A special group of staff members were recognized for their outstanding achievements and service to the Tate County School District at a banquet before the board of trustees meeting Tuesday, Feb. 8.
“Our entire district staff is the best in Tate County. There is not another one better,” said Superintendent Alee’ Dixon. “The seven individuals we are honoring represent the best of the best.”
Each year, the Tate County school board acknowledges employees and a parent that typically go above and beyond normal duties to ensure the district, comprised of East Tate Elementary, Independence High School, Coldwater Elementary and High School, and Strayhorn Elementary and High School, is providing students with the best education possible.
The award for Administrator of the Year was presented to Katrina Ricks, currently in her fifth year as principal at Strayhorn Elementary. Ricks, a 2002 graduate of Independence High, has worked in the Tate County School district the past 15 years. She previously served as assistant principal at East Tate, assistant principal and process manager at Coldwater Elementary, and teacher at Strayhorn Elementary.
“This has always been home to me,” Ricks said. “I have made many connections over the years and love the family and friends that I have discovered along the way.”
Netta Davis, a third-year U.S. and World History instructor at Strayhorn High School, was selected Teacher of the Year in the Tate County School District. She said going to work each day is like being with a small family.
“Teaching in a small community is beneficial in so many ways because it’s easier to get to know the students and connect with the staff,” Davis explained. “It also helps when you love what you do.”
Davis, who taught in Georgia for nine years before landing at Strayhorn, is one of four Congressional District finalists for the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year award. The winner will be announced Feb. 25, in Biloxi.
Tate County School District officials also honored the following individuals at the banquet:
Parent of the Year – Charonda Newsom
Staff of the Year – Misty Lacefield
Food Service Employee of the Year – Heather Young
Bus Driver of the Year – Wayne Hayes
Transportation Employee of the Year – Lee Otis Smith
