Stanley Middle School teacher wins Kia Outstanding Educator title and new car
A Stanley Middle School teacher is ready to trade in his 1999 Honda Accord for a brand new Kia Rio .
John Stone , a seventh grade language arts teacher , was the lucky winner whose name was drawn during Gaston County Schools ’ fifth annual Kia Outstanding Educator Awards . The ceremony was held Thursday , November 16 at Stuart W . Cramer High School .
“ It was amazing ,” he said . “ I just love my school , and I was born to be a teacher . That ’ s what I was meant to do .”
Stone ’ s wife , Trish , said she was excited about the car , but even more proud of her husband .
“ He ’ s been teaching for more than 20 years and is a true educator ,” she said . “ He deserves this .”
“ Winning the car is amazing ,” said Stone , standing by his shiny new vehicle moments after hearing his name called as the winner . “ I never thought it would happen .”
Along with 54 other nominees , Stone dropped his name into a hopper where it was chosen at random to win the new car donated by Kia of Gastonia . Every school in the district and the central office nominated a candidate for the award based on dedication to their job and the outstanding service they provide for students .
Stone said while he ’ s excited to win the grand prize , it was an honor just to be nominated and represent Stanley Middle at the event .
The ceremony marked the fifth year of the Kia Outstanding Educator Awards , a milestone that didn ’ t go unnoticed by Superintendent of Schools W . Jeffrey Booker .
“ This special partnership with Kia of Gastonia to recognize outstanding educators is an amazing opportunity ,” said Booker . “ The program is designed to recognize our ‘ unsung heroes ,’ employees who deserve praise for a job well done , but don ’ t always get their moment in the spotlight .”
Congratulations to winner John Stone and all nominees for the Kia Outstanding Educator Award !
A Golden message that encourages students to stand up against bullying
Shaun Golden was back in Gaston County spreading a message of anti-bullying and self-empowerment among high school students .
Golden , a former standout college basketball player for the University of Georgia , spent time earlier this month visiting Gaston ’ s middle schools . His purpose -- to kick off Gaston County Schools ’ new anti-bullying initiative called “ STAND UP Gaston .”
“ STAND UP Gaston ” is a partnership with The Shelter of Gaston County and the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services . The program focuses on healthy relationships , talking and listening , accepting differences , and never tolerating violence and abuse .
“ STAND UP Gaston ” is a continuance of the kindness and compassion message emphasized in our schools as part of the Rachel ’ s Challenge program , according to Ami Parker , director of counseling services .
“ Like Rachel ’ s Challenge and now with our transition to ‘ STAND UP Gaston ,’ we want to continue the focus on kindness and compassion in our schools and fostering safe relationships and safe schools ,” she said .
Golden ’ s message to students centers on the importance of standing up against bullying . His words are timely as October is National Bullying Prevention Month . However , Golden hopes to instill in students an anti-bullying message that resonates year-round .
During his presentation , Golden also challenges students to set goals and work hard to achieve them . Having a list of goals in his wallet and marking them off as he accomplished them kept him on track , and he encourages students to do the same . Golden stresses that students should have goals , believe in themselves , and always stand up for what is right .
4 • January / February 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine