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CharlestonCounty’s Finest Teachers
Teacher of the Year and Honor Roll teachers honored

April 26, 2005 — Rotarians were introduced to a group of CharlestonCounty‘s Honor Roll Teachers, which included CharlestonCountySchool District’s Teacher of the Year Bridgette Marques. Ms. Marques is a National Board Certified Teacher at PinckneyElementary School and prides herself on being a mentor to her kids. Along with Ms. Marques, Honor Roll teachers honored were Dianne O’Neill, Anne Halter, Jane Windham, and Melissa Cario Parrish.

Ms. Marques grew up in Fort Mill, South Carolina, in a family that she says wasn’t “privileged.” She credits the family’s economic status to making her who she is, which she now believes is a good thing. Her brother was very smart, but that wasn’t very “cool” in her school at that time. In fact, he went out of his way not to make his grades, so a family friend stepped in as a mentor. The friend later witnessed her brother’s graduation from West Point. Marques firmly believes her brother would not have been so successful without a mentor, even given his natural talents. To this day, Marques is a firm believer in the value of mentoring, and encourages everyone to help our schools by mentoring or volunteering at a school.

Ms. Marques believes in three tenets of learning which have made her a successful teacher:

1) students must feel respected,

2) learning must build on prior experience, and

3) students must be active participants in their learning.

Marques believes that teachers are special in the eyes of their students, and teachers are responsible for creating and shaping young minds, but she knows

In other business. . .

Robin Freer gave the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Chris Kerrigan welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Dan Ravenel offered Health & Happiness, and Andy Brack announced our new Club history book. Cooper Coker inducted new member Erin England, and Carol Collins an- nounced a volunteer opportunity for Alzheimer’s. Honor Roll Teachers Diane O’Neill, Anne Halter, Jane Windham, Melissa Cario Parrish, and Bridgette Marques were honored. Maria Goodloe-Johnson introduced our speaker Bridgette Marques.

— Amy Riley