Adriyah Ellis-Smart, Deer Chase Elementary School 

Adriyahn Ellis-Smart is an Art teacher at Deer Chase Elementary School. This is her first-year teaching for the district in her eight-year teaching career. Before joining RCSS she worked as an afterschool art instructor at an Art and Life Skills school in Augusta, GA. Ellis- Smart joined RCSS due to missing being in the classroom full-time doing what she loves to do every day{teach}. Her greatest success so far has been seeing her students excited, smiling faces as they come to art class. When they see her in the halls, they eagerly run up to say hello. She is truly humbled to be in this position and cherishes every moment. 

Andrew Murz, Richmond County Technical/Career Magnet School (RCTCM)  

Andrew Murz is a first-year teacher at RCTCM. Murz teaches Social Studies and History. Before working for RCSS he worked as a student assistant for the department of History, Anthropology, and Philosophy at Augusta University where he is currently pursuing a degree in History with a concentration in Secondary Education.  Murz teaching career began when he worked as an After-school Care Assistant at Saint Mary on the Hill Catholic School. He wanted to join RCSS due to his history attending Westside High School and the memories made there. He ultimately joined RCSS due to a really beneficial program that allowed him to get married early and his student teaching credit while working as a full-time teacher. The most memorable experience took place when moderating a class debate on Asian philosophies with a specific emphasis on Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism on why their philosophy was the best for an ancient Asian kingdom. This experience showed him and the students how much fun learning can be and how effective creative, interactive, and though provoking assessment can be.    

Margaret Sylvester, Freedom Park K-8 School  

Maragaret Sylvester is a first-year teacher at Freedom Park K-8 School. Sylvester teaches Physical Education. Before joining RCSS, she spent her first two years of teaching as an itinerant Adapted Physical Education Teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia. She relocated to the Augusta area due to her fiancé being in the Navy. Sylvester, a military child herself felt called to Freedom Park K-8 due to her commitment to serving military children and the unique challenges they face.  She finds herself immensely fortunate to serve the children of those who serve our country. Sylvester’s most memorable experience, which continues to develop, are the relationships and connections she’s built and fostered with the wonderful staff at Freedom Park. Being at Freedom Park has allowed her to collaborate with other teachers, establish meaningful relationships, and find a school that feels like home. A great success she achieved this year is building a health education program for her middle school students. Health literacy is a critical skill for students to acquire so that they have the tools, knowledge, and attitudes to live fulfilling, healthy lives.   

Talia Harvey, Belair Middle School  

Talia Harvey is a first-year teacher at Belair Middle School. Harvey teaches 7th grade English Language Arts (ELA). Before joining RCSS, Harvey was a stay-at-home mom and also worked part-time for a production company. She decided to join the team because she has a deep passion for helping children succeed and wanted to make a positive impact in their lives. One of my most memorable experiences has been the warmth and kindness she receives from the students. Her students as well as students she doesn’t teach greet her with a “Good Morning” each day which she finds rewarding. It truly warms Harvey’s heart and reinforces her passion for education.