AROUND THE AREA

Dadeville names Teacher of the Year

Dadeville Elementary School administrators last month named Teri Stephenson the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year.

Principal Diane Miller explained that the school honored Stephenson in particular for her passion for teaching, including her ability to establish relationships with students and parents and for embodying a holistic learning approach.

“Mrs. Stephenson is an amazing woman and teacher and is so deserving of this award,” Miller said.

Stephenson described the moment as a shock, adding she had been completely unaware of the nomination.

“I was very surprised. I’m surrounded by really good teachers, so part of me feels I wish I could give this award to many people because some of the best educators I have worked with are in this small town,” she said. The award might have been a surprise, but Stephenson explained that teaching has been a lifelong joy, and she finds being an educator in Dadeville especially impactful.

“With Dadeville being a smaller town, you get to watch the kids grow up from kindergarten all the way until they graduate. So, it’s special to know that I got one year with them, and that I was a big part of their life,” she said. ~ William Marlow

Helping Children Grow Through the Years

DES Principal Diane Miller (right) congratulates kindergarten teacher Teri Stephenson, who was recognized as Teacher of the Year last month.

New senior organization hits the ground running

The Cooper Recreational Senior Citizens Organization is already making a difference in the community.

The organization donated toys for three children to the Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources. Annie L. Kendrick, president of the new group, said they knew they wanted to do something special for Christmas at only their second meeting.

“The mindset that I have is that I’m willing to share. I want to be a giver,” Kendrick said.

Kendrick said this group is about keeping seniors active in the community. While they are based in the Cooper Rec Center, people from all parts of Tallapoosa and Coosa counties are welcome to participate.

“I’m in and out at church and different activities, but I don’t see other senior citizens no more,” she said. “It’s like I’m pacing the world and the location of Alex City, Tallapoosa County and Goodwater and Coosa County, and nobody’s out there, but me. I said, ‘Where are all the people?’ So, I want to bring our life back to activities.”

She made and handed out flyers encouraging seniors to join. At the first meeting, 13 people attended and about 15 at the second. Kendrick said at the next meeting, she is aiming to have members pledge $100 toward the group. This will allow them to go on some trips and prepare to do some outreach for the community.

The senior citizens organization is sponsored by Tallapoosa County Commissioner, T.C. Coley. For more information, call Kendrick at 256-749-1314. ~ Abigail Murphy

Be A Giver

Cooper Rec Seniors was started to help senior citizens stay active and involved in the community. (Left to Right) Annie L. Kendrick, Laura Shelton and Angela McKinney presented Christmas gifts to DHR.