Jones Named First Super Star Teacher for 2024-2025 School Year

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

Toombs County High School business teacher Jessica Jones was surprised in her classroom on Tuesday morning, August 13, as she was presented with the first monthly Greater Vidalia Chamber Super Star Teacher Award for the 2024/2025 school year.

The Super Star Teacher award is an initiative the Chamber began in January to honor 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 Superstar 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.”

The award program took a short break during the local schools’ summer break, but reopened the nomination process last month to determine the new school year’s first honoree, which was selected by monthly sponsor Cook Law Firm and program sponsor Dermatology Associates.

During the recognition, Greater Vidalia Chamber Chairwoman Stephanie Williams shared the nomination that earned Jones the honor, which read, “Jessica works year round for her students. She began at the high school. Since then, she has started bringing the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) program back to life. She had a student compete on the national level in June. She goes above and beyond for her students. One example is one student was failing three of his five classes. She tutored him and he was able to graduate with his class. This is just one example of her dedication. Jessica also works with the high school band as the ‘Voice of the Redcoats’ band announcer.”

Jones remarked, “I am honored to be the August Star teacher. It was a complete surprise and is greatly appreciated. I never wanted to be a teacher growing up; however, God had different plans for me. I love what I do and the impact I have on my students. Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs, and I am so blessed to be a part of Toombs County and a teacher at Toombs County High School!”

Toombs County High School Principal Marissa Morris said, “Congratulations to Mrs. Jessica Jones for being Super Star Teacher for the Greater Vidalia Chamber. We are very proud of her. Since coming here last year from Lyons Upper Elementary School to teach high school, she has done an outstanding job with our business classes, and with our FBLA program.”

Nominations have already closed for the September Super Star Teacher award, which will be announced next month.