Service Personnel of the Year. Moorefield High School’s Arno Ketterman earned Service Personnel of the Year and County winner Lindale earned Teacher of the Year.
East Hardy Elementary School’s Megan Dispanet earned Teacher of the Year. Beck, also County Service Personnel of the Year, won for the school. At East Hardy High School, Yvette Miller earned Service Personnel of the Year and Nicole Snyder Teacher of the Year.
