The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce honored this years Teachers of the Year Friday with a luncheon and awards ceremony at the board of education.

I want to thank the chamber because thats the best lunch Ive had since August, said Robinson Elementary Teacher of the Year, Lisa Bessiere. This is the best school system, and I work with the best folks in Dawson County.

Jennifer Fuller, of Kilough Elementary School, was named the system-wide Teacher of the Year.

She opens doors for students and helps them discover talents they didnt know they had, said Kilough Elementary Principal Tracey Compton. We are so proud of her.

Kathy Hanofee, a special education teacher at Riverview Elementary School, was named the schools Teacher of the Year.

She always goes above and beyond, Assistant Principal Lisa Perry said. She is the most dedicated teacher I know. She showers the children with encouragement, and she has a huge heart.

Teachers are peer nominated for the annual honor.

Teacher of the Year at Blacks Mill Elementary School is Compass 3-5 Teacher, Natosha Beary.

Dawson County Middle School named Kim Dutton its Teacher of the Year.

She is amazing, said Rick Brown, assistant superintendent of curriculum and Instruction.She is great with technology.

At Riverview Middle School, Ellen Harrison was named Teacher of the Year.

Every child in middle school this year is going to take their milestone exams on computers, said Principal Bill Zadernak. Those children can function because of what she brought to them.

Chorus Teacher Spencer Wright is Dawson County High Schools Teacher of the Year.

Spencer is hometown guy, said Principal Richard Crumbly. People like him have that passion for this place and for our kids. The chamber singers under his direction have flourished.

At Hightower Academy, Dawson alternative high school, Nicky Kinney was named Teacher of the Year.

(We have) 75 students and eight are there for disciplinary reasons, said Brody Hughes, assistant principal at the school. And the rest are there because Dawson County has made education a priority for our children; to meet them where they are; and help them earn a high school diploma. For whatever reason, normal high school doesnt work. Dealing wit those kids is an honor in itself.

The Dawson News & Advertiser congratulates these teachers and all school teachers for the work they do on behalf of our precious children.