Local Teachers of the Year feted, presented with $10K each

A luncheon was held Wednesday at the Oaks at Lanier College and Career Academy to celebrate and recognize Gainesville and Hall County Teachers of the Year (TOTY) – and where each was presented with a $10,000 check.

“There is no profession more noble than that of teaching, “said county Supt. Will Schofield. “To gather today and celebrate these two individuals is truly special. They represent what is good, what is true, and what is right in education.”

The Hall teacher of the year is Steven McIntyre, an audio video teacher at Chestatee High School. The Gainesville honoree is Joy Holeman, an MPACT teacher at Fair Street Elementary School.

The Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kaye Ivester Foundation sponsors the annual gathering. Each teacher of the year receives $10,000 from the foundation. Additionally, it provides the TOTY from each school in both districts a gift of $500. The top support personnel from each school’s was presented with $300.

“Doug and Kaye Ivester have always called the Hall County/ Gainesville area home,” said Lynn Darby, president of the Ivester Foundation. “And they have invested in its educational systems, doing all they can to provide young people with more opportunities. All you have to do is look around you and you will see the depth of their impact.”

(PICTURED: DOUG IVESTER ADDRESSES THE GROUP. PHOTO COURTESY HALL CO. SCHOOL DISTRICT)