Teachers, student honored by state association
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on March 19, 2004 2:05 PM
FAYETTEVILLE -- Two Wayne County teachers and a student were among those honored Thursday night by the North Carolina Association of Educators.
Doris Ginn, a fourth-grade teacher at Eastern Wayne Elementary School, was named winner of the 2004 North Carolina Educators Human Relations Award and Southern Wayne High School senior Sterling Jamison Tadlock was the student recipient.
Cathie Hooks, fifth-grade communications skills and social studies teacher at Tommy's Road Elementary School, has been nominated for the national award for teaching excellence. Veda McNair, principal at Eastern Wayne Elementary, called Mrs. Ginn an advocate for all children, with the ability to get information across in creative and fun, yet challenging ways. "Students develop a love for learning because they are so highly motivated by the learning environment created by this teacher."
Her enthusiasm and love of learning has also been noticed by her colleagues.
"She motivates her students to look beyond the ordinary and dream of the extraordinary," said Brenda Williams, who nominated her co-worker for the national Disney Hand Teacher Award.
Doris Ginn
Mrs. Ginn has attended numerous seminars to enhance her teaching skills. She is also a candidate for the Fulbright Memorial Fund, which aims to increase the level of understanding between Japan and the U.S. and provides an opportunity for professional development.
Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent of the Wayne County public schools, said, "Mrs. Ginn's goal of self-improvement and professional growth is evident as she holds both a bachelor's and master's degree along with certification in seven different areas. She is a true professional with a strong work ethic that is second to none."
Mrs. Ginn has served on the Wachovia Principal of the Year selection committee, an assessor for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, and is a candidate for the National Board. She is also a state writing trainer for the school system.
Tadlock
Tadlockhas been chosen as the academic excellence award winner in the areas of math, social studies and English every year since ninth grade. Last year he received the Woodmen of the World Award, given to the student with the highest academic average in advanced placement U.S. history.
Last summer, he attended Governor's School for Natural Science. He is also ranked number one in his graduating class of 235 students.
He has held leadership roles in the Fellowship of Christian Students, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Government Association, National Honor Society and Science Club. He is also a member of the Junior Civitans, was a governor's page, and has served as a jury member, prosecuting attorney and defense lawyer for the Wayne County Teen Court.
Cathy Fonvielle, social studies teacher at Southern Wayne, called him a "true jewel in the classroom."
"As a teacher, I watched him absorb all that was around him and then speak after he became comfortable with his environment," she said.
He plans to attend Duke University in the fall, where he will study medicine.
Cathie Hooks
Mrs. Hooks was Wayne County's Teacher of the Year during the 2002-2003 school year, and went on to win the Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year Award. This year she was appointed to the North Carolina Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council.
Five finalists will receive the Horace Mann - NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, which includes $10,000 and expense-paid travel to the Salute to Excellence in Education event. The prizes for the winner of the NEA Award for Teaching Excellence include $25,000 cash, a trip to the Annual Salute to Excellence in Education event in Washington, D.C., and national recognition.