Hickory City Schools celebrated its “Of the Year” and consecutive years of service employees on Tuesday, May 21st, at 6 PM at the Hickory Museum of Art.
Dr. Jennifer Griffin, the superintendent, announced the 2024-2025 Hickory City Schools Teacher of the Year: Donna Danner, a 4th-grade teacher at Jenkins Elementary. Ms. Danner was selected from nine candidates representing each of the district’s schools. An independent panel of community members conducted the judging. Ms. Danner received a $1,000 award from Vanguard Furniture, a crystal apple from Horace Mann, a 1-year membership to the Catawba Science Center, and the use of a Toyota Camry for one year courtesy of Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota. Ms. Danner will go on to represent Hickory City Schools at the regional level.
Rebecca Tuttle, Hickory High School Principal, was named the 2024-2025 Hickory City Schools Principal of the Year. Ms. Tuttle received a $500 award from Vanguard Furniture and a plaque.
Rosemary Scott, Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School front office secretary, was named the 2023-2024 Hickory City Schools Classified Employee of the Year. Ms. Scott received a $500 award from David E. Looper & Co. and a crystal apple from Horace Mann.
Other top winners of the day included:
Teacher of the Year 2nd place: Nicole Beam, a 2nd-grade teacher at Oakwood Elementary, received $500 from Vanguard Furniture.
Teacher of the Year 3rd place: Zabrina Pitts, an 8th-grade science teacher at Grandview Middle, received $350 from Vanguard Furniture.
All Teacher of the Year nominees received $250 from Vanguard Furniture:
Angela Allen, Northview Middle
Rebecca Bernardi, Hickory High
Holly Boozer, Viewmont Elementary
Michele Gilleland, Longview Elementary
Elizabeth Rollins, Southwest Primary
Amanda Starring, Hickory Career & Arts Magnet
During the event, consecutive years of service employees were also recognized for their 10, 15, 20, or 25 years of commitment to Hickory City Schools.