Excellence Banquet & Awards
Certified Employees of the Year
Alcoa Elementary
Lisa Williamson
Lisa's dedication to our students surpasses expectations as she consistently goes the extra mile for them daily. Her tireless efforts extend to assisting numerous students and families at AES, empowering young minds, and fostering belief in every student's potential for success. Her willingness to contribute across various areas of our building, coupled with her serene demeanor and optimistic outlook, exemplifies her remarkable commitment to serving others. Lisa is a shining example of servant leadership and puts the needs of others first, ten times out of ten. She is such an asset to the AES staff, students, and parents, and serves as an example of what AES is all about!
Alcoa Intermediate
Hope McDonald
It is an incredible honor to recognize Hope McDonald as the Alcoa Intermediate School 2023-2024 Educator of the Year. To be identified as one of the best among a staff filled with excellent teachers, who are not only dedicated to their craft but also to the total impact they have on their students, is truly a great accomplishment. Hope embodies what makes Alcoa such a unique and special community. The relationships she forges with students, parents, and colleagues set the stage for the impact she is able to have on all of those fortunate enough to be around her. Hope’s huge heart and passion for her students creates bonds that go beyond the classroom walls or a single school year. Her leadership, dedication, and friendship allow her to play a critical role in establishing a positive and productive culture within her grade level and our school.
One of Hope’s greatest strengths is her desire to continue to improve and grow, modeling what it means to work for success. The true measure of her success is seen in the respect and loved her students and colleagues have for her. Congratulations to Hope McDonald, AIS Educator of the Year!
Alcoa Middle
Adrienne Adderhold
Adrienne is an alumnus of Alcoa City Schools. She followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a middle school teacher, thus serving our community through her dedication to her students, the school system, and Alcoa City in general. Mrs. Adderhold has demonstrated her teaching abilities with students on all levels by designing engaging lessons that inspire curiosity and cultivate a motivation for learning. Adrienne recently applied for and received a grant partnering Alcoa Middle School with Tremont Institute. Mrs. Adderhold worked many tireless hours to ensure AMS sixth graders have the opportunity to learn about the remarkable place we live through first-hand nature experiences in the Smoky Mountains.
At last year’s AMS end-of-year awards, she won the Wizard of Oz award because she is always working for the good and was never seen. In addition to planning for student academic achievement, Mrs. Adderhold spends countless hours coaching our girls’ softball team and is constantly seen supporting students at numerous school functions and athletic events. Alcoa Middle School is fortunate to have her as an educator. Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Adderhold. We love you!
Alcoa High
Taylor Brown
It’s a privilege to recognize Taylor Brown as the Alcoa High School 2023-2024 Educator of the Year. It seems especially fitting that Taylor earned this recognition because of his deep personal connection with the school and the community. He’s a graduate of AHS and also comes from a family of excellent teachers. If you could ever make the argument that an individual was “born for this line of work,” it could reasonably be said about Taylor. He’s an extraordinarily gifted math teacher and coach and he flat out gets results. There’s no flash. No show. No big production. However, if you visit his classroom, there’s an immediate sense of community, belonging, and high expectations.
Mr. Brown is one of those teachers who has a knack for moving students forward and challenging students to exceed their own expectations because he simply doesn’t give them space to do otherwise. The students ARE going to work, they ARE going to learn, and they ARE going to experience success because Taylor is right with them in lockstep coaching and teaching…because that’s as much who he is as what he does. AHS is thrilled to be able to honor T-Brown as our educator of the year.
Classified Employees of the Year
Alcoa Elementary
Sharon Howard
Sharon has consistently demonstrated extraordinary dedication in supporting both students and teachers within our school system over the course of many years. She is renowned for celebrating the achievements of others, offering assistance whenever needed, and greeting each challenge with a beaming smile. Fondly referred to as "THE Sharon," she is unquestionably the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Sharon's unwavering commitment to nurturing students and families is evident to all of her colleagues. With boundless love and care, she ensures every child feels cherished and valued. From her early morning bus routes to her dedicated efforts in building rapport with PreK students, Sharon exemplifies qualities of fun, loyalty, hard work, and authenticity.
