The El Dorado School Board earlier this month recognized Barton Junior High School's Student and Teacher of the Month, as well as El Dorado High School's Teacher of the Month from September, during their regular board meeting.
In a departure, School Board President Susan Turbeville awarded the recognitions for October, instead of school board member Wayne Gibson, who was absent from this month's meeting.
Turbeville first recognized special education teacher Heather Craig, EHS's Teacher of the Month. Craig was unable to attend September's school board meeting, when EHS's Classified Employee and Student of the Month were recognized.
"Her co-workers say she has true Wildcat Spirit. She loves her students unconditionally, and it shows," Turbeville said. "Mrs. Hill says, 'Heather Craig is a breath of fresh air. She is kind, compassionate and friendly to all. She never says this is not my job. Students, staff and parents all agree: she is a fine human.'"
Turbeville thanked Craig for the work she does.
"I enjoy working with the district and at the high school," Craig said.
Next up was Barton's Student of the Month, Autumn Kingery, whose mother Amanda, a teacher at Northwest Elementary, was Teacher of the Month in April. Autumn's dad Josh Kingery also teaches in the ESD.
"Her nominating teacher said, 'Autumn is genuinely a nice person and excels at everything she does. She is a hard worker in the classroom. Autumn makes sure to have a positive attitude with every person she meets and demonstrates what the Wild Kitten Way is,'" Turbeville said. "Principal Michelle Henry stated that, 'Autumn is a model student.'"
Autumn thanked the school board for the recognition.
Barton's Teacher of the Month was Calandra Brown, a seventh-grade science teacher. Turbeville said Brown has been a teacher for 18 years, including seven in the ESD.
"Her nominating co-workers said, 'Mrs. Brown is a hard-working colleague. She is always willing to help out and offer advice,'" Turbeville said. "Another stated, 'I am proud to serve on the science team with her. She is a definitely plus to our team.'"
Brown said she intends to continue working hard at BJHS.
"Thank you very much. Thank you for the recognition and let the work continue," she said.
Classified Employee of the Month Karen Wolf was unable to attend this month's meeting and will be instead recognized at a later date.
Seventh-grade science teacher Calandra Brown was the Teacher of the Month for October. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)
Heather Craig, a special education teacher at El Dorado High School, was September's Teacher of the Month. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)