Celebrating over 50 Teachers of the Year, distributed throughout Augusta schools, Richmond County announced Terri Green as the 2024 Teacher of the Year – the first high school educator to be awarded the title since 2012.
Green received the award Thursday evening, Sept. 28, at downtown’s Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center and thanked many people including the county, her coworkers, her husband and kids, as well as her school administration and students.
With shaking hands, Green, who is currently a science teacher at Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School, has been a part of the Richmond County School System for 13 years, and said she was honored to be selected for the annual award.
“I am profoundly humble and deeply grateful to stand before you today as the recipient of the Teacher of the Year for our entire county,” said Green. “This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the incredible dedication, resilience and passion that every educator in our county exhibits everyday.”
As the county cheered for Green’s success, she continued by expressing more thanks to many loved ones and friends.
“To my wonderful administration at Laney, you are truly my backbone and I thank you for your continued support,” said Green. “To my teacher crew … you are the wind beneath my wings. None of us reaches this level of excellence alone, and your wisdom and friendship have been invaluable.”
Prior to the announcement of which finalist won the award, Richmond County’s Board of Education President Charlie Walker Jr. shared some words of thankfulness for the dedication of county teachers.
“What a great crowd. These events are always special because it does celebrate our best,” said Walker. “Hopefully this evening is a culmination of the good work that all of y’all are doing every single day in our school system.”
Before passing the baton onto Green, the county’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, Shikara Willis, offered advice and spoke words of encouragement to her fellow educators.
“I want to congratulate all the Teachers of the Year with a job well done,” Willis said. “Your dedication to your school and your community is what has brought you to this very moment.”
Speaking on a personal experience of how she persevered to help a student overcome individual learning challenges, Willis told a tale of conquering a young boy’s educational shortcomings by building up a strong reading foundation in record time.
“In your eyes, you haven’t done anything special. You just do your job,” she said. “You give 100% of what you have to your students daily, even if that means you’re exhausted at the end of the day … take time to make sure you build yourself up.”
Earlier in the ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Bradshaw recognized and congratulated the county’s several Teachers of the Year with honorary plaques.
Following a musical tribute and video presentations of the five finalists, Bradshaw and Willis then proceeded to make the long-awaited announcement of who won the honorable title.
“I must also thank my new teacher mentor and the colleagues who have guided and supported me throughout my career,” said Green. “My mentor is Joey Martin and I can say that I would not have made it here today without him.”
After tears were shed and the thunderous cheers quieted, Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Cecil Clark ended the banquet with some closing remarks on behalf of the county.
“Congratulations to all of our Teachers of the Year,” he said. “I want you to just savor this moment and savor this year folks. You are a part of a really exclusive club being a Teacher of the Year. People can work their entire career being a great teacher and still not get this privilege. This is a very special moment. Richmond County is in good hands.”
Principal of Lucy C. Laney High School, Dr. Cordaryl C. Middleton, and many others shared exchanges of happiness at Green’s success in winning the prestigious award.
“I am so excited,” he said. “I finally have a Teacher of the Year for the Richmond County School System at Lucy C. Laney, and it’s overwhelming in a sense, but it’s also well deserved for her.”
After the ceremony, Bradshaw spoke of his pride at Green’s passion for educating, and his hope for the county’s upcoming school year.
“I hope she continues to do a great job in representing the Richmond County School System,” he said. “We’re so excited and so proud of her, and she does a wonderful job. There’s a lot of good things to come.”
Donated gifts awarded to Green for her achievement in becoming Richmond County’s Teacher of the Year included a diamond necklace, a white gold necklace, an embroidered Richmond County blazer, several gift cards, $5,000, a 2023 Mercedes EQB and many more items.
“When I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of the words of the great educator Rita Pierson, who said, ‘every child deserves a champion – an adult who would never give up on them,’” said Green. “I believe it is the duty of every teacher in our county to be that champion for our students.”
As the night drew to a close and congratulations were offered one final time, many teachers and staff were seen exiting the convention center with smiling faces, ready to face the following school day with renewed excitement.
“As we celebrate today, let us not forget that the true measure of our success lies in the future, because education is a lifelong journey,” said Green. “Let this recognition serve as a reminder that we must continue to innovate, adapt and advocate for the best interests of our students.”
