SMITHFIELD-- The Johnston County Schools 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year may have had a dilemma by day's end: which car will she drive home? At 2 p.m. yesterday, the newly crowned Melissa Pearce, an English teacher at West Johnston High School, was given the keys to a brand new Ford Fusion, courtesy of Damian Mills, proprietor of Classic Ford in Smithfield. The grand presentation--the first ever in the history of the county's Teacher of the Year program-- was made at West Johnston High School, in front of the school. "Teachers make an indisputable impact on the lives of students, and Classic Ford recognizes the power of this profession," said Mills. Pearce will have use of the car until the next Teacher of the Year is named next Spring. "We appreciate Classic Ford's generosity. This gesture not only serves to uplift the profession, but those who choose to make their mark in it," said Dr. Anthony Parker, Superintendent. "We thank Mr. Mills for his support."
