Bolivar Central High School Selects “Teachers of the (Second) Quarter”
Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) recognized seven teachers during the second quarter (second nine weeks of school) for their career performance. Those teachers include Bonnie Breeden, Lynleigh Butler, Jeremy Dickens, Angel Ferguson, Lindsey Huffman, Cherissa Spencer, and Lynne Wilson.
Just as their peers, who were recognized during the first nine weeks in October, they received a gift of a free loaded “Tiger’s Tea”, compliments from the BCHS Work-Based Learning classes. Mr. Dickens and Ms. Ferguson shared the Loaded Tiger Teas are a school-based enterprise of the self- contained classes, which they both teach. Because they work closely with the students and regularly assist with preparing the Tiger’s Tea, both will be gifted an alternative reward.
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 seven recognized teachers have a combined number of more than 60 years of teaching experience; three are proud BCHS graduates; one has been teaching for more than 35 years; two know the tea they are going to choose; two are still deciding;
Bonnie Breeden
Bonnie Breeden has been teaching at Bolivar Central High School for 36 years and currently teaches Geometry to tenth grade students. She graduated from BCHS in 1982.
“I love helping my students develop a true understanding of what they are learning. I love to see the smiles and nods when they ‘get it'”, said Ms. Breeden, who appreciates being recognized. “I am deeply appreciative for the recognition of being chosen as one of the teachers of the quarter, because we all work hard here at BCHS to make sure our students have a chance to succeed.”
Ms. Breeden is excited to enjoy her treat and has already placed her order.
“I ordered the ‘Tiger Invasion’ Tiger Tea for my gift,” said Ms. Breeden.
Lynleigh Butler
Lynleigh Butler has taught in the classroom for three years and also works as an RN at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (JMCGH), which she has done for eight years. She currently teaches the health sciences cluster, which includes the CNA, Medical Terminology, and Phlebotomy classes.
“I love the relationships I get to form with my students. I don’t teach a core class, so a large majority of my students take my classes because they have a genuine interest in our career field. It makes for enjoyable conversations and relationships that way,” said Ms. Butler. “My favorite class to teach is CNA because it’s so much more than just a certificate. It teaches them life skills that will be beneficial to them throughout their adult lives.”
Ms. Butler works alongside Ms. Huffman, who was also recognized this quarter. Both women teach the TCAT Jackson dual enrollment Nursing program.
“I couldn’t do this alone. Mrs. Huffman and I work so well together and that is the reason we have a successful program,” said Ms. Butler.
Ms. Butler is still deciding on her tea.
Jeremy Dickens
Jeremy Dickens has been teaching at BCHS for two years and teaches Self-Contained Education classes to ninth through twelfth grade students. He graduated from BCHS in the Class of 2010.
“I love making learning fun for my students,” said Mr. Dickens. “I hope that I could continue to be a shining light in the education of all children someday.”
Angel Ferguson
Angel Ferguson has been teaching for 13 years and is in her first year at BCHS teaching Self-Contained Education classes to ninth through twelfth grade students.
“I love building relationships with students and seeing them be successful in life. My favorite thing though is when a student has an ‘aha moment’. You can see the moment their eyes light up because they understand something new,” said Ms. Ferguson, who expressed her appreciation at being recognized . “I’m so appreciative for being recognized. It’s not every day you get recognized for the job you do.”
Although Ms. Ferguson graduated from Ripley High School in 2000, she has found her place at BCHS.
“Everyone at BCHS has been so welcoming and supportive. Of course, I couldn’t do my job without the support staff that work alongside me every day. Ms. Cherie Wynne, nurse Tawanda McKinnie, Mr. Willie Williams, coach Antonio Bonds, and co-teacher Jeremy Dickens. We also have wonderful administrators that are willing to jump in and help when we need them,” said Ms. Ferguson.
Although Ms. Ferguson will receive a different reward, she did share her favorite tea the class makes is Tiger Madness, which is a new flavor made with blue raspberry and limeade.
Lyndsey Huffman
Lyndsey graduated from Walnut High School (Mississippi) in 2010 and has been a teacher at BCHS for four years. She currently teaches to tenth through twelfth grade students.
“I love to see the nervous freshmen grow into confident young adults. Their critical thinking, knowledge, passion for healthcare, and compassion for their patients develop so much in their time at BCHS and it is amazing to watch,” said Ms. Ferguson. “It is such an honor to be recognized and I’m thankful for an administration that goes the extra mile to make our staff feel safe, seen, heard, and valued.”
Ms. Huffman, who loves tart/sour flavors, is looking forward to drinking the Tiger Madness tea.
Cherissa Spencer
Cherissa Spencer has been paraprofessional at BCHS for six years. She currently teaches Algebra 1.
“I love the support I get from my coworkers. I am currently working on my bachelor’s in mathematics education and they continuously give me encouragement to keep going,” said Ms. Spencer, who is a BCHS graduate of the Class of 1996. “I am so proud to work at the school I graduated from and thankful for this recognition.”
Ms. Spencer was not able to tell us her favorite tea, because she is still trying to decide.
“I don’t know because they all look yummy,” said Ms. Spencer.
Lynne Wilson
Lynne Wilson is in her first year at BCHS and teaches Biology. She is a graduate of Scotts Hill High School’s Class of 1999 where she also previously taught Biology, Life Science, and Physical Science.
“I absolutely love the adventures/lessons my students set forth to learn each day. I am surrounded by a wonderful group of people willing to assist if needed and a student body ready to learn,” said Ms. Wilson.
Ms. Wilson is looking forward to ordering her favorite tea, the Stupid Cupid.
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