© 2003, Rotary Club of Charleston

P.O. Box 21029
Charleston, SC 29413-1029

Club secretary:
Carroll Schweers
chasrot@comcast.net

Rotary recognizes Teacher of the Year
Winner is from St. Andrews Elementary

APRIL 27, 2004 - Joan Ustin, quoting John F. Kennedy, Jr., began our program by stating that the quality of teaching makes the real difference in education of our children. She then recognized five Charleston County teachers, four Honor Roll and one Teacher of the Year for Charleston County.

Chief Greenberg and President Anita Zucker were involved in the assessment process for selecting the Charleston County Teacher of the Year and the Honor Roll teachers. The Honor Roll teachers were Candice Brown, a fifth grade teacher at Stiles Point; Bernadette Chilcote, a second grade teacher at Ashley River Creative Arts; Christine Sanders, a kindergarten teacher at Harborview Elementary; and Mary Jane Watson, a first grade teacher at Sullivans Island.

Beverly Varnado, who herself is a former Teacher of the Year then introduced Lori Gaillard, the Charleston County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Gaillard is a special education teacher at St. Andrews Elementary. Ms. Gaillard received her graduate and undergraduate degrees from the College of Charleston and has a national board certification as a special needs specialist.

Ms Gaillard expressed her gratitude and surprise at having received the award and described her following day on the job when her classroom was decorated with glitter, balloons and streamers. She was gratified to be visited by many teachers, students and other members of the community. Of course, the children were most excited about the car.

In other business…

Larry Tarleton gave the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Leslie Fellabom welcomed our guests and visiting Rotarians. John Milkereit offered Health and Happiness. Finally, Joan Ustin introduced the program on Charleston County Teacher of the Year.

-- Lisa Thomas