For the first time in several months, the Macon County Board of Education got the chance to celebrate the accomplishments of their staff during their regular monthly meeting.
The first recognition of the night went to Macon Early College, where last year’s senior class achieved a 100% graduation rate. Superintendent Chris Baldwin presented guidance counselor Kathy Breedlove with an award on behalf of the state superintendent’s office in acknowledgement of their success in getting every student their diploma on schedule. Breedlove said MEC has experienced a “paradigm shift” in recent years regarding graduation – they’re working more closely with students to determine what post-secondary plans are best for them rather than instinctively funneling them towards four-year colleges. Promoting other options, espe-cially trade, is motivating more kids to strive towards self-improvement.
“Everything from law enforcement to culinary to welding to auto to cosmetology to graphic design… the whole spectrum,” Breedlove said. “And it’s done with just as much enthusiasm and support from us as if they were going to Harvard.”
Jenkins receives “Thanks to Teachers” honor
The second recognition was for Iotla Valley Elementary School teacher Mina Jenkins, the most recent honoree for the “Thanks to Teachers” program. Sponsored by WLOS, the program shines a spotlight on educators all over Western North Carolina who go above and beyond for their students. Jenkins was nominated by fourth-grader Dawson Kendall, a new student at Iotla Valley this year who said Jenkins immediately made him feel valued and wanted at his new school. Jenkins was the first Macon County teacher recognized by the program, but she says the best part is being recognized by her students.
“[Kendall] is one of the many reasons that you can tell that I’m passionate about my job,” Jenkins said. “I have been blessed to have a room full of him every year for many years now and they are the absolute, absolute joy of my life.”
Recognitions at School Board meetings became much less common during the pandemic. Even when there were awards to give out at the peak of the virus’ spread, fitting recipients and all their supporters in the boardroom wasn’t feasible. The board was happy to have a long-overdue chance to celebrate the members of their community who are doing good work for the students.
“We’re blessed in Macon County to have great teachers throughout our school system,” Baldwin said.