Dixon Named Super Star Teacher

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Vidalia Heritage Academy third grade teacher Suzanne Dixon was named the Greater Vidalia Chamber Super Star Teacher for the month of April.

Dixon was surprised with the presentation by members of the Greater Vidalia Chamber, and representatives from the Presenting Sponsor Dermatology Associates and Monthly Sponsor Trane Technologies, at the school’s weekly chapel service on Wednesday, April 24.

The Greater Vidalia Chamber began the Super Star Teacher award as a new initiative to honor on a monthly basis the extraordinary teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and ultimately, impact lives.

The program is overseen by Chamber Director of Operations Amber O’Connor, who spoke on the opportunity. “The Chamber is excited to be able to offer this program to our community! We couldn’t think of a more deserving group of professionals in our workplace to be recognized for their dedication to students and their community,” she remarked.

“A Super Star Teacher demonstrates excellence in leadership in their classroom along with motivation for their students. They show a high level of commitment to not only their students but their community,” O’Connor added.

Students, parents, and other community members have the opportunity to nominate teachers for the award monthly; those nominations are then turned over to sponsors of the award who select each month’s Super Star Teacher. Once selected, Chamber staff, sponsors, and school administrators work together to surprise the honorees with the award and prizes.

Three nominations were submitted on behalf of Dixon to the Greater Vidalia Chamber Super Star Teacher program, which read: “She is an exceptional teacher, who truly ignites a love for learning in her students. Teaching is truly her gift and she makes each student feel valued.”

“She not only teaches third grade, she teaches music. She is in charge of weekly chapel on Wednesday each week, where each grade K-4 through fifth grade sings each week. She teaches life lessons and is a true role model to all her students. I am honored not only that she teaches my granddaughter this year, but that she has led her in worship the past four years. She gives 110 % and more to every program she helps with.”

“Mrs. Dixon is an exceptional teacher. She instills confidence in each of her students by having high expectations of them and encouraging them along the way that they CAN do difficult things. She helps in any way she can and truly cares deeply about each of her students. She looks to find each student’s strengths and helps them to build on those specific strengths while at the same time helping them grow in other areas. Truly one of the best teachers out there!”

Dixon responded to the award. “What an honor,” she told the students. “You guys know that I love you – each and every one of you. You know that I am in your balcony not only praying for you, but cheering you on. I am cheering you on to become the men and women that God has called you to be. I see value; I see gifts in each and every one of you. Thank you so much!”

Vidalia Heritage Academy Headmaster Jeff Mc-Cormick also commented on the occasion, sharing his gratitude for Dixon’s service to the school. “I just want to say that Suzanne Dixon is really one of the greatest blessings this school has ever received,” he emphasized. “When I first arrived here, she was already here. I went to my first chapel service as the head of the school 18 years ago, and I was blessed beyond measure. What she pours into each and every student [is incredible] – she runs a tight ship in her classroom, but I believe those students know that she really loves them in ways that go beyond just a teacher. She’s really pulling for them spiritually, academically, emotionally – she’s there for them. She’s also a great friend to every staff member here, so we are blessed to have Suzanne Dixon.”

Nominations have already closed for the May Super Star Teacher Award, which will be presented in the coming weeks.