Henry County Schools recently held its 2022 Teacher of the Year award celebration – honoring standout teachers from every school throughout the district. Held at the McDonough Performing Arts Center, this year’s celebration was sponsored by the Georgia United Credit Union and was attended largely by community members, friends of the district, and invited guests. Hundreds more also joined online.
Following a rigorous nomination, review, and selection process, 6 semi-finalists were named earlier this year, which led to each being considered for the district’s top award. Emerging from the semi-finalists were three sole finalists.
Amanda Malette, a first-grade teacher at East Lake Elementary, was awarded with the top honor and was named the district’s elementary and overall teacher of the year. In the surprise announcement, Mrs. Malette was notified by her student, Zoey, who said, “I know that I belong in Henry because of my teacher. She is amazing and makes me feel special every day.”
is joined by her family at the award ceremony.
Special photo
While being showered with gifts and congratulations from a community of well-wishers, Mrs. Malette acknowledged Henry County Schools, her family, and reaffirmed her love of children. Mrs. Malette will now move on to represent the district in the statewide Teacher of the Year competition, which will be decided later this year.
Additional winners recognized during the celebration were David Crumbley from Impact Academy, who was honored as the middle school teacher of the year, and Valerie Russell from the Academy of Advanced Studies, who was announced as the high school awardee.
During her remarks, Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis reminded guests of how significant it is to be recognized as a teacher during one of the most difficult times we’ve ever experienced in public education. She said, “I’m so very proud of our teachers. They represent the very best of who we are as a district – working each day to keep our students first and to work tirelessly to meet their needs.”
Board Chair Holly Cobb added, “There is nothing more noble than a teacher, and no work more challenging than educating a child. We are grateful to have such talented people in Henry County, and so we celebrate our teachers for all that they have done for our district.”
