Bland County Teacher of the Year recognized

Bland County held its county spelling bee Feb. 10 at the school board office. The winners were (back row, from left) Ethan Cook, second runner-up at Rocky Gap Elementary; Jonathan Bright, Rocky Gap Elementary champion and county champion; Talon Boniface, county runner-up and runner-up at Rocky Gap Elementary; (front row) Macey Scott, runner-up at Bland Elementary; Makayla Salas, second runner-up at Bland Elementary; and Rebecca Grace Clemmons, Bland Elementary champion.

By: SWVA Staff |
Published: February 21, 2012

By MILLIE ROTHROCK/Staff

The Bland County Board of Education announced its Teacher of the Year Monday, congratulated its spelling bee champion and approved the calendar for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Deborah Blessing, who teaches sixth grade at Bland Elementary School, is the school system’s Teacher of the Year. Blessing started her professional career in business, but after volunteering for the school system’s gifted program, she decided to switch careers and become a teacher.

She has taught at Bland Elementary for eight years.

“She is awesome,” said Diana Tibbs, principal. “She has a great passion for kids, for middle school, especially, which is unusual. She makes her classroom come alive with hands-on activities and other exercises that excite the kids.”

Tibbs added that Blessing spends a lot of time working one-on-one with her students and volunteers her time to keep the books at community ballgames.

“Plus, she cares about her students after they leave the classroom, as well,” Tibbs said.

Blessing was one of four teachers nominated for the honor by being named their individual school’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

The runner-ups are Debra Williamson, fifth-grade teacher at Rocky Gap Elementary School; Vance Bird, an English teacher at Rocky Gap High School; and Shellie Hartley, who teaches business at Bland High School.

During its monthly meeting, the School Board also recognized its spelling bee champion, Jonathan Bright, a fifth-grader at Rocky Gap Elementary School. Bright won the bee by correctly spelling the word “desperately.”

“I admire him because he spells better than I can without spell-check,” said Superintendent Dr. Kyle Rhodes.

The next academic year will begin Aug. 16 for students. The Christmas break is from Dec. 18 through Jan. 2, 2013. Spring break is slated for March 28, 2013 through April 2, 2013. The last day of school is May 23, 2013. Both Christmas break and spring break are subject to change if there are any snow days.

To reach Millie Rothrock, call 1-800-655-1406, or email mrothrock@wythenews.com.