It's undeniable that she ranks among the finest individuals at AES. Any student who has crossed paths with Ms. Sharon, whether in her classroom or on her bus, will attest to her unparalleled excellence. Sharon Howard, your exceptional contributions warrant this well-deserved honor and recognition.
Alcoa Intermediate
Katie Ritchey
If you ask the staff at AIS to think of the most kind, compassionate, and reliable person they know, one of the first people who would come to mind is Katie Ritchey. This is only part of the reason that Katie is being honored as the Alcoa Intermediate School 2023-2024 Staff Member of the Year. When you observe Katie working with our students it is amazing to watch the calming, positive impact her presence brings. She is able to help students when they are struggling during the day. Her energy and attitude brings a smile to the face of anyone who engages with her. The love she has for her students and coworkers shows in everything she does during the day.
As new staff transitioned into their roles with our school this year, Katie provided a solid foundation of support and encouragement for her students, parents, and colleagues. One of the greatest compliments a person can receive in life is that they make everyone around them better. Katie Ritchey accomplishes this each and every day simply by being the wonderful person she is through her very nature. While often kindness is overlooked as a strength in our world, Katie continuously shows that it can actually be a superpower. It is with great pleasure that congratulations go to Mrs. Katie Ritchey, Alcoa Intermediate School Staff Member of the Year!
Alcoa Middle
Lori Jorgensen
Alcoa Middle School is proud to present Lorie Jorgensen as our Classified Staff of the year. Lorie joined AMS as a paraprofessional in the 2020-2021 school year. She primarily helps Michelle Parry in creating a beautiful and inspiring place for students to discover the joys of literature. Her calm and encouraging manner makes students feel welcome and supported as they continue their reading journey. While always shining in the library, Mrs. Jorgensen is also willing to step up and help AMS wherever she is needed.
Bringing an educator’s background with her, Lorie has stepped into lead teaching positions for staff members on leave. When in these positions, she has planned lessons, connected with students, maintained high academic standards, displayed classroom management skills, and fulfilled the duties asked of her in an exemplary manner. Alcoa Middle School is lucky to have Lorie Jorgensen! We love you, Lorie!
Alcoa High
Mark Anderson
Before Mark Anderson decided to earn his teaching credentials, he began his career working for the Memphis Redbirds minor league baseball team. Mark handled everything from IT networking to designing/creating the team media guides and graphics for the organization. In short, he did a little bit of everything. Mr. Anderson has been no less of a “utility player” for us since he officially joined our team at Alcoa High School for the 22-23 school year. Mark carries the enormous task of managing our 1-to-1 Chromebook programming, is frequently needed to help troubleshoot network issues, and solve technical issues. It’s also not uncommon for Mark to serve as the resident sound engineer and/or audio-visual technician for a litany of school or district productions.
On top of those responsibilities, Mark handles our media design releases and helps serve as the instructor for our student “tech team” at AHS. The students in his “tech team” get invaluable experiences in technology services and simultaneously earn college course credit. In short, Mark Anderson is a gifted educator and a great all-around teammate. We’re so glad that he’s part of our team at AHS and he is beyond deserving to have been selected as the AHS 2023-2024 “Staff Member of the Year.”
Educator Support Center Employee of the Year
Central Office
Dr. Kim Hawkins
Dr. Kim Hawkins is a passionate educator who works to empower teachers, students and everyone around her. She wears many hats as Director of Testing, Assessment and Accountability and also serves as Assistant Director of Schools. She has an unwavering commitment to excellence and leads with a no nonsense approach. The world of education is difficult and in the face of weekly and sometimes daily adversity, Dr. Hawkins remains unwavering as she tackles complex issues head-on. She has the admiration and respect of her colleagues and a reputation as a strong, trusted leader.
On a personal level, Dr. Hawkins is a loyal, trustworthy friend to all. Her finest times are when she laughs until she cries after telling a story that you couldn’t make up. She is most comfortable with her family,Jay and McKenzie, and her dogs, Whiskey and River. She is most UNcomfortable when Becky Stone makes her get out of her box. Kim Hawkins is a jewel and we are so glad we get to do this with her! Wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else Harry!
