For the third year in a row, Hartselle City Schools teachers and classified employees of the year were treated to smiles and surprises by the Prize Patrol Dec. 17.  

Superintendent Dr. Dee Dee Jones, along with HCS employees from the central office, visited Hartselle City Schools this past week to pop in and surprise those who were selected for the honor of Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year in each of the six schools in the district.  

Christy Zuck, who teaches third–grade language arts, was selected for the honor at Barkley Bridge Elementary School. She is described as a dependable team player who keeps a positive attitude.  

Kim McCartt was chosen at the school’s Classified Employee of the Year. She is described as hardworking, someone who will give her best to create a clean and inviting school on the inside and out. With her smile, she meets people with a kind word. 

Second–grade teacher Josie Styles was chosen as the Teacher of the Year at F.E. Burleson Elementary School. Her peers said Styles is a dedicated, hard–working teacher who examines data and plans for her students with intention and success in mind. She is a team player and wants to serve to the best of her ability.   

The Classified Employee of the Year at FEB is school nurse Wendy Crawford. COVID-19 requirements have not kept Crawford from being recognized by her peers for tremendous commitment and professionalism. According to the teachers and staff at FEB, she charges forward as she takes care of each student and teacher with a smile on her face.  

Greg Pearcy is the Teacher of the Year at Crestline Elementary and is also the Hartselle City Schools district–wide Elementary Teacher of the Year. Pearcy has been in the district for six years and in education for a decade. He is the music teacher at CES.  

Pearcy is described as having a passion for students. Students love him, as he provides enjoyable opportunities for them to learn and grow from grade level to grade level.  

Crestline’s Classified Employee of the Year is school nurse Christy Martin. Teachers and staff at Crestline said Martin has made herself available, and she inspires confidence in those around her while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

At Hartselle Intermediate School, Debbie Simmons was selected as the Teacher of the Year. Her fellow teachers named her enthusiasm as part of what drives her students to succeed. Daily student care and her proactive approach are part of what make her coworkers her biggest fans.  

Ana Boyer works as an aide at HIS, and her fellow staff members said she is kind and willing to jump in and help. She is also described as hardworking and caring and attentive to students. 

Jodi Fuqua is the Teacher of the Year at Hartselle Junior High School, where she has taught since 1993. She was also chosen as the district–wide secondary Teacher of the Year.  

Her fellow teachers recognized Fuqua for providing innovative solutions to issues, creating opportunities for all students and taking a fair approach. She is noted as having a strong passion and willingness to go above and beyond.  

Danny Stephenson was honored as the Classified Employee of the Year at HJHS. His colleagues noted that the effort he puts into the HJHS campus shows to anyone who drives by. To show how much he cares, he also takes time with students. 

Kelly Wade was chosen for the top honor at Hartselle High School, where she has been a teacher since 1993. Wade’s peers said she is not bound by the designated teaching hours; she devotes much of her time to help students before and after school, and she gets students what they need to be successful. She was also noted as providing high-quality instruction. 

Melinda Shaddix was honored as the Classified Employee of the Year at HHS, where she has worked for 13 years. Fellow staff members at HHS said 100 percent of her time is spent doing whatever it takes to serve Hartselle High School students and staff. She is dependable and an example of a hard work ethic.