Kelley Theodocion, a middle school teacher at Impact Academy, was named Teacher of the Year for Henry County Schools. The announcement was made during the Harvest of Heroes ceremony Thursday, October 25 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center.

Theodocion was named a finalist during the evening event along with Rachel Rose (Mt. Carmel Elementary) and Grayce Rey (Locust Grove High School).

The top teacher in the district is a 24-year veteran teacher in Henry County Schools. She now moves on to represent the school system in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.

There were several sponsors for this year’s event, with combined total donations of nearly $30,000. Each sponsor helped support the event either with a gift for the semifinalists, finalists, the overall winner, and HERO Award winners or by donating other items necessary for a successful evening.

Theodocion received cash and prizes, including funds for professional development conferences, totaling over $8,000. The two finalists received cash and prizes in excess of $3,000. Semifinalists Felicia Partain (Rock Spring Elementary), Teresa Smith (Union Grove Middle School), and Tony Head (Ola High School) received items just over $1,500.

The biggest prize of the night was a one-time stipend from the school system to the Teacher of the Year for $5,000.

Also recognized at the evening’s ceremony were the HERO Award winners:

Van Cheeves, Facilities and Maintenance (Service Employee)

Darlene Campbell, Bus Driver (Transportation Employee)

Lee Ann Hopper, New Hope Elementary (School Nutrition Employee)

Norma Santiago-Bell, Hampton Elementary Charter School (Support Personnel)

Cristi Johnson, Locust Grove High School (Media Specialist)

Rebekah Ross, New Hope Elementary (Student Services Personnel)

Nicohl Webb, Pate’s Creek Elementary (Counselor)

All 53 Teachers of the Year from the respective schools in the district and HERO Award winners were recognized with plaques and flowers and items provided by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Shane’s Rib Shack, Cowboy Chicken, and Absolutely Flowers.

Special guests and entertainment for the evening included remarks by Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis, on-stage musical performances by the Dutchtown High School clarinet ensemble and Union Grove High School Chamber Orchestra Quartet, and a keynote address from outgoing HCS Teacher of the Year Krystal Richter.

Over 700 attendees to the event were greeted by musical performances in the lobby from the Union Grove Middle School string ensemble and the Hampton High School jazz band.

For more information on Henry County Schools, visit www. henry.k12.ga.us