V.M.S. Recognizes T.O.Y.s

Every year, school districts across the 67 counties of Florida encourage staff members of each individual school to select the most outstanding teachers among their peers to serve as representatives for “Teacher of the Year”.  This nomination honors wonderful teachers throughout the state who display outstanding instructional qualities and traits commonly associated with the most successful teachers.  These teacher representatives proudly represent the best of the best in the field of education, they positively impact the lives of their students, and definitely create environments conducive to learning in which student success is practically guaranteed.  Being chosen as the “Teacher of the Year” earns the utmost respect within school districts and it carries a great deal of pride because each teacher is selected by their colleagues for their exceptional work with students, individualized professionalism, and extraordinary teamwork on a daily basis.
     Recently, the staff at Vernon Middle School selected Peggy Adams, the original Vernon Middle School teacher of the year, to serve as its representative for this year’s “Teacher of the Year”.  A graduate of Troy State University, Mrs. Adams began her instructional profession in Vernon and has spent her entire thirty-three year career serving the needs of students in Washington County.  She fondly recalls both she and her husband, fresh out of college, being hired over the weekend, moving from Alabama on the following Monday, and starting a new life teaching on Tuesday.  Notably, Mrs. Adams is the last teacher still working in Vernon who was hired at the original Vernon Middle School, which was housed at the historic Vernon High School campus.  In addition to teaching language arts, social studies, and serving in school administration, Mrs. Adams raised her family in Washington County and proudly calls Vernon “home”.  Her actions speak much louder than words and she continues to play integral roles in the operations of the school, her church family, and surrounding community.
     In addition to the usual recognition for “Teacher of the Year”, Washington County Superintendent Dr. Sandra Cook encouraged schools to also select a “Rookie Teacher of the Year”.  Basically, this honor recognizes new teachers to Washington County who display extraordinary talents in the classroom.  Vernon Middle School overwhelmingly chose Mr. Jonathan McQuagge as its first “Rookie Teacher of the Year”.  Basically, Mr. McQuagge, a graduate of the Florida State University, has taken Vernon Middle School by storm.  He has greatly impressed everyone he has worked with, including parents, teachers, and various community members.  Most importantly, the students love and respect him.  Along with his team-teaching partner, Monica Rehberg, Mr. McQuagge has positively transformed an entire department at Vernon Middle School in a relatively short time.  His passion for education is evident on a daily basis throughout his instruction and his relationships with students and fellow teachers.  He’s definitely a self-motivated, team player and his work ethic has been contagious.  Similarly, he has brought a high level of enthusiasm to the school that is rarely seen.  Mr. McQuagge has worked tirelessly in the classroom, at fund-raising dances, and he has taken the helm as the head coach of our Lady Jacket softball team.
     As principal, I am so very proud of our representatives for “Teacher of the Year” and the “Rookie Teacher of the Year”.  I honestly believe our staff has chosen two outstanding individuals to represent Vernon Middle School.  Both of these wonderful instructional professionals display the qualities and characteristics expected of public school teachers.