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Outstanding teachers across Butler County were recognized for their dedication and contributions at the Butler County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Mar. 20. Superintendent Joe Eiland presented each honoree with a plaque before announcing the county’s Teacher of the Year awards.

“…this is absolutely, I think, my favorite board meeting of every year, where we get to showcase, honor and recognize those individuals who have proven themselves a step above in their duties and a step above in their actions as well as the dedication that they demonstrate every day in the classroom and the amazing job that they do in creating,” Eiland said. “And this is the thing that I got into education for — creating better outcomes for children.”

Teachers from each of the county’s schools were recognized, including:

• Tina Guy, Greenville High School
• Elicia Allen, Greenville Middle School (Elementary)
• Katherine Hale, Greenville Middle School (Secondary)
• Tiffany Thomas-Bellamy, Greenville Elementary School
• Patricia Cook, McKenzie School (Elementary)
• Brian Bradford, McKenzie School (Secondary)
• Xianszelle Grace, W. O. Parmer Elementary School
• Melinda Everett, Georgiana School (Secondary)
• Tammy Glass, Georgiana School (Elementary)

Grace was also named Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“I was really not expecting to win,” Grace said. “I just want to thank God for this amazing accomplishment. I would also like to thank Superintendent Joe Eiland… my principal, Jackie Thornton, our assistant principal, Ms. Monique. I would like to thank the board members and my family and my students, because without my students, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”

Coach Brian Bradford of McKenzie School was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“We’ve got a great school there, got a great admin, they set you up where you, I mean, you can’t help but be a good teacher, because they’ve got such a good support system,” Bradford said. “The young adults are outstanding. Because of the school, it’s easy, it’s easy to do good.”

The ceremony concluded with applause from board members and attendees, recognizing the teachers for their unwavering commitment to Butler County students.