CALHOUN, GA (May 6, 2013) Congratulations to Lisa Smith, Business Education Teacher at Sonoraville High School in Calhoun (Gordon County), chosen as one of Georgia United Credit Union & Star94 Radio’s Top Five “Teachers Make a Difference” Award Winners. As part of Georgia United and Star94’s commitment to stronger schools and stronger communities, this educational credit union and metro Atlanta radio station teamed up again this year - to reward teachers who make a difference in the lives of students and their parents.
More than 400 of you submitted a nomination in recognition of a teacher who has made a difference in your life. From those responses, we selected our Top Five winners, each of whom will be recognized with a reception and lunch at their school (thanks to our friends at Jimmy John’s) the week of May 6-10. Each Top Five teacher will also receive a $500 cash prize and a $250 prize for their school; one Grand Prize winner will also be awarded a $2,000 scholarship towards his or her Continuing Education studies.
LISA Smith –Top Five Winner
Sonoraville High School - Calhoun, GA
Business Education
"My favorite part of teaching is when a student really understands and comprehends the concepts of business making them an engaged learner. The personal relationships that are developed and the ability to see differences in my students inside and outside the classroom help me to know that I am making a difference in their individual lives. The most satisfying part of teaching is lighting the flame for each student for their love of any aspect of business."
Former student Jodie Mullins had this to say about Mrs. Smith: “Mrs. Smith has been the most influential person in my life. Without her, I would have never gained the confidence I have now, especially to network and speak in front of groups. Her class challenged me every day to do my best and step beyond the limitations I had placed on myself. Mrs. Smith praised me when I deserved it but also told me when I needed to improve; her guidance allowed me to be a better student in every class.”
Lisa Smith has been an educator for twenty-three years. She has taught on the middle, high and college levels. She has been an adviser for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for the past twenty-three years. She has had FBLA national qualifiers for the past thirteen consecutive years. She has numerous region and state winners. She is proud of the fact that she has three national FBLA winners in her tenure. She is excited as she prepares three students for FBLA nationals this summer in Anaheim, California at the prospect of bringing home the national trophies for Sonoraville High School (SHS). She is proud of the fact that her business department is the only Industry Certified Program at SHS. Mrs. Smith is married to David Smith. They will celebrate thirteen years of marriage in June.
To view Lisa Smith’s complete biography, click here.
Watch for the announcement of our GRAND PRIZE Winner next week from these TOP FIVE Outstanding Teachers:
- Chris Cummo, 7th grade science, Liberty Middle School, Cumming, Forsyth County
- Georgianna Hendrickson, Kindergarten, Vanderlyn School, DeKalb County
- Dr. Chuck Garner, Pre-Calculus, Rockdale Magnet School for Science & Technology, Conyers, Rockdale County
- Lisa Smith, Business Education, Sonoraville High School, Calhoun, Gordon County
- Audrey Hughes, 6th-8th science, Hilsman Middle School, Athens, Clarke County
Stay tuned—next week, we’ll also name one of these 10 Outstanding Runners-up as our STAR CHOICE Award Winner:
We are still tabulating the 10,748 votes for the 10 STAR CHOICE teachers who were selected from among our top finalists and that winner will receive $500 cash and an ice cream party for their class. The STAR CHOICE winner will also be announced on Friday, May 10. The remaining nine candidates will receive “Teachers Make a Difference” gift bags and VISA gift cards:
- Debra Bryan, 7th grade, Davis Middle School, Conyers, Rockdale County
- Kimberly Campbell, 1st grade, Arnold Mill School, Woodstock, Cherokee County
- Kevin Cown, 8th grade Language Arts, Autry Mill Middle School, Johns Creek – Fulton County
- Roy George, Electrical Engineering, Wheeler High School, Marietta – Cobb County
- Otha Hall, 11th grade American History, East Laurens High School, Dexter – Laurens County
- Avid Holbrook, 2nd grade, Dunwoody Elementary School, Dunwoody – DeKalb County
- Dr. Robert Lawrence, Director of Bands, Clarke Central High School, Athens – Clarke County
- Heather MacKenzie, 8th grade Language Arts, Eagles Landing Middle School – Henry County
- Klare McKee, Discovery (gifted) 1st-5th grades, Dunwoody Elementary School – DeKalb County
- Tracy Mooney, Career Tech, North Forsyth High School, Cumming – Forsyth County
About Georgia United Credit Union
Georgia United Credit Union is ranked as one of the top credit unions in Georgia in both size and safety. Georgia United serves all State Agency employees, all county government employees, Board of Regents Colleges and Universities, adult & technical education schools, employees of over 450 companies and 11 county school systems. Additional information may be located at georgiaunitedcu.org or at our media center.