Gaston County Schools recognizes New Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year
Ryan Magill of Cramerton Middle School received the Linda Rader New Teacher of the Year recognition, and Catina Ford of Tryon Elementary earned the Teacher Assistant of the Year honor for 2022-2023.
During a ceremony on May 24 at the Schiele Museum, Gaston County Schools recognized 49 employees for outstanding dedication and commitment to students.
The New Teacher of the Year award is named for the late Linda Israel Rader, who began the school district’s professional development program for teachers. The New Teacher of the Year award nominees included:
▪ Ansley Abernathy - Tryon Elementary
▪ Katherine Byrd - Carr Elementary
▪ Ashley Canestro - Lingerfeldt Elementary
▪ Haley Carr - Rankin Elementary
▪ Amy Cook - Pinewood Elementary
▪ Rachel Dawes - Gardner Park Elementary
▪ Mary Catherine Dellinger - Sadler Elementary
▪ Taylor Detwiler - Holbrook Middle
▪ Dharma Falls - North Belmont Elementary (finalist)
▪ Jacqueline Farmer - Springfield Elementary
▪ John Falkenberry - Mount Holly Middle
▪ Lauren Harris - Belmont Central Elementary
▪ Kaitlyn Hendrix - Chavis Middle
▪ Terri Hughes - Page Primary
▪ Anna Davis Lawing - Forestview High
▪ Kaela Lipscomb - Grier Middle (finalist)
▪ Kara Lofton - Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
▪ Ryan Magill - Cramerton Middle (winner)
▪ Chassidy Maiers - Brookside Elementary
▪ Jamea Marlowe - Woodhill Elementary (finalist)
▪ Charli Mims - Robinson Elementary
▪ Lori Molina - Pleasant Ridge Elementary
▪ Macy Rackley - Lowell Elementary
▪ Hannah Robinson - South Point High
▪ Janet Smith - W.A. Bess Elementary (finalist)
▪ Christa Workman - Sherwood Elementary
The Teacher Assistant of the Year award nominees included:
▪ Candace Branton - Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
▪ Jeff Britton - Cherryville Elementary
▪ Catherine Leah Brooks - Belmont Central Elementary
▪ Catina Ford - Tryon Elementary (winner)
▪ Brenda Ginyard - Pleasant Ridge Elementary
▪ Lou Grigg - North Belmont Elementary
▪ Kalah Grooms - New Hope Elementary
▪ Brandy Guiton - Lowell Elementary (finalist)
▪ Marilyn Hinton - Bessemer City Primary
▪ Penny Mantecon - Sherwood Elementary (finalist)
▪ Heather McCumber - Costner Elementary
▪ Matt McGee - Bessemer City Central Elementary
▪ Andrea Moore - Sadler Elementary (finalist)
▪ Paige Royston - Robinson Elementary
▪ Janeen Silver - Carr Elementary
▪ Patricia Sims - Catawba Heights Elementary
▪ Tracy Small - W.A. Bess Elementary
▪ Anita Smarr - Brookside Elementary
▪ Danielle Starnes - Grier Middle
▪ Pamela Stroup - Gardner Park Elementary
▪ Jennifer Whiteman - Page Primary
▪ Tonya Wiggins - Cramerton Middle
▪ Crystal Wray - H.H. Beam Elementary (finalist)
About the Winners
Here is a look at what was said about the winners during the awards presentation:
▪ Linda Rader New Teacher of the Year - Ryan Magill, Cramerton Middle School
“It is not uncommon to find Mr. Magill disguised in various costumes to not only show school spirit, but to also capture his students’ attention. Whether it is playing the role of detective or a favorite Star Wars character, Mr. Magill always delivers his math lessons with an entertaining demeanor. Students love the decorations Mr. Magill uses to get them excited about learning. When the students were asked why Mr. Magill is great, they eagerly responded that he respects the whole class. Not only does Mr. Magill give students a better understanding about math, he creates a fun and caring learning environment for all.”
▪ Teacher Assistant of the Year - Catina Ford, Tryon Elementary School
“One would say the best way to describe Catina Ford is that she is very versatile. By serving on the student success committee, she helps to find ways to support all students of Tryon Elementary. Ms. Ford has served as the behavior lab assistant and now works as a kindergarten teacher assistant, leading small groups and helping all students meet their individual learning goals. Ms. Ford has greatly assisted Tryon by supporting and working diligently with Spanish-speaking students and their families to ensure they feel part of the community. This was accomplished by her efforts to learn the Spanish language and customs. When others are experiencing challenging times in their personal life, Ms. Ford never hesitates to step in and support her colleagues. Ms. Ford is known for giving her whole heart to her school and community. ”
Watch on TV
The Gaston County Schools Human Resources Department coordinated the awards ceremony. It was recorded for broadcast on Spectrum Cable Channel 21, which is the Education Station for Gaston County Schools. Airtimes are 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. the week of June 20-26. The program will re-air the week of July 27 - July 3 at 10:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
