Honoring Charleston County Teacher of the Year and Honor Roll Teachers
May 25, 2010: Dr. McGinley noted that five teachers would be honored. She thanked the Rotary Club of Charleston and spoke briefly about the five teachers who she referred to at “the cream of the crop” of all Charleston County teachers.
1. Meike McDonald, a math teacher from Clarke Academy, accompanied by her principal, Andrew Halevi, and her guest, Allen Porter.
2. Bill Smyth, a social studies teacher from Charleston School of the Arts, accompanied by his principal, Jim Reinhart.
3. Jarrett Vella, a social studies teacher from Military Magnet Academy, accompanied by his principal, Andy Townsend, and his wife, Lou Ellen Vella.
4. Sarah Earle (Runner-Up), a French teacher from Stall High School, accompanied by her principal, Dan Connor, and her husband, Kevin Earle.
5. Maisha Rounds (Teacher of the Year), a third grade elementary school teacher from Sanders Clyde Elementary, accompanied by her principal, Melvin Middleton, and her mother, Sandra Grant.
Maisha then spoke to the assembly, thanking Rotarians for their commitment to teachers, schools, students and the community. She mentioned how impressed she was with our website. Maisha spoke about teaching as an act of service, service above self. She carried this theme throughout her presentation. She stated that “teachers are role models and heroes.” One of her hero’s is her own husband, who is currently serving our country through the military in Afghanistan. She stated that “service above self is what drives our communities.” Maisha said that “we need to take the necessary steps to take our children to the next level in their lives and education; that the most significant investment we can make is in the future of our children.” She said that “by touching the lives of others and giving back to the community we can improve the quality of life for other people.” She also said that “students will rise or fall to our expectations… we should expect more of them.”
When asked who the most inspirational and influential person was in her life, she responded by saying: “my mother.” Her mother was given a resounding applause. When asked what she thought the biggest challenge was in education today, her response was: “literacy.” She said that “literacy is tied to the success or failure of students today.” Upon the completion of her presentation, she was given a standing ovation and lengthy applause.
Submitted by Bill Christian, Keyway Committee