The school board of Hamilton County recently recognized two employees at a reception held March 14 at the Administrative Complex.

Allison Scott, an instructor at South Hamilton Elementary, was selected as 2012 Teacher of the Year and Mavis Troy, clerk-typist for the Nutrition Services office, was selected as 2011 School-Related Employee of the Year.

Scott was among five nominees for Teacher of the Year. The other four nominees were Charles Claridy, Central Hamilton Elementary; Jamillah Green, Hamilton County High School; Allen Tolle, North Hamilton Elementary; and Elizabeth Taylor, Greenwood/Panther.

Troy was among seven nominees for the honor. The other six were Glen Sowells, Central Hamilton Elementary; Linda Taylor, Hamilton County High School; Linda Goolsby, North Hamilton Elementary; Linda Thomas, South Hamilton Elementary; Ann Anglin, Greenwood/Panther; and Bobby Morgan, general services.

“I am excited and extremely proud to represent Hamilton County as the District’s Teacher of the Year!” Scott said. “I share this award with the many individuals who have encouraged, inspired and mentored me during this educational journey. I owe a huge debt to my students who motivate me each and every day with their wisdom and inquisitive nature. My students are the wind beneath my wings.”

Scott firmly believes that the greatest contribution to the education of her students is her quest to pursue her own professional development. Her thirst for knowledge allows her to provide the most current teaching methods and research-based strategies to capitalize on student achievement. She stated that articulating high expectations is of vital importance.

“I teach my students that there is nothing they can’t do,” said Scott, who has been teaching for 13 years. “If you reach for the top and believe in yourself, it can be done.”

Scott has taught second, third and sixth grades and is currently a kindergarten teacher at South Hamilton Elementary. Her other educational experience includes serving as administrative assistant and parent involvement specialist at South Hamilton. She holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, Florida A & M University, and a master of science degree in counseling and psychology, Troy State University.

“As a believer in continuous self improvement and with the support of my family, I am currently pursuing a second masters in educational leadership and reading at Saint Leo University,” Scott said. “My goal is to continue to research innovative teaching methods to institute change needed for students to maximize their potential academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Scott relocated to the White Springs area from Panama City five years ago to marry the love of her life, Timothy Scott, a native of White Springs. They have two beautiful daughters, Alexia and Andrea. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, and shopping.