Stephens County Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Winners Announced

L-R Deputy Superintendent John Stith, Brooke Westbrook, Peach State Federal CreditUnion (banquet and award sponsor), Amanda Powell, SCSS Teacher of the Year, and Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin.

Amanda Powell, a Stephens County Middle School (SCMS) math teacher and 8th grade girls basketball coach, has been named the Stephens County School System Teacher of the Year. 

The Stephens County School System Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year for 2024-25 were announced on September 18, 2024, and the overall system-wide winners were named during a special banquet held at The Venue at Broken Bridge Farms and sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union on October 22.

Powell has served the Stephens County School System for 10 years, and middle school principal Paul DeFoor said, “Mrs. Amanda Powell truly embodies our school motto: Believe. LEAD. Inspire. She believes in the potential of every student, leading them with compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her innovative teaching methods inspire students and colleagues alike, creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment. Mrs. Powel’s impact extends beyond academics; she instills confidence in her students and players, making a lasting difference in their lives. We are honored to have her represent our district and school as Teacher of the Year.”

The Stephens County School System Teacher of the Year will represent Stephens County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.

Also, Janet Charles was named the 2024  Stephens County School System Support Person of the Year. She has served the school nutrition department for 18 years and was nominated as the support person of the year by Stephens County Fifth Grade Academy’s employees.

Stephens County Fifth Grade Academy Principal Joni Whitfield said, “Ms. Janet Charles exemplifies what it means to be a “person of the year.” She is affectionately known as “The Breakfast Cart Lady,” and each morning Ms. Janet greets every teacher and student who passes by, usually calling them by name. She tells every student to ‘have a good day.’ She often tells them she looks forward to seeing them tomorrow. Her smile and genuine concern warm our halls and the hearts of all those around her.  This continues as she is seen daily in the cafeteria offering support to the other workers and taking the initiative to refresh items so that everyone who enters the lunchroom is offered a fresh meal.  She is the most genuine soul and is dedicated to doing her part to foster a positive school culture at Fifth Grade Academy and Stephens County Middle School.  Her work ethic, dedication, and passion for people make her a well-deserving candidate for the Support Person of the Year honor.”

The Support Staff and Teachers of the Year for 2024-25 by school or department are:
2024-25 Teachers of the Year:
Big A Elementary School: Alison LaFevers
Liberty Elementary School: Tara Weimann
Toccoa Elementary School: Savannah Canady
Stephens County 5th Grade Academy: Andrea Dalrymple
Stephens County Middle School: Amanda Powell
Stephens County High School: Claire Segars
2024-25 Support Staff of the Year:
Big A Elementary School: Andrea DeFoor
Liberty Elementary School: Jennifer Johnson
Toccoa Elementary School: Munique Thurmond
Stephens County 5 th Grade Academy: Janet Charles
Stephens County Middle School: Kelly Dodd
Stephens County High School: Brianna Thomason
District Advancement Academy: Daniel Mayfield
District Central Office: Melody Copelan
District Maintenance: Crayton Gaines
District Technology: Jessie Painter
District Transportation: Manda Dean
Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin adds, “We are incredibly proud to honor this year’s Teacher and Support Persons of the Year. Their passion for education, dedication to our students, and unwavering commitment to student success inspire us all. Congratulations to all the 2024-25 winners on this well-deserved recognition.”

L-R Deputy Superintendent John Stith, Brooke Westbrook, Peach State Federal Credit
Union (award sponsor), Janet Charles, SCSS Support Person of the Year, and
Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin.