Lauren Estes
Danville-Neel Elementary teacher Jerry Rooks was informed of his award while instructing a bowling class during P.E. last week. | Lauren Estes

Lauren Estes

Hartselle Enquirer

For the first time, three male Morgan County School’s employees were named teacher, elementary teacher and support person of the year for 2017.

Danville Neel Elementary and Brewer High School were both honored with two and one representative(s), respectively, from their schools.

Morgan County Schools Director of Secondary Education Patrick Patterson said their school principal nominates all winners.

“All of the applications come to us as a committee and we evaluate all of the candidates,” Patterson said. “The toughest part is that every person that is nominated is worthy of winning. They were already selected by their individual schools because they each deserve the award.”

Brewer High School’s Fred “Sarg” Traylor has worked with the Jr. ROTC for eight years and before that he was on active duty for 22 years with the Army stationed in Fort Irwin, in California. He was the given the award of Teacher of the Year for Morgan County Schools.

“I was floored; I was so surprised,” Traylor said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I have always wanted to be a good example to young people, what you do can be the action that others will follow and allow them to grow as a person as well. I want to continue to work and be better at what I do.”

Danville-Neel Elementary Physical Education (P.E.) teacher Jerry Rooks was named Morgan County School’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. Rooks in currently in his fourth year of teaching at Danville-Neel.

“I was actually in the middle of teaching bowling when they walked in and notified me that I had won the award,” Rooks said. “I was super surprised. Award or no award I am still going to do what I do and continue to work hard. I am definitely happy where I’m at and thankful to be here.”

Known as a man who “makes waves at Danville-Neel Elementary and loved by all,” custodian Marty Kelsoe was named Support Person of the Year. He has been with the school for two years, after working with International Paper for 34 years

I just didn’t expect it, they came and notified me when I was cleaning classrooms,” Kelsoe said. “I’m really honored and excited.”

Patterson said these specific winners were chosen from the pot of teachers/support persons of the year because of the impact they are making on the students and faculty around them.

“Each of these winners also won from their schools and they’re all great and all have good relationships with their students,” Patterson said. “Sarg for example, makes such an impact because he is in and out of two schools, Priceville and Brewer with his ROTC program. Coach Rooks sees every single Danville-Neel student on a daily basis. For Kelsoe you cannot say enough good things. Everyone knows him, loves him and respects him. These are just three of the most humble and modest guys who are all deserving of these awards.

According to Patterson, each winner receives a gift certificate to Corum’s in Hartselle. They also get a gift certificate to Beltline Carwash for a full detail for their vehicles. They also get a day off work, a plaque, candy bouquet and a submission to the Alabama teacher of the year contest in their respective categories.