By Staff Reports  

Morgan County Schools treated three of their own like royalty Jan. 18 when the school district recognized its teachers of the year and support staff member of the year.  

Kelley Hopkins was chosen as the secondary Teacher of the Year for Morgan County Schools. Hopkins is in her 22nd year in the classroom where she is an intervention teacher at Priceville Junior High School. She spent 20 of those years were teaching eighth grade mathematics. She said she hopes her students know remember her as an educator who showed grace but also discipline. 

“Above all, I hope my students understand that my driving force each day was to push them to be their best so that they could achieve their goals, all because I cared about them,” Hopkins said.  

“I was very shocked to learn that I was being recognized as the secondary Teacher of the Year,” she added. “Morgan County Schools has so many amazing teachers who strive every single day to serve children to the best of their ability so I know that there are a lot of deserving teachers for this award. I am honored to be recognized and would love to use this opportunity to point to the many others who also work so hard to make a difference on a daily basis.”  

Jeremy Shaddix teaches fourth grade mathematics and science at Eva School. Shaddix has been with Morgan County Schools for a decade, in the classroom and as a bus driver.  

“I have always had a dream of teaching,” Shaddix said. “Dr. Lance Boyd, who was once a math teacher at my high school, inspired me to return to school to pursue a career in education.” 

Shaddix added he wants his students to remember they were always encouraged to do their best to leave a positive mark on the world. 

Patrick Dudley is the head custodian at Brewer High School. He is also a proud alumnus of Brewer High School. Dudley was chosen by his peers as the district wide support staff member of the year for Morgan County Schools.  

After surprise announcements of the awards Jan. 18, Dudley, Shaddix and Hopkins were picked up at their respective schools received gifts and a limousine ride to The Railyard for lunch sponsored by the Morgan County Schools Foundation.