Pinewood ’ s Kim Costner wins a new car from Kia of Gastonia
public education ,” added Jeff Ramsey , vice chairman of the Gaston County Board of Education , who thanked Hafer for continuing to partner with Gaston County Schools . “ We are here today because Mr . Chris Hafer believes in supporting the community .”
• Kia Outstanding Educator Award Nominees Below is a list of the award nominees for 2016 :
A new car will make a difference for a teacher who is already making a difference in children ’ s lives . Kim Costner , the computer lab teacher at Pinewood Elementary , was the lucky winner of a brand new Kia Soul during Gaston County Schools ’ fourth annual Kia Outstanding Educator Awards ceremony .
“ This is such a blessing ,” said Costner , after sitting down behind the steering wheel of her new car .
Along with 54 other nominees , Costner took the stage at Stuart W . Cramer High School on Wednesday afternoon to see who would win the random drawing for a new car donated by Kia of Gastonia . Every school in the district along with the central office selected one Kia award nominee . The nominees were honored for dedication to their job and outstanding service to children .
Costner said the car would be a big help for her family . She and her husband share one vehicle , and since she was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis , another car will help her with getting to doctor ’ s appointments .
Helping teachers is the purpose of the awards program , said Chris Hafer , Kia of Gastonia owner . He explained that the car giveaway is a way to show his appreciation for what educators do each day .
“ Just realize that you make a difference in kids ’ lives ,” he told the audience . “ Your job is super important just by taking the time with those kids .”
Superintendent of Schools W . Jeffrey Booker said the awards program gives educators an opportunity to be recognized for how important their work is , even if much of it happens behind the scenes . Many of the nominees were bus drivers , custodians , and other support staff members .
“ Our awards today honor the ‘ unsung heroes ’ of our schools ,” Booker said . “ Their colleagues recognize the difference these people make in the lives of children every day .”
“ All of you are winners because you represent the ‘ best of the best ’ in
Ashbrook High – Andrew Collins H . H . Beam Elementary – Amy Jackson W . Blaine Beam Intermediate – Lara Britton Belmont Central Elementary – Lisa Austin Belmont Middle – Brianna Beaver Bess Elementary – Tiffany Hobbs Bessemer City Central Elementary – George Wilson Bessemer City High – Marsha Beattie Bessemer City Middle – Amy Medlock Bessemer City Primary – Anne Hildreth Brookside Elementary – Kelley Wright Carr Elementary – Teresa Mauney Catawba Heights Elementary – Ronnie Summey Central Office – Lindy Perry Chapel Grove Elementary – Kim Bolynn Chavis Middle – Ed Ware Cherryville Elementary – Katie Estes Cherryville High – Scott Harrill Costner Elementary – Dana Sturgill Stuart W . Cramer High – Georgia Kirkland Cramerton Middle – Jimmy Mason East Gaston High – Billy Morrow Forestview High – Kymme Barber Friday Middle – Joseph Rothwell Gardner Park Elementary – Druscilla Hill Gaston Early College – Terri Springer Grier Middle – Mike Moss Hawks Nest STEAM Academy – Jeni Spottswood Highland School of Technology – Rose Worley Holbrook Middle – Lee Connor Hunter Huss High – James Eason Kiser Elementary – Jenna Brown Lingerfeldt Elementary – Jeff Bowers Lowell Elementary – Robin Bowen McAdenville Elementary – Cindy Smith Mount Holly Middle – Charles Bush New Hope Elementary – Melanie Smith North Belmont Elementary – Jennifer Cory North Gaston High – Cathy Lineberger Page Primary – Beverly Cook Pinewood Elementary – Kim Costner Pleasant Ridge Elementary – Tykevius McDowell Rankin Elementary – James Mack Robinson Elementary – Darlene Oakley Sadler Elementary – Gary Brooks Sherwood Elementary – Warren Williams South Point High – Devares Friday Southwest Middle – Beverly McCarter Springfield Elementary – Michelle Bullock Stanley Middle – Lorie Parker Tryon Elementary – Jennifer Hatcher Warlick Academy – Kathy Scott Webb Street – Stan Neely Woodhill Elementary – Robbin Currence York Chester Middle – Reola Allen
8 • January / February • Parent Teacher Magazine