September 29, 2006- For Immediate Release
Columbia County Schools – 4781 Hereford Farm Road, Evans, GA 30809
For more information contact Karen Ribble at 706-541-2723 ext. 5210

Columbia County Announces Teacher of the Year

Business Community Shows Support for Prestigious Recognition

Ms. Penny Barclay, a language arts teacher at Grovetown Middle in Columbia County, has been named County Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007 at last nights special program held at Westlake Country Club. The Teacher of the Year Awards Dinner honors each Teacher of the Year from the County’s 28 schools, along with the Media Specialist of the Year. “This is a very special occasion where we celebrate those teachers identified by their peers exhibiting the qualities that define excellence in teaching. We are very appreciative of the support from our system-wide business partners, and especially proud of the generous gifts provided this year from the business community to Ms. Barclay and all our teachers,” said Tommy Price, Superintendent of Schools.

One of the new donations to this year’s system-wide business partnership program is a one-year lease agreement for the use of a 2006 Jaguar X-Type 3.0 from Hank Aaron Jaguar/Landrover Augusta, along with vehicle insurance provided by Cobbs Allen & Hall.

“A teacher plays such an important part in a children’s life that we all probably can remember a favorite teacher that made a difference in our own lives. Our contribution is a small gesture to show our appreciation for what Columbia County teachers do for our kids,” said Sidney Barron, Vice-President and General Manager for Hank Aaron Jaguar/Landrover Augusta. Mr. Barron handed the keys to Ms. Barclay to her brand new 2006 Jaguar, which she will be able to drive for one year.

Added benefits with the 2006 Jaguar X-Type 3.0 include leather interior, Bluetooth Connectivity, Satellite Radio, Premium Package and Moonroof Package. Hank Aaron Jaguar/Landrover Augusta is located at 4180 Washington Road in Evans. Mr. Sidney Barron can be reached at 706-650-6755.

Each school has its own selection process for Teacher of the Year. County educators narrow the school list to five finalists. Each finalist is interviewed and observed in the classroom by a three-judge panel of educators from outside the county. The Teacher of the Year evening’s program can be found by going to www.ccboe.net/community

Ms. Barclay has been teaching sixteen years in Columbia County. She has taught several grade levels across the US including US Soldiers in California, gifted students in Georgia, and special education students in Hawaii. Ms. Barclay has two master’s degrees, one in public administration and one in education, and has also earned a specialist degree in communication skills from Augusta State University. Currently, she is working on a doctoral program in teacher leadership. Ms.Barclay will represent Columbia County in the state Teacher of the Year program.

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