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Friday, September 19, 2008 10:46 AM Toisnot principal, Beddingfield teacher honored Toisnot principal, Beddingfield teacher chosen as Wilson's educators of the year By Stephanie Creech | Times Senior Writer At 25 years old and only in his fourth year of teaching, Thomas Holland didn't expect to be named Wilson County Schools' Teacher of the Year during a ceremony held Thursday night at the Wilson Country Club. So when he heard his name called as the winner, he wasn't prepared to give a long speech. "This is big to me," Holland said in accepting the award. At Thursday's ceremony, the district also named its Principal of the Year for 2008-2009. That honor went to Toisnot Middle School Principal Craig Harris. In accepting his award, Harris described the moment as "awkward but humbling." Harris said the honor is a reflection of the hard work of his staff and students and is representative of what they have been able to do. This is Harris' fourth year as Toisnot's principal. Both received a variety of gifts from the district, the Wilson Education Partnership, co-sponsor of the event, and local businesses. Their pictures will be placed on a billboard near Hines and Mercer streets in Wilson. The billboard, which will remain up for a year, is provided by Lamar Advertising Company. Holland and Harris will now compete at the regional level in hopes of moving to the state-level competition. Holland was one of three finalists for the Teacher of the Year honor. The other two vying for the award were Ginger Garrou of Gardners Elementary and Emily McNeill of Wells Elementary. Holland knew he was one of the three finalists when selection committee members visited his class earlier this week. Holland described the visit as "not a big deal" and he carried on with his class like it was any other day. Holland is a product of Duplin County Schools and East Carolina University. Beddingfield is the only school at which Holland has taught. Retired Beddingfield Principal Bob Pope hired Holland the day after he interviewed at the school. Holland said it's an honor to be chosen, and it lets you know a lot of people think you're doing a good job. The social studies teacher praised Beddingfield Principal Glenn Reaves for his work and efforts to improve academic performance at the school. Holland said they have seen a "great amount of growth" under Reaves' leadership, and he thinks they are and can turn around the school's performance. In addition to teaching, Holland coaches junior varsity volleyball and serves as an assistant coach for the varsity volleyball and varsity softball teams. As Teacher of the Year, Holland will get to drive a 2009 Toyota Camry provided by Hubert Vester Auto Group for the year. He received a plaque and framed certificate and a total of $1,000 from Wilson County Schools and WEP. From Wachovia Bank, Holland received a crystal apple that comes with the Outstanding Educator Award and $1,000. The money is to be used for supplies for his class or the school. As finalists, Garrou and McNeill received $200 -- $100 each from WEP and Wilson County Schools. Each spring, each school in the district names a Teacher of the Year. The teachers prepare a portfolio and a selection committee narrows the field down to 10 semi-finalists. The semi-finalists are interviewed and the field is narrowed down to the three finalists. The committee then observes each finalist teaching before making a final decision. All of the nominees receive a certificate, name badge and door plate declaring them Teacher of the Year for their individual schools. Wilson County Schools Superintendent Larry Price described the teachers as the epitome of what everyone wants to see in classrooms. The competition for the Principal of the Year title was just as tough. Harris was one of three finalists for the honor. The other two principals were Suzette Miller of Vinson-Bynum Elementary and Debora Ray of Elm City Elementary. Miller has been principal of Vinson-Bynum for just over five years. Ray has been principal of Elm City since 2006. Harris received $1,000 -- $500 each from WEP and Wilson County Schools. He also received a plaque and a certificate. Miller and Ray received $200 -- $100 each from WEP and Wilson County Schools. Ironically, Miller, Ray and Harris all have ties to Vinson-Bynum. Ray was an assistant principal there while Harris landed his first teaching job at the school. Harris, 40, entered Wilson County Schools as a lateral entry teacher in 1996. He left and took a job with Johnston County Schools in 2000 but returned to Wilson County Schools in 2002 as an assistant principal at Hunt High School. He took over the helm at Toisnot in 2005. Harris said he feels undeserving of the award since he is a fairly new principal and said he has learned so much from his fellow principals. Harris said being a principal has been more than what he expected it would be. He knows that to be successful a principal must have a strong commitment to serving the students. Harris said he loves education and seeing students be successful. The Daily Times will run photographs and biographical information about each of the nominees next week. creech@wilsontimes.com | 265-7822 |
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