Influenced by High School Teacher Rous Named JCS Teacher of the Year SMITHFIELD-- The Johnston County Association of Chambers and the Johnston County Schools has named Cleveland Middle School's Stephanie Rous the district's Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at the annual Flame for Learning banquet held last night at the Johnston County Country Club. Rous, who says her twelfth grade Calculus teacher influenced her to go into the teaching profession, is a National Board Certified teacher. She has worked for the Johnston County Schools since 2002 and currently teaches seventh grade Language Arts and Social Studies. Humbled by the honor, Rous told the audience, "Doctors save lives. Lawyers right wrongs. But teachers are the ones who give them the knowledge, the courage, and the confidence to do those things." The three finalists named were Tara Almeida, McGee's Crossroads Elementary School; Randy Parker, Clayton High School; and Holly Reece, Princeton School. Also recognized were the 20 semi-finalists for the title. Rous received a $1,000 award and $500 from the Johnston County Education Foundation. The three finalists were awarded $300 each; the 16 semi-finalists, $100 each, and the schools of the three finalists and the recipient, $250 each. On a related note, 2004-2005 Teacher of the Year Jo Anne Honeycutt was named North Central Region Teacher of the Year and awaits word about the state title.
