Ballard, Cox honored during American Education Week

MADISON – Two teachers in Madison City Schools were honored at the annual American Education Week luncheon.

Celynn Ballard from Mill Creek Elementary School and Kimberly Cox from Bob Jones High School were among the educators recognized at the luncheon on Nov. 13. Earlier this year, teachers and staff in the Madison district selected Ballard as 2017 Elementary Teacher of the Year and Cox as 2017 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Currently a second-grade teacher, Ballard also has taught kindergarten, first and fifth grades. She first taught at West Madison Elementary School, then Madison and Rainbow elementaries and then five years at Mill Creek.

Cox has guided Bob Jones Math Team consistently to phenomenal results. This year, the math team placed in the top ten nationally in eight different competitions and won first place nationally in Mathfax Geometry and the Rocket City Interschool Test. The team was first-place winner in State Ciphering Competition.

The American Education Week luncheon also paid tribute to teachers of the year for Madison County Schools, Huntsville City Schools, Calhoun Community College, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A&M University, University of North Alabama and Oakwood University.

In addition, Horizon Elementary School teacher Amara Lynn Alexander was recognized for winning the coveted Miliken Educator award, MCS Public Relations Manager John S. Peck said.

Luncheon guests heard from keynote speaker Christopher Lewis, president of Drake State. Lewis spoke about the parallel of educators’ “abilities” and making choices on how to deliver in ways that make exceptional differences in the lives of students, Peck said.

Alabama Teacher of the Year Chasity Collier from Mobile County was mistress of ceremonies.

Madison City Schools representatives attending the American Education Week luncheon included MCS Superintendent Robby Parker; MCS Assistant Superintendent – Operations Eric Terrell; Mill Creek Principal Carmen Buchanan; president Ranae Bartlett, vice president Tim Holtcamp, Connie Spears and David Hergenroeder with Madison Board of Education; Bob Jones High School Principal Sylvia Lambert; MCS Elementary Coordinator of Instruction Judy Warmath; and MCS Personnel Coordinator John Jones.