Published: April 30, 2006 01:40 pm      

Kemmer, Barnes, Robinson win county's top teacher awards

Cumberland County's teachers of the year were honored April 20 with a banquet at Martin Elementary School.

Calvin Kemmer of Cumberland County High School was named county-wide teacher of the year for grades nine through 12, Stephanie Barnes of Stone Elementary received the county-wide honor for grades five through eight, and the county-wide teacher of the year for kindergarten through fourth grade is Susan Robinson of Homestead Elementary.

"He cares about his students," Janet Graham, CCHS principal, said of Kemmer, who is also CCHS teacher of the year.

Kemmer teaches U.S. government to seniors at CCHS. He has been teaching in his current position for eight years and has 11 years of teaching experience.

Susan Robinson is completing her first year of teaching kindergarten at Homestead Elementary. She has 35 years of teaching experience.

Aarona VanWinkle, Homestead Elementary principal, said "I watch her change a child's life one at a time."

Stephanie Barnes teaches math and spelling to sixth-graders at Stone Elementary. She has been teaching in that position for nine years and has 11 years of teaching experience.

In addition to Barnes, Anita Franklin was also named teacher of the year at Stone Elementary.

Interim Principal Susanne Wilson said, "I can't say enough about these ladies."

Connie Austin also received teacher of the year at Homestead Elementary.

VanWinkle said, "She helps wherever she's needed."

At Crab Orchard Elementary, Susan Denton and Mary Hamby were named teachers of the year.

Lynette Aslinger and Stacy Monday were honored as teachers of the year at Brown Elementary.

Principal Jenny Partin said of Monday, "She's our school dynamo."

The teachers of the year at Martin Elementary are Velma Hawn and Cathy Cathey.

Principal Rebecca Wood said, "She [Hawn] is the next Bill Nye the Science Guy. She leaves no stone unturned. And Cathy is our school cheerleader."

Chrissy Wirey and Kevin "Brad" Houston were named teachers of the year at North Cumberland Elementary.

Principal Pat Allen said, "I'm really proud of her [Wirey], and he [Houston] steps up to the plate when I need help."

At Pine View Elementary, the teachers of the year are Stacey Rhea and Robert Bennett.

Principal Dr. Janet Brooker said of Rhea, "She's our cornerstone. She enjoys the kids."

Teresa Thompson and Patricia Koehl were named teachers of the year at Pleasant Hill Elementary.

Principal Mary Ann Kotus said, "Her [Thompson's] kids love her for her sense of humor. Pat [Koehl] is very innovative in teaching reading and English."

The teachers of the year at South Cumberland Elementary are Mary Londa Tatum and Robin Inman.

Principal Darrell Threet said, "She [Tatum] really cares about the students, and if anything needs to be done, Robin helps."

The educators were given certificates from Gondola's, Cracker Barrel, Ryan's Family Steak House and Lowe's. The county-wide teachers of the year were given certificates from Forte's at Tansi, Halcyon Days and Ruby Tuesday.