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The Demopolis City School District has announced its recipients for the teachers and staff members of the year at each school and the central office.

Curriculum Director Doug Hester presented customized blue trophy awards with “Congratulations!” to Teachers of the Year and Employees of the Year for 2024.

The Teachers of the Year were Andrea Dunn, Westside Elementary School, Angelia Lee at U.S. Jones Elementary, Beth Lindsay at Demopolis Middle School and Dylan Parten at Demopolis High School.

The Employees of the Year were Tammy Rainey at Westside Elementary, Jennifer McCray at U.S. Jones Elementary, Mary Beth Hilchey at Demopolis Middle School, Anne Marie Lawler at Demopolis High School and Jessie Johnson, maintenance director for the district representing the central office.

Westside

Hester said Dunn is a first grade teacher and touched so many lives at Westside. 

“Her dedication or compassion to students are evident every day in the classroom,” Hester said. “She’s a leader among her peers and I know one day she’s gonna leave us, but I’m not ready for that day because I can’t imagine Westside elementary without her.”

Rainey also at Westside works in our self contained special education unit. 

“Her love and her compassion for her children are evident every day as well and we could not do without her and her service to our kids at Westside.” Hester said. 

U.S. Jones

U.S. Jones’ Lee has been with the district for many years.

“She’s a go getter,” Hester said. “Her love for teaching is evident every single day. Your data speaks for itself every year and thank you for being a leader among your peers.”

Hester said he’s tried to convince McCray to become a teacher again, but she serves as an interventionist working with third, fourth and fifth graders.

“And I cannot tell her enough how much we appreciate her because what they do also helps improve our test scores and our achievement each and every year. So thank you, Ms. Jennifer McCray.” Hester said.

Demopolis Middle School

Lindsey is a seventh grade science teacher at Demopolis Middle School.

“I know firsthand what she does each day as her former principal,” Hester said. “She’s always wanted what’s best for her kids each and every day,”

Hilchey hasn’t been with the district for long, but she’s already made a big impact on DMS.

“Her positivity just brings something to the climate and culture of Demopolis Middle School each and every day,” Hester said. “She goes beyond just being the school secretary. She has written grants for the Demopolis Foundation and received one where she makes sure that all students are celebrated at the school.”

Demopolis High School

Parten has been a science teacher that has made the subject matter come alive.

“He brings enthusiasm, creativity and develops positive relationships with his students. And we appreciate that so much,” Hester said. “He also brings snakes.”

Lawler has been one of the key people that keeps Demopolis High School running smoothly.

“She is one of the people that keeps the school running at all times, and she does it with a smile on her face every single time,” Hester said. “And we couldn’t imagine the high school without her.”

Central Office

Interim Superintendent Bobby Hathcock joked that he’s threatened to fire Johnson multiple times during his tenure, but even though they may not agree on the solution to every problem, they have developed a good working relationship. 

“He wants what’s best for Demopolis,” Hathcock said. “Now sometimes his idea about what’s best is not my idea, but I’m very proud of Jessie. And he does above and beyond. The people here know they can call him if he can help them. He’ll help them or he’ll get some help. But we’re lucky to have him. And I’m lucky to call him my friend, but I’ll probably threaten to fire him again next week. He knows I play with him. But I am very proud of Jessie Johnson.”