West Johnston High School's Melissa Pearce was named Johnston County Schools' 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year at the 14th Annual Flame for Learning banquet held at the Johnston County Country Club last night. The program, sponsored by the Association of Chambers of Commerce (Benson, Clayton, Cleveland, Four Oaks, Kenly, and Smithfield-Selma), recognizes outstanding innovation and creativity in education. Mrs. Pearce, a product of the Johnston County Schools, created a best practice entitled, "Beyond This Book and These Walls" which helps students connect nonfiction literature to many disciplines, various historical events, and their own cultures, engaging them in research, teamwork, the development of presentation skills, and critical discussions. Mrs. Pearce's goal is to have a meaningful impact on the lives of her students. "Teaching is a moral obligation," said Mrs. Pearce. Further, she firmly believes that children want to learn and a teacher's biggest challenge is figuring out how children learn and what interests them. It is her passion to see students grow and develop through literacy into productive and caring human beings. Mrs. Pearce said she is a teacher because her experience was a positive one and she wanted to give back to the community. Mrs. Pearce received a cash award of $1,000 from the Association of Chambers of Commerce, and a $500 award from the Johnston County Education Foundation. She will also receive a 12-month lease on a new Ford Fusion from Classic Ford of Smithfield, courtesy of Damien Mills, proprietor. Classic Ford is planning a special presentation of the car. The finalists received $300 each, the semi-finalists, $100 each, and the school of the three finalists and recipient, $250 each. Congratulations to our finalists and semi-finalists! Finalists Rebecca Bettis, East Clayton Elementary School Martha DiMaria, Wilson's Mills Elementary School Suzanne Sweat, Clayton High School Semi-finalists Susan Banks, River Dell Elementary School David Bell, South Johnston High School Joanne Biggers, East Clayton Elementary School Christa Breiner, West Smithfield Elementary School Carolina Crumel, Wilson's Mills Elementary School Elizabeth Griewek, South Smithfield Elementary School Jill Helms, Cleveland Middle School Nicki Lee, Four Oaks Elementary School Laura Jefferson, McGee'sCrossroads Elementary School Michelle Myers, West View Elementary School Vicki Newsome, Selma Elementary School Colleen Price, Selma Elementary School Heather Ribar, South Johnston High School Lauren Sabo, Glendale-Kenly Elementary School Amy Tabor, Wilson's Mills Elementary School Angela Totten, West View Elementary School The Flame for Learning Interview Committee stated that it was "impressed with the hard work that goes on in the Johnston County Schools. Congratulations to all Johnston County Schools teachers." Photos attached: Photo #1, from left-- Martha DiMaria; Rebecca Bettis; Dr. Anthony Parker, Superintendent; Melissa Pearce; and Suzanne Sweat. Photo #2-- Meta Reed, Internet Sales Manager for Classic Ford, Smithfield, congratulates Melissa Pearce.
