Beginning Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Chelsea Foreman, from Jacksonville Commons Middle School, has been chosen as the Onslow County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Foreman is a 6th grade EC teacher at JCMS and has made a positive name for herself at her school in just one year of teaching. Teachers and students alike have come to know her as a go-to person for help and support. In her nomination, it was said that "many students have realized she is the one who will listen to them when they are struggling, or just need someone to talk to without judgement. Her classroom has been used for a cool down area and a place for positive reinforcement."
Mrs. Foreman also creates an environment conducive to learning through her instructional tactics. Her teaching strategies include using collaborative activities, co-teaching within the General Education Classroom, working closely with the instructional coach and implementing AVID strategies. Her nomination said that those at her school "often forget she is a first-year teacher, as she exceeds all our expectations."
Moving forward, Mrs. Foreman hopes to join the AVID team as an EC representative and help students become lifelong learners.
Mentor of the Year
Onslow County Schools has selected Ms. Brooke Nelson to receive the Mentor of the Year award. Ms. Nelson is a Kindergarten teacher at Hunters Creek Elementary School and has taught in Onslow County Schools for 15 years. Her dedication to mentoring new teachers has made a difference not only in her mentees' lives, but for the students at her school.
In her nomination, it was said that Ms. Nelson is a devoted teacher, colleague, mentor and friend. She never hesitates to take on a challenge or lend a helping hand, not only to her mentees, but to any colleague in need. Ms. Nelson has supported her mentees through sharing strategies, providing materials and always being just a phone call away. Through her knowledge and support, Ms. Nelson has instilled confidence in her fellow teachers in times of uncertainty and helped create a team of teachers prepared to provide the best education possible to HCES' Kindergarten students.
A mentee wrote, "she has already helped mold me into a great teacher; because of her, I have found my home at HCES."
Gladys Stafford Award for Outstanding Secretarial Service
Each year the Gladys H. Stafford Award for outstanding secretarial service is presented to a school-based office support person who has exceeded all expectations in work performance. The person selected for this award consistently interacts with others in a positive manner, demonstrates initiative and creativity in solving problems, accepts new challenges, and demonstrates a desire to improve work performance as a lifelong learner. Gladys H. Stafford was a school secretary in Onslow County, and the award is presented to pay tribute to her and others like her. The family also provides a $400 award with this recognition.
The recipient of the award is Yolanda Manghane, from Richlands Elementary School. She was nominated by her principal, Laurie Strope.
Mrs. Manghane has been employed by Onslow County Schools since 1999. She began as a teacher assistant at Richlands Elementary, and transitioned into her current role of financial secretary at Richlands Elementary in 2011. She is an active member of the Onslow County Association of Educational Office Professionals, and has also completed the School Treasurer Academy offered through the North Carolina Association of School Business Officials. In her nomination, Mrs. Strope stated “Mrs. Manghane is highly knowledgeable in her field and takes pride in her work. Mrs. Manghane goes out of her way to work with all staff to ensure they understand the policies and adhere to them. She is a tireless worker and she deserves recognition for her outstanding secretarial service.”
