Last Friday I had the pleasure of following Morgan County Board of Education Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr., as well as other directors in the school system as they set out on a journey to honor three well-deserving people in the Morgan County School System. This was the day the Secondary and Elementary Teachers of the Year, as well as the Support Person of the Year would be named. Traveling in a Hummer limo was fun, as was hanging out with several really great folks who work in the system. I think my early plans of working in education come back, and covering education lets me feel like I am still a part of the education system.

But back on track, all three of the folks chosen for the honors last Friday were more than deserving of the award. When Bill Hopkins walked into their classrooms both teachers had looks of surprise on their faces. Those looks of surprise turned to disbelief upon learning they had been chosen for the honor. When Sparkman Cafeteria Manager Darlene Jewellson was told she had won Support Person of the Year the same look of disbelief was apparent. But there were also tears of happiness shed that day as well. (To see the looks of surprise go the Hartselle Enquirer’s Facebook page for many photos of the event.)

One of the best parts of the day was spending time with these three ladies who were being honored. As we were traveling to the next school, I was given the opportunity to learn more about each of the winners. The dedication to their profession was easily concluded as each one shared their stories, why they chose this profession and what they enjoyed most about their jobs. Job is not a word either of the three could be described as doing each day.

All three of these ladies have what could be described as a servant’s heart. In fact, when learning they had won the honors and would be taking a limousine ride and treated to lunch and the rest of the day off, all three first responded with “what about my kids.”

Teaching is much more than simply transferring subject matter to students so that they can repeat it on a test. All three of these ladies expressed their love for their students and sincerely cared about the children learning, not just memorizing facts for a test paper. The winners wanted the best for their kids, whether in the classroom or making sure they had a warm meal and a smile when they walked into the cafeteria.

The love for the students and concern for their welfare puts folks who work with our children in a special position. All of the children in the school systems are blessed to have Kathleen Larsen, Paula Owens and Darlene Jewellson, along with many other teachers and support folks, who chose to work in education. May God bless all of the folks in education and thanks for the service you perform for all of our children.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.