AMERICUS — The announcement of the 2009-10 Teacher of the Year (TOTY) from Sumter County Schools began in March 2009. With selection by teachers from their respective schools, the selected eight teachers began the time-consuming summer process of completing the Teacher of the Year application.

These completed applications were read and evaluated by the 2008 Teachers of the Year. The top three teachers’ applications were then presented to three final judges, a school board member, a retired teacher and a long-time supporter of Sumter County Schools, for final selection.

Sumter County Middle Schools was prepared for the Wednesday presentation of these eight finalists and the naming of the Sumter County Schools Teacher of the Year. Principal Kimothy Hadley, Assistant Principal Michael Cullifer, Kip Harris and the school’s “top authority leadership: team coordinated the staging for this announcement. The Sumter County Nutrition Department filled a buffet table with their best recipes.

Donnie Smith, Professional Learning coordinator for Sumter County Schools, hosted the celebration. After his welcome, Hadley greeted a spirited crowd of school board members, teachers, family and community supporters to Sumter County Middle School.

To celebrate the recent signal findings and suggestions of the SACS AdvanED Team, Sumter School Board Chair Donna Minich reminded guests of the goodness, ongoing work and challenges in Sumter County Schools as greatness continues with the mission statement to “Graduate all students.”

Americus High School graduate and President-CEO of Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, then shared his appreciation for the celebration and for the continued involvement of Citizens Bank in the annual TOTY recognition. As in the past, Whaley carried checks for the TOTY representatives. Joining the gift presentation this year was a free one-night stay at Plains Inn presented by Jan Williams. A session with noted educator Ron Clark and his leadership academy in Atlanta was presented by Partner In Education member, the Americus Rotary Club.

As anticipation increased, each school principal presented their respective nominee to the audience. With introduction, each was presented a monetary gift from the school, flowers or special gifts and gratitude for their work. Whaley also congratulated each teacher and presented a check for $200.

Fellow teachers and family stood and applauded their respective winners as Mike Ryan from Cherokee Elementary, Laura Gerlach from Sumter County Elementary, Deborah Johnson from Sarah Cobb School, Travis Bishop from Sumter County Primary, Amy Strickland from Sumter County Middle School, Lorrie McDowell from The Freshman Academy, Linda Ross from Americus-Sumter County High South Campus and Jennifer Dawson from Staley Middle School.

Before the announcement of the Teacher of the Year from Sumter County Schools, Superintendent Dennis McMahon, Ph.D., shared his appreciation for the work of all teachers in the Sumter County Schools system. “As some have said here tonight, we will soon name the ‘cream of the cream of the top.’ I do not know the winner, but in my book, you are all winners. Thank you for all you do,” said McMahon.

Smith then read, “I’ve wanted to teach third grade since I was a third grader ... my golden locks have darkened but my dazzling future of being that unforgettable classroom teacher never did. How many people get to live their dream?” He then announced, “Ms. Laura Gerlach from Sumter County Elementary School is the 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year from Sumter County Schools.” Immediately, the audience stood with respectful appreciation as Whaley stepped forward to present another check for $1,000 to Gerlach.

The hour-long program ended as guests mingled and enjoyed the light food creations.