MT. AIRY, Ga. — Habersham County Schools recognized its top educator and support staff member of the year during a ceremony held Thursday at Habersham Central High School.
Eighth-grade Georgia history teacher Jenna Blackwell of Wilbanks Middle School was named the district’s Teacher of the Year, while system school nurse Lindsay Morris was named Support Person of the Year.
Each school in the district selected a Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year, with district leaders choosing one overall winner in each category to represent Habersham County.
Wilbanks Middle School Principal Chris Chitwood introduced Blackwell during the ceremony, calling her “one of the best” educators he has worked with.
“She is a storyteller. She does a fantastic job. She cares so much about her students. It shows every day,” Chitwood said. “She loves coming to work … and out of 12 years of doing this … this is one of the best ones we’ve ever had.”
Following the ceremony, Blackwell said the recognition was deeply meaningful.
“I am so grateful to be a part of Habersham County School System,” she told Now Georgia. “This is actually my 30th year of teaching, and it means more to me than anybody will ever know.”
Blackwell, who teaches Georgia history, said she is passionate about helping students connect with the state’s past.
“I think it’s so important that we still let our students learn about our wonderful history of our state,” she said. “Born and raised in Georgia, so I absolutely love this place, and I just like to have students feel very passionate and interested in history.”
Chitwood said he was not surprised by her selection.
“I had a great idea this was coming, because she’s awesome,” he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that she is going to represent our county very, very well.”
Morris, who serves as the system’s school nurse, was recognized for her impact across the district in a role that is still relatively new.
Nursing Director Crystal Holcomb said Morris has made a lasting impression throughout the school system.
“She is not only a dedicated nurse, but she steps in to help anywhere she is needed,” Holcomb said. “Her kindness, thoughtfulness and genuine compassion are evident in everything that she does.”
Holcomb also highlighted Morris’ creativity, including a recent collaboration with the nutrition department that featured a student-focused safety campaign and music video.
After the ceremony, Morris described her position as both unique and meaningful.
“I’m in a new position for the county as the system school nurse. They’ve never had a system school nurse before, so it’s a really unique position,” she said. “I pour myself into this job and into the kids, and I truly want what’s best for the system.”
Morris said her work extends beyond students to include staff and fellow nurses across the district.
“I always say that I’m a school nurse, I’m not a student nurse,” she said. “We have the most exceptional team of nurses in our school system.”
Superintendent Patrick Franklin praised both honorees and the broader group of nominees.
“All our candidates are so well, but these two ladies just go over and beyond every day,” Franklin said. “We live in a great community and a great school system, but it all plays parts — having great people who work with our wonderful kids.”
The ceremony also featured a keynote address from John Fair of Peach State Federal Credit Union, who compared the work of educators to military service, citing a shared sense of mission, discipline and dedication.
Teachers of the Year recognized at each school included: Baldwin Elementary — Courtney Williams; Clarkesville Elementary — Andee Courson; Cornelia Elementary — Katie Hartrick; Demorest Elementary — Jennifer Reynolds; Fairview Elementary — Melissa Parker; Hazel Grove Elementary — Brianna Irvin; Level Grove Elementary — Alicia Dooley; Woodville Elementary — Lynette McDonald; Habersham Ninth Grade Academy — Dylan James; Habersham Success Academy — Rhonda Armour; North Habersham Middle — Stacey Gailey; South Habersham Middle — Savanna Hagerty; Wilbanks Middle — Jenna Blackwell; and Habersham Central High — Chris Akridge.
Support Persons of the Year included: Baldwin Elementary — Leann Hawkins; Clarkesville Elementary — Cindy Richardson; Cornelia Elementary — Angel Justus; Demorest Elementary — Chandler Herrin; Fairview Elementary — Carleen Monti; Hazel Grove Elementary — Michael Densmore; Level Grove Elementary — Maira Sanchez; Woodville Elementary — Amberly Pirkle; Habersham Ninth Grade Academy — Janet Patton; Habersham Success Academy — Evelyn Serrano; North Habersham Middle — Connie Adams; South Habersham Middle — Janice Welborn; Wilbanks Middle — Alex Cruz; Habersham Central High — Alejandra Gonzalez; Transportation — Candice Spurlock; Support Services — Holly Howard; and Central Office — Lindsey Morris.
