Mackenzie Blakely, Bayvale Elementary 

Mackenzie Blakely is a first-grade teacher at Bayvale Elementary. Blakely was in banking before she began her teaching career. She decided to pursue teaching due to her passion for helping others and love for kids.  Her favorite moment has been seeing her growth as a teacher.  Blakely has more confidence in herself and her ability to become a stronger teacher.

Ellis Hudson, Hephzibah Elementary  

Ellis Hudson is a first-grade teacher at Hephzibah Elementary School. Ellis switched to teaching from a career in marketing and communications because he desired a more people-oriented work environment. He took the position at Hephzibah because he was eager to inspire the next generation of leaders and took great joy in empowering his students to develop their natural talents. His favorite memory so far was dressing up with his students for Halloween as Scooby-Doo and watching the joy of their participation.  

Sakharia Searcy, Pine Hill Middle  

Sakharia Searcy is a first-year teacher. Searcy teaches 7th grade Science and Math at Pine Hill Middle School. Before teaching Searcy was a jack of all trades that included being a clothing line entrepreneur, photographer, videographer, and esthetician. Her belief that she can have a positive impact on the younger generation is why she chose teaching.  Her favorite accomplishment is the ability to deliver quality education to her students as a first year-teacher balancing the responsibility of teaching two subjects. Searcy aspires to be the kind of teacher she always wanted when she was in school. 

Keytona Johns, Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School

Keytona Johns is a sixth and seventh grade teacher at Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School.  Johns teaches Intro. to Communications and Broadcast for seventh grade and Graphic Communications (CTAE) for sixth grade. Before teaching she was a full-time college student and fast-food restaurant manager. She decided to become a teacher to have a lasting impact on students in a manner that would have them thinking creatively.  Her favorite memory involves transforming a terminology lesson into an engaging competitive game that her students thoroughly enjoyed. John plans to continue developing fun and interactive lessons for her future students, aiming to bring excitement to the learning process.