Public school educators and coaches are some of the hardest-working individuals we know, and we asked YOU to name your favorites. Read on to meet just a few of Mississippi’s brightest lights – and be on the lookout next year to submit YOUR tributes!
Jennifer Adams is a choir teacher at Germantown Middle School who allows the love of Jesus to shine through her. Even when she is challenged with things that contradict her beliefs, she responds in Love. Her love of the Lord is why she serves her students so well! – Jeff and Pam Miley, small group leaders
Emma Couch, computer science teacher at Lovett Elementary School (in Clinton), is not only the most incredible teacher but she loves each one of her students and shows them the love of Christ without even having to say His name! – Jarred Couch, husband
When people hear the name Melanie Hardy (sixth-grade math and science teacher at Yazoo County Middle School), it’s usually followed by, ‘Oh, she was my favorite teacher,’ or ‘She’s the sweetest person ever.’ When I hear her name, I think loving mother, tremendous educator, and God-fearing Christian. She is the individual I strive to be like every day. – Sarah Elizabeth Hardy, daughter
My mother, Stephanie Housley, has taught at the Rankin County School District for many years as a family and consumer science teacher. She has a passion for serving others and exemplifies hospitality to those at her workplace and in the community. – Anna Claire O’Cain, daughter
Ronald Huddleston’s heart for God, the students, and the parents he served was evident from our first interaction. His nurturing yet structured demeanor with students encourages them to be the best God intends for their lives. As principal of Midtown Public Charter School, he goes beyond a name on a teacher’s roster and sees students as individuals who will contribute positively to their community. He is a leader led by God. – Tonja Murphy, former coworker
There’s no doubt about it – teaching is hard. But as followers of Christ, the way teachers deal with these challenges should be radically different than how everyone else does. As the Brandon High School FCA sponsor, Scott Huskey promotes building strong character and establishing relationships with other Christians to hold one another accountable. – Teresa Howell, parent of BHS student
Coach Huskey shined for Christ in many ways on the field. As a girl who was on his cross-country team, he created many examples of what having a relationship with Christ is like. We would always pray for strength and positivity before our races to be able to run for Christ in the right manner. Him also being a leader for Christ on the field meant that he was also creating a Christ-like team by glorifying God. – Savannah Martin, BHS Class of 2024
Tonia Kersh of Northside Elementary in Pearl is not afraid to talk about her faith in front of staff or students. She is able to touch so many students in a positive way. She retired last year, but she still does long-term subbing, and she will always be a legend at Northside! – Dr. Teena Welborn, former coworker
My precious daughter is a fourth-generation teacher who loves her students (eighth-grade U.S. history at Olde Towne Middle School) and shows them the love of Jesus through everything she does. She goes above and beyond to show each student how much she cares for them. Carney Holloway Lomas is living out her calling! – Suzanne Hollingshead, mother
I was Lindsey Robinson’s admin in Simpson County. She loved her students! She went above and beyond to get test scores high while keeping Christian values. She was the sweetest to everyone: parents, students, fellow teachers. She portrayed Christian values with everything she did and said. She now teaches eighth-grade science at Raleigh High. – Dr. Teena Welborn, former coworker