Rocky Creek Elementary School Educator Named Henry County Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Rocky Creek Elementary School math and science teacher Jenny Morgan is Henry County Schools’ 2025 Teacher of the Year (TOTY).

HCS Superintendent Dr. John Pace III made the announcement during the district’s annual TOTY ceremony at the McDonough Performing Arts Center on Oct. 2.

“Tonight, we are here to celebrate something truly exceptional – the unwavering dedication and profound impact of educators,” said Dr. Pace. “In this room, you are not just seeing teachers; you are seeing mentors, innovators, cheerleaders, and the architects of bright futures. Each of our Teachers of the Year has been recognized by their school and community for their unique brilliance – a brilliance that shines every single day in classrooms across our district. We honor these individuals, but we also honor the entire teaching profession – the most noble and honorable profession there is.”

Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4), Vice Chair Annette Edwards (Dist. 2), board members Dr. Pam Nutt (Dist. 1), Jennifer Carter (Dist. 3), and Makenzie McDaniel (Dist. 5), 2024 district TOTY Brandi Neal, HCS district and school leadership, and guests of the honorees joined Dr. Pace for the district’s largest celebration of teachers.

The event, which placed the spotlight on the 54 school-level TOTYs including the six semi-finalists named in August, also recognized and honored all HCS teachers and the undeniable impact of educators.

Eight of this year’s TOTYs are HCS alumni, underscoring the district’s “Bright Futures Begin in Henry County Schools” theme launched to welcome the 2025-2026 school year.

Extensive evaluations spanning several months determined the elementary, middle, and high school TOTYs and the semifinalists, culminating in the crowning of Morgan as district TOTY.

“Thank you so much for this incredible honor,” Morgan said. “Being named Henry County Schools’ Teacher of the Year is truly humbling, and words cannot fully express how much this recognition means to me.”

Morgan’s dedication to her students, colleagues, and school community, along with her efforts to build meaningful relationships with students and foster safe and supportive learning environments, helped her secure the prestigious award.

“I became a teacher because I wanted every child who walks into my classroom to feel a deep sense of belonging,” Morgan said. “The elementary years are such a pivotal time in a child’s life. These are the years when students begin to discover whether school is a place they love or simply endure. My goal every day is simple yet powerful – to ensure that my students feel supported and valued in the classroom.”

Morgan has demonstrated excellence and exemplary commitment to enhancing the academic experience for children at the elementary and middle school levels for over a decade. Her colleagues describe her as an exceptional educator who embodies kindness and integrity and motivates students to set and achieve their goals.

“Jenny Morgan has a gift for bringing complex concepts to life,” said Rocky Creek Elementary School Principal Sonya Ayannuga. “In her classroom, math and science are not just subjects; they are experiences. She sparks curiosity and helps students see themselves as problem solvers and critical thinkers. What truly sets Jenny Morgan apart is her heart. She builds a classroom culture rooted in compassion, respect, and inclusivity. Every student feels valued and supported, and every colleague feels uplifted by her optimism and professionalism.”

Morgan’s distinguished career as an educator has been defined by a resolve to cultivate life-changing learning experiences and make a positive impact on the lives of children every day. She is further motivated by a desire to help young learners innovate, build confidence, and grow into thoughtful, capable individuals.

“My students are the reason I love getting up and going to work every morning,” she added. “The joy, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments we share in the classroom are what make this profession so meaningful. They remind me daily why teaching is the work of the heart.”

Morgan empowers students with additional learning opportunities by offering tutoring sessions. Her impact extends beyond the classroom to extracurricular activities, including field trips and fundraisers through which she seeks to provide enriching and memorable experiences.

Morgan not only excels as an educator but also invests in professional development and embraces leadership roles and opportunities to mentor colleagues. As a leader and grade-level chair, she has played a pivotal role in curriculum development and supporting staff and students to enhance educational outcomes.

Maintaining effective communication with parents and including them in their child’s education are among the techniques Morgan employs to enable rewarding outcomes for students and families. Her contributions to the school community, from leading clubs to organizing events, have enhanced the culture at Rocky Creek Elementary School.

“As the district Teacher of the Year, I promise to use this platform to spread positivity throughout our profession,” Morgan said. “I will strive to be a listening ear, an encourager, and a voice for educators. I am honored to represent Henry County Schools, and I am filled with hope for what we can continue to accomplish together. Teaching is not just about lessons and standards – it’s about relationships, impact, and love. Thank you for believing in me, and thank you for believing in the power of education.”

