The Prince Edward County Public Schools Teacher of the Year was announced at a recent reception for the division’s six nominees, family and friends, school board members and other officials. 

Melody Ramsey, librarian at Prince Edward County High School, was selected as the division winner. She will move on to the regional competition in the Virginia Teacher of the Year program. 

Six candidates, two from each of three division schools, were nominated by their peers for Teacher of the Year. The candidates wrote essays, which were judged anonymously. 

PE teacher Aaron Barbour and first grade teacher Tiffany Capati were the nominees from the Elementary School. Middle School nominees were Helen Montgomery, fifth grade, and Cheryl Tharp, librarian. Ramsey and PE teacher Janet Green were the high school nominees. 

Prior to the announcement of the winner, the division superintendent read an excerpt from Ramsey›s winning essay: “If asked why I am an outstanding teacher, I would respond with several reasons. I know how to match children with books that pique their interest so they can develop a love of reading. Secondly, I care about them on a professional, educational and personal level. I want them to be educated to the best of their ability. Moreover, I want them to be safe, happy and have pride in their accomplishments. When I see students who have admitted that they ‘don’t like to read’ come to my desk with a book in hand or tell me how much they enjoyed a book they just read it makes my day. That is my reward. What better job is there?”