Brown County teachers were honored at the annual Brown County In-Service held at Western Brown High School on Aug. 20. Over 600 teachers, administrators, and staff members were in attendance to acknowledge and applaud the nominees for the LEE Excellence in Education Award.

There were six teachers honored, including Krystal Haney – Western Brown nominee, Susan McElroy – Southern Hills Career and Technical Center nominee, Mary Sonner – Ripley Union Lewis Huntington nominee, James Loudan – Georgetown Exempted Village nominee, Kim Strunk – Fayetteville Perry nominee, and Sherry Torello –Eastern Brown nominee. This year’s honored recipient of the LEE Award is Sonner, a technology teacher for RULH School District.

The LEE Excellence in Education Award, initiated by Dr. J.W. Lee, of Georgetown, in conjunction with the Brown County Educational Service Center, recognizes the most outstanding teachers in the Brown County Schools. Throughout the last school year, nominations were made by colleagues, students, and community members of each school district.

Based on the following criteria, a candidate was chosen by each district to be a representative: worked as a full time classroom teacher, set high expectations for students and self, inspired students, colleagues, and the community, maintained a high level of professionalism and professional growth, demonstrated concern and respect for students, and employed in a Brown County school for the 2014-2015 school year.

Each candidate received a plaque of recognition and $250 to spend on classroom materials. The LEE winner received a personal check donated by an anonymous donor in the amount of $1,000.

From left, Mr. Steve Dembo – National Technology Guest Speaker, Mrs. Mary Sonner – Brown County Teacher of the Year, Dr. Linda Naylor – Superintendent of Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington School District, and Mr. James Frazier – Superintendent of the Brown County Educational Service Center.
https://www.ripleybee.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_15.16-LEE-Winner.-Mary-Sonner1.jpgFrom left, Mr. Steve Dembo – National Technology Guest Speaker, Mrs. Mary Sonner – Brown County Teacher of the Year, Dr. Linda Naylor – Superintendent of Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington School District, and Mr. James Frazier – Superintendent of the Brown County Educational Service Center. Submitted photo

Staff Report