By: Shelia Mader
The Jackson County School Board announced the District Winners for Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year and School Related Employee of the Year. Each school nominated one from each category and from those nominations, a district winner was chosen.
Last Friday, Superintendent Hunter Nolen, along with Deputy Superintendent Becky Hart went to the respective schools where the district winners were.
Marianna High School was the sight for one of the awards. The 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year is Patte Hatcher. About Hatcher, “Mrs. Hatcher’s commitment to creating a positive school culture is remarkable. She fully embraces the spirit of the school, enthusiastically participating in dress-up days and school events, as well as working with school organizations like the National Honor Society. She is dedicated to creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for students because she understands the importance of building connections and fostering a sense of belonging, and she does so with genuine enthusiasm. She is dedicated, passionate, and deeply committed to her students and her school.” Hatcher spends numerous after school hours ensuring her students have the best learning environment possible. She is married to Chuck Hatcher, and they have two children India Crutchfield (Sean) and Alicia Jones (Walt), and two granddaughters, Harper and Emory.
The School Related Employee of the Year and the Rookie Teacher of the Year reigned from MK8. The 2024-2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year is Whitney Clark. She teaches kindergarten and loves to see growth in her students. She looks for innovative ways to Clark is married to Bradley Clark, and they have two children, Lakyn and Lennox.
The 2024-2025 School Related Employee of the Year is Tiffany Oliver. This was her second consecutive year winning the award. Oliver’s coworkers said of her, “We are proud of her accomplishments and wish her luck as she competes in the State Competition.”
