Seventeen nominees have been announced for the Chamber of Commerce’s 26th annual Educator of the Year program.

A.J. Buddy Dees, Jr. has been the chairman of the Educator of the Year program since its inception in 1990, and he said the purpose of the program is to select an outstanding elementary educator and secondary educator.

“They were nominated by the people at their schools through secret ballot,” he said. “The selection process utilizes recognition by their peers and hopefully that’s meaningful to them.”

Once schools have selected their nominees, they go on to be interviewed by a panel of retired teachers, Dees said.

The two winners will each receive a $1,000 check from Ameristar Casino at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday at noon at the convention center.

Dees said the idea of this program is to give teacher’s some recognition from the business community.

“We all agree teachers ought to be paid more, and they’re grooming our students for the future,” he said. “They’re getting a little bit of monetary award also, and it’s just a way to give teachers a pat on the back when often they don’t get too many thank-yous.”

 

This year’s candidates are:

 

Christina Cochran

• School — Bovina Elementary

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education, University of West Florida

• I teach because: I want to make a difference in the future.

 

Melissa Broome

• School — Beechwood Elementary

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Mississippi State University and master’s degree in special education, University of Southern Mississippi

• I teach because: many children with disabilities need someone to believe in them.

 

Donna T. Carpenter

• School — Vicksburg High School

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in social studies education, Louisiana Tech University and master’s degree in English/library media, University of Louisiana at Monroe

• I teach because: I enjoy working with teens and helping them reach their potential.

 

Ruby N. Regan

• School — Warren Central Junior High School

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in music education, Jackson State University and master’s degree in vocal performance, Mississippi College

• I teach because: I love enhancing the musical gift God has given children.

 

Terry Lee Wong

• School — Warren Central High School

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in math education, Delta State University and bachelor’s degree in accounting, Mississippi State University

• I teach because: it makes me happy seeing people succeed.

 

Tamakki Parson Burks

• School — South Park Elementary

• Education — Associate degree in general studies, Hinds Community College, bachelor’s degree in accounting, Jackson State University and master’s degree in elementary education, Alcorn State University

• I teach because: I enjoy seeing learning take place and growth being met.

 

Helen Mullins Ashley

• School — Sherman Avenue Elementary

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education, specialist’s degree in elementary education and doctoral degree in educational leadership, Mississippi College

• I teach because: it’s not just what I do; it’s who I am.

 

Sherry Garmon

• School — Bowmar Elementary

• Education — Associate degree in elementary education, Jefferson Davis Jr. College, Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, University of Southern Mississippi, gifted certification, University of Southern Mississippi in Gulfport and master’s degree in elementary education, Mississippi College

• I teach because: teaching gives me a sense of pride, it’s my passion.

 

Tierra Collins

• School — Vicksburg Junior High School

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in history, Mississippi State University, master’s degree in social studies education, University of West Alabama and master’s degree in student affairs in higher education, University of West Alabama

• I teach because: educators possess knowledge to empower students to reach their goals.

 

Ida M. Allen

• School — Warrenton Elementary

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Tougaloo College

• I teach because: I love to inspire, persuade, and motivate students to learn.

 

Jordan Amborn

• School — St. Aloysius High School

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Louisiana State University

• I teach because: I want to lead by example in my life.

 

Virginia W. Campbell

• School — St. Francis Xavier Elementary

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in education, University of Mississippi and master’s degree in education, Mississippi College

• I teach because: I love it!

 

 

Ashley Coomes

• School — Redwood Elementary

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Mississippi College

• I teach because: it’s what I was meant to do; it’s my calling.

 

Joshua D. Stewart

• School — Warren Central Intermediate

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, Mississippi College

• I teach because: teaching is the most noble, helpful, and honest profession.

 

Jennifer H. Stinson

• School — Porter’s Chapel Academy

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and family life consumer sciences, Mississippi College

• I teach because: it is rewarding to see students learn.

 

Frances Warren

• School — Porter’s Chapel Academy

• Education — Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in civil engineering, Mississippi State University and administration certification, Delta State University

• I teach because: of the excitement of students when they understand a concept.

 

Penny Register

• School — Dana Road Elementary

• Education — Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in special education, Mississippi State University

• I teach because: of “aha moments,” when a student suddenly realizes they get it!