ROCK HALL — A retired educator and one of the school system's newer teachers were both honored with Golden Anchor Awards at the December Kent County Board of Education meeting.
Evelyn Foster and Abigail Porcher received their Golden Anchor awards from their respective principals Monday evening, Dec. 11.
The Golden Anchor Award is presented each month to staff members or groups of employees who exemplify the mission and core values of Kent County Public Schools.
“Kent County Public Schools is an anchor organization that creates an environment of academic excellence through a collaborative, equitable and rigorous learning community,” the mission statement reads.
Nominations may be submitted by Kent County Public Schools staff members, parents and students.
Evelyn Foster receives a Golden Anchor award for serving as a long-term substitute this fall in Kent County Middle School. From left are Superintendent Dr. Karen Couch, Foster, Principal Mark Buckel and Supervisor of Human Resources Dan Hushion.
Kent County Middle School Principal Mark Buckel recognized Foster for her work returning to the classroom this year as a long-term substitute when they started out short-handed in English language arts.
"She graciously agreed to step up to do this and faithfully showed up every day," Buckel said of Foster.
A retired teacher who previously worked at the middle school, Foster initially agreed to serve as a long-term substitute for two weeks. She ended up staying on past Thanksgiving until a new full-time teacher joined the school.
"She's truly dedicated and she really is a model for younger teachers in our building," Buckel said. "So we can't thank her enough."
Rock Hall Elementary School teacher Abigail Porcher is honored with a Golden Anchor award. From left are Superintendent Dr. Karen Couch, Porcher, instructional assistant Maria Gordillo-Terreros, teacher April Gagalski and Principal Gillian Spero.
Gillian Spero, principal of Rock Hall Elementary School, honored Porcher with a Golden Anchor Award.
Spero read a nomination letter from a parent, celebrating Porcher's dedication as the teacher of the special education program for 3-year-olds.
"The littlest ones that can't speak for themselves, she teaches them to speak. The ones that cannot do normal everyday tasks, she teaches them how to be self-sufficient," Spero read. "All the while, she's teaching them academics like the ABCs, counting, the environment and much more."
Spero spoke about Porcher's focus on teaching children independence by modeling behavior and the long hours she puts in at the school.
"So to honor you tonight: Thank you for everything you're doing," Spero told Porcher. "We recognize you and we appreciate you."