Bolivar Central High School Selects “Teachers of the (First) Quarter”
Just as area students are recognized on the honor roll each quarter for their academic performance, Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) is recognizing teachers each quarter on their career performance in the classroom. BCHS chose teachers Nikki Davis, William Griggs, Vicki Harris, Kyrayla Kimmons, Mystic Taylor, and Alex Vales, as Teachers of the Quarter, for the first nine weeks of school. The Teachers of the Quarter received a gift of a free loaded “Tiger’s Tea”, compliments from one of the BCHS Work-Based Learning classes.
Each Teacher of the Quarter took a moment to share a bit about themselves; their careers as teachers; what they love most about their job; and their Tiger Tea of choice. The five recognized teachers have a combined number of almost 43 years teaching at BCHS; three are English teachers and two are math teachers; four are proud BCHS graduates; three chose Tiger Berry tea for the win; two graduated in the same class; one was valedictorian of their Class; and all six love their jobs as teachers and were timely on submitting their “school assignment” to Hatchie Press by the deadline, so this article could be written.
Nikki Davis
Nikki Davis is a graduate of BCHS Class of 2010 and has taught at the school for 10 years. She teachers ninth grade English I and tenth grade English II, as well as English as a Second Language. Ms. Davis shared what she loves about her job.
“I love being able to talk to students about a variety of topics that come up while reading texts in the classroom. I also love to make learning enjoyable for the students and be a positive influence,” said Ms. Davis, who also expressed her appreciation for being recognized. “Just that each of us appreciate the shout out, and that is a reciprocal feeling. Our current admin team is so appreciated for noticing all the little things that teachers do. We notice each of the things they (admin) do as well, especially all the hard work that happens behind the scenes.”
Ms. Davis was not sure about the tea she would choose, but was certain it would definitely be something caffeine free.
“All of the flavors are so great, it is hard to choose,” said Ms. Davis.
William Griggs
Mr. William Griggs is a graduate of BCHS Class of 2015 and has taught at the school for a little over one year. He is the band director and teaches the band for ninth through twelfth grades. Mr. Griggs absolutely loves his job and shared more about what he does.
“The thing that I love the most about my job is the lives that are changed through it. There is nothing like seeing a student rise in band with hard work and discipline,” said Mr. Griggs. “I hope that I continue to be a positive light inside of it. Thank you to the ones who thought that I deserved this reward.”
Mr. Griggs is undecided on the tea he will choose but is confident it will be good.
“I do not know yet, but I understand they are all delicious,” said Mr. Griggs.
Vicki Harris
Vicki Harris is a graduate of the BCHS Class of 1988 and a “proud BCHS Tiger through and through”! She teaches ninth grade English I and Honors English I. Ms. Harris has taught for 30 years with 27 of them being at BCHS. She shared what she loves about her job.
“I love getting to see the smile on students’ faces when they figure something out or accomplish something they didn’t think they were capable of doing. I try to be a positive part of their day; someone they know is always cheering for them to reach their fullest potential,” said Ms. Harris. “I am honored to be chosen as one of the teachers of the quarter and really enjoy being part of a team that is committed to preparing our students for career/college opportunities in the future. BCHS is a great place to be!”
Ms. Harris already knows her tea of choice.
“I am excited to try the Tiger Invasion tea,” said Ms. Harris.
Kyrayla Kimmons
Kyrayla Kimmons is a graduate of the BCHS Class of 2015. She has taught English IV – senior class (12th) at BCHS for four years. Ms. Kimmons shared what she loves about her job.
“I love the connections I make with my students. They’re like my own children, said Ms. Kimmons, who shared her appreciation of being recognized. “I’d just like to say I feel honored and that I truly appreciate being recognized for the hard work and effort I put into being the best educator I can be for my students.”
Ms. Kimmons has a pretty good idea of the tea she will order.
“I will probably choose Tiger Berry. It looks pretty and is blue raspberry flavored,” said Ms. Kimmons.
Mystic Taylor
Mystic Taylor graduated from Haywood High School with the Class of 2002. She has been teaching for almost four years with three at Sunny Hill School in Haywood County as a fifth-grade math teacher. Ms. Taylor is currently in her first year at BCHS teaching ninth grade Algebra I. She loves being able to help her students achieve their goals.
“I enjoy helping students achieve what they thought was impossible,” said Ms. Taylor, who is pleased with her move to BCHS. “Since being hired, everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. It’s a great atmosphere and the culture here at BCHS makes me proud to be a part of the staff.”
Ms. Taylor did not hesitate when sharing the tea she would be getting.
“Tiger Berry is the tea,” said Ms. Taylor.
Alex Vales
Alex Vales did not bleed green, but did finish high school as a Tiger graduating with the Class of 2008 from Middleton High School as its valedictorian. He has taught for 11 years at BCHS and currently teaches Algebra II to eleventh grade and twelfth grade students. Mr. Vales loves his job and working with the students that come through the doors of BCHS.
“Seeing the students grow up and mature within the four years that they are there is what I love,” said Mr. Vales. “I am very appreciative to be recognized.”
Mr. Vales already knows the tea he will chose.
“Tiger Berry,” said Mr. Vales.
Teachers can make a positive difference in the life of a child. Congratulations to the Teachers of the Quarter, who are making that difference.
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