In addition to Morgan receiving the elementary and district TOTY awards, HCS named Locust Grove Middle School reading interventions teacher Melissa Ivey its Middle School Teacher of the Year and Union Grove High School Exceptional Student Education teacher Tiffany Smith its High School Teacher of the Year.

“We are honored to pay tribute to our teachers – all across the district, for their dedication to making a difference in the lives of our students every day and for inspiring them to reach their full potential,” said Pope. “Congratulations to our district Teacher of the Year and all our TOTY honorees. Thank you for your commitment to providing every Henry County Schools student with a high-quality, world-class education.”

Georgia United Credit Union presented Morgan, Ivey, and Smith with monetary prizes.

Other HCS community partners provided generous contributions through additional TOTY awards and gifts and general event support, including Crumbles by Nicole, EchoPark Speedway, Gezzo’s, Henry County Public Schools Foundation, Martha Mae’s Floral and Gifts, PDQ Auto Repair, Publix Supermarkets, Queen Bee Coffee Company, RAM-Tech, Southern Belle Farm, Spa by the Square, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, T&T Meats, and The Henry Players.

Below is the complete list of all the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year honorees.

Henry County Schools 2025 Teachers of the Year

 Elementary School

• Brittney Pugh, Austin Road Elementary School
• Nichole Williams, Bethlehem Elementary School
• Robyn Marable, Birch Creek Elementary School
• Briana Fleetwood, Cotton Indian Elementary School
• Courtney Mackey, Dutchtown Elementary School
• Amanda Briggs, East Lake Elementary School
• Tiffany Johnson, Fairview Elementary School
• Morgan Gould, Flippen Elementary School
• Sherida McCallum, Hampton Elementary School
• Kyndria Lofton, Hickory Flat Elementary School
• Felicia Edmonds, Locust Grove Elementary School
• Angela Dennis, Luella Elementary School
• Dr. Angela Holloway, Mt. Carmel Elementary School
• Crystal Draper-Thornton, Oakland Elementary School
• Jessica Thomas, Ola Elementary School
• Achevia Coleman, Pate’s Creek Elementary School
• Emily Hamrick, Pleasant Grove Elementary School
• Whitley Gibbons, Red Oak Elementary School
• Johnette Dorr, Rock Spring Elementary School
• Brianna Coleman, Smith-Barnes Elementary School
• Tameka Cole, Stockbridge Elementary School
• Krista Firkus, Timber Ridge Elementary School
• Pa’Tricka Isom, Tussahaw Elementary School
• Jenny Glass, Union Grove Elementary School
• Jake Jones, Walnut Creek Elementary School
• Latrayion Walker, Wesley Lakes Elementary School
• Akira Dennis, Woodland Elementary School
• Tara Ott, New Hope Elementary School* (Elementary School Semifinalist)
• Jenny Morgan, Rocky Creek Elementary School* (Elementary School Finalist and District TOTY)

Middle School

• Jay Patel, Austin Road Middle School
• Tamea Hardrick, Dutchtown Middle School
• Dr. Theodosia Strange, Eagle’s Landing Middle School
• Lauren Coleman, Impact Academy Middle School
• Andrea Booker, Luella Middle School
• Dywanna Howard, McDonough Middle School
• Cheri McCoy, Ola Middle School
• Kimiko Walker, Stockbridge Middle School
• Dacia Webb, Union Grove Middle School
• Quinton Brooks, Woodland Middle School
• Dr. E. Fay Willis, Hampton Middle School* (Middle School Semifinalist)
• Melissa Ivey, Locust Grove Middle School* (Middle School TOTY Finalist)

High School

• Erin Dickey, Academy for Advanced Studies
• Laura Kinchen, Dutchtown High School
• Ashley Lambert, Eagle’s Landing High School
•  Amanda Hartley, EXEL Academy
• Cassandra Dorsey, Impact Academy High School
• Wendy Phillips, Locust Grove High School
• James Roberts, Luella High School
• Lasheena Miller, McDonough High School
• Mindy Forehand, Ola High School
• Zina Matthews-Holmes, Stockbridge High School
• Sharon Murray, Woodland High School
• Dr. Sadereka Evans, Hampton High School* (High School Semifinalist)
• Tiffany Smith, Union Grove High School* (High School TOTY Finalist)