Danny Federico
editor@riverbendnews.org
The Hamilton County School District recognized its Teachers and School-Related Employees of the Year during an awards ceremony held Thursday, March 12, at The Glass & Canopy in Jennings.
The evening celebrated educators and staff members from across the district for their dedication, leadership and service to students.
Superintendent Lee Wetherington-Zamora welcomed attendees and praised the district’s employees for their hard work and commitment.
“It is a true honor to be able to take an opportunity to recognize our very special people who work hard each and every day for the benefit of our students,” Wetherington-Zamora said. “We sincerely appreciate that dedication, the commitment, the long hours.”
She also highlighted the district’s academic progress, noting Hamilton County High School’s (HCHS) graduation rate is the highest it has ever been and said the current school year is looking even more promising.
Following the invocation, led by Ryan Mitchell, principal of HCHS, attendees were treated to a delicious dinner prepared by the Hamilton School Nutrition Association and served by the HCHS Future Farmers of America chapter.
After dinner, the awards ceremony began with the school-related employee of the year awards.
At Hamilton County Elementary School (HCES), the School-Related Employee of the Year was Teena Medearis, a paraprofessional serving students with disabilities. In remarks read during the ceremony, she said she enjoys helping students gain new skills and succeed in the classroom. Kathy Griffin, principal of HCES, described Medearis as a strong advocate for students who consistently supports both children and teachers.
At Hamilton County High School, Niki Martin, who serves as registrar and data clerk, was recognized as School-Related Employee of the Year. Martin shared that what she enjoys most about her job is the ability to interact with students and make a positive impact on them. In her role, she works diligently to welcome new students and parents, answer questions and help the front office and guidance department operate efficiently. HCHS Principal Mitchell credited Martin for her efficiency in her profession and noted she was a “wonderful resource for our guidance department.”
At the district level, Julia Cooper, administrative assistant for personnel, was named the district office’s School-Related Employee of the Year. Cooper shared that she enjoyed working with applicants and learning about their goals and their desire to contribute to the district. Superintendent Wetherington-Zamora praised Cooper for her willingness to help others and her extensive knowledge of personnel operations.
Also at the district level, Anthony Holden, a bus driver, was honored as the school district’s general services School-Related Employee of the Year. Although unable to attend, he provided comments to be read during the event. In his remarks, Holden said he most enjoys ensuring that students arrive safely, which gives him a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
At HCES, Tammy Moffses was honored as Teacher of the Year. Moffses teaches fifth grade and said her greatest contribution to her students’ education is through fostering academic growth and setting and maintaining high expectations. She said she encourages her students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their education. HCES Principal Griffin praised Moffess for her 33 years of service to the district and her commitment to her students.
For HCHS, Samantha Livermore was recognized as Teacher of the Year. Livermore is a secondary math teacher and was honored for building strong relationships with students and fostering a positive, collaborative learning environment. HCHS Principal Mitchell credited Livermore with contributing to student success and graduation efforts, as well as her leadership in student activities and school initiatives.
Mandy Dempsey, the 2026 District Teacher of the Year, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. In her speech, she compared teaching to a journey, saying educators and students navigate both challenges and successes on the road to graduation.
“Teaching isn’t about reaching the destination,” Dempsey said. “It’s about the journey you take together and the lives that are changed along the way.”
She encouraged fellow educators to continue believing in their work and the impact they have on students.
“Let’s keep believing, and let’s keep changing lives, one student, one classroom, and one journey at a time,” she said.
Following her speech, Superintendent Wetherington-Zamora announced Moffses as the 2027 Hamilton County School District Teacher of the Year. In her remarks, Wetherington-Zamora credited Moffses with helping shape her approach to teaching during her early years in the profession.
“I really appreciated the support, the help, the assistance Ms. Moffses gave to me during those first few years,” Wetherington-Zamora said. “And people have heard me say it, but I got it from her: we were serious about education … I like to have fun, Ms. Moffses likes to have fun with her students, but we do not play with a child’s education, and you (Moffses) taught me that.”
The ceremony came to an end with closing remarks from HCES Principal Griffin, who expressed her appreciation for the district’s educators and staff for their dedication to the district’s students.
