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Willis, Cliatt profiled as 'Teachers of the Year'
Norman and Smith were featured in last week's edition of The Lincoln Journal. Profiles of Cliatt and Willis appear below: BRIDGETTE CLIATT Bridgette Raley Cliatt, a 1992 LCHS honor graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from the University of Georgia in 1996 and a master's degree in early childhood education with an emphasis on reading from Augusta State University in 2002. She is currently pursuing a specialist degree in administration from Cambridge College. During her 11 years in the classroom, Cliatt has taught kindergarten in Glascock County (1996-1997) and second, third, and fourth grades at LCES (1997 to the present). She is presently teaching third grade.
"It is quite an honor to be selected as one of the Teachers of the Year at LCES," said Cliatt. "I feel overcome with pride because I work with so many outstanding teachers who are very deserving of this designation. Also, I can't think of a greater honor than to be nominated for Teacher of the Year by a fellow educator." This marks the second time Cliatt has been named Teacher of the Year for the Elementary Grades at LCES. The first time was in 2002. Commenting on her love of teaching, Cliatt said, "Teaching is a very rewarding experience for me. Each day is a new challenge and a new adventure. No two days are ever the same, so I never become bored with my career. "I also enjoy being a teacher because it gives me the opportunity to make an impact on our society," she continued. "I feel that I am making a difference each day when I go to work and touch the lives of my students in some way." When she is not in the classroom, the Teacher of the Year enjoys reading, walking, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family. She and her family are members of Lincolnton Baptist Church where she works with the TeamKid and Vacation Bible School programs. Cliatt and her husband, Cory, have two daughters, Savannah Haley, 7, and Bridgette Chloe, 3. BENTON WILLIS A native of Lincoln County, Benton Willis has been a member of the faculty at LCMS for the past four years. She has taught sixth and seventh-grade math and science (2003-2004) and eighthgrade science (2004 to the present). A former LCHS cheerleader, she is also serving as one of the cheerleading coaches at the middle school. Willis, who was the valedictorian for the LCHS Class of 1998, graduated magna cum laude from UGA in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations. She went on to earn a master's degree in education from Troy University in 2004 and will receive a specialist degree in education from ASU in May. "Teaching is a profession that allows one to make a difference in a young person's life," said Willis. "It is wonderful to be able to go to work every day knowing that I can positively influence my students. I really enjoy what I do, and I hope that I can help prepare my students to be successful in a career they love." In her comments on being named the LCMS Teacher of the Year, Willis stated, "It is truly an honor for me to be nominated and recognized by my peers because I know first-hand what great teachers we have in our school - many of my co-workers taught me when I was a student here. I am proud to be associated with these fine educators." Regarding community activities, Willis currently sits on the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She is likewise an active member of New Hope Baptist Church. In her leisure time, Willis enjoys traveling, snow skiing, swimming, and spending time with her dogs. The Teacher of the Year is the daughter of Brenda and Joe Willis of Lincolnton. She has one sister, Chelsey, a senior at UGA. In addition, Willis is engaged to Keith Cunningham of Lincolnton. The pair plan to marry on June 2, 2007. |
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