Athens Celebrates its Outstanding Teachers at the Annual Gratitude Banquet
On a delightful Tuesday evening, November 12, the community of Athens came together to celebrate its unsung heroes—teachers! The atmosphere was filled with laughter, applause, and a sense of pride at the Sandridge Student Center Ballroom, where the Athens City Schools Foundation rolled out the red carpet for its annual Gratitude Banquet.
Cheers for Excellence in Education
This year, the spotlight was shared with nine remarkable educators who were honored as the 2024 Teachers of the Year. Each of these dedicated individuals was chosen by their peers for their hard work and commitment to making a difference in the lives of countless students.
The Teachers of the Year included:
- Veronica Breakfiled, iAcademy at Athens Elementary
- Melissa Penia, FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary
- Hannah Buchanan, SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary
- Brooke Humphries, HEART Academy at Julian Newman
- Stuart Duncan, Athens Intermediate School
- Beth Horn, Athens Middle School
- Amanda Gudmundsson, Athens High School
- Summer Neely, Renaissance Virtual School
A Night to Remember
The evening was filled with heartfelt celebration and gratitude. Marcia Day, President of the Athens City Schools Foundation, expressed the night’s purpose beautifully when she said, “We want to make this event as special as it can be for everyone who attends. This is our opportunity to congratulate them and thank them for all the work they do to make our education system so special.”
Not only did the teachers have their moment in the spotlight, but the night also featured a delicious dinner served by members of the ACSF Board, including Athens City Schools Superintendent Beth Patton and Limestone County Probate Judge Charles Woodroof. This effort to support the educators resonated with many attendees, including Woodroof, who stated, “Anytime that you can support people who are making a difference, like the teachers are, then you are doing the right thing.”
Highlighting Hard Work and Dedication
Together, the honorees boast over 140 years of experience in the classroom, with more than 100 years dedicated exclusively to Athens City Schools. It’s a testament to the passion and commitment these teachers have for their profession and students.
A Surprising Honor
As the event came to a close, two teachers were awarded the prestigious title of District Teachers of the Year for elementary and secondary education. Stuart Duncan and Amanda Gudmundsson will go on to represent Athens City Schools at the state competition. They were both taken aback by this recognition.
“I didn’t expect this, it was a tremendous surprise,” said Gudmundsson, emphasizing that her accomplishments stem from the support and engagement of her students. “Even though it’s a hard job, it’s also that much more fulfilling.” Meanwhile, Duncan shared a light-hearted take on his award. “It was a surprise to say the least, I think they made a big mistake,” he joked. “But seriously, every teacher deserves to be recognized for what they do.”
Community Spirit Shines Through
The night underscored not just the exceptional talent within Athens schools, but the strong community spirit that rallies around them. As the applause filled the ballroom and laughter echoed throughout the evening, it became clear that Athens truly cares about supporting and uplifting its educators, allowing them to thrive and inspire future generations.
In a world where teachers often go unrecognized, the Gratitude Banquet serves as a shining example of local appreciation and support. It’s moments like these that truly make a difference in the lives of educators and students alike.
