Media Release - Anderson County School District 4

“Law enforcement was a vicious cycle of arresting the same people over and over
again,” said Ms. Reeves, “with a slim chance of ever actually being able to make a
positive difference in someone‟s life.” “Teaching on the other hand, provides me with
the opportunity to make a difference and to help on a daily basis. And just like the
story of the little boy saving the starfish on the beach, I want to be that teacher that
makes a difference …one student at a time.”
Ms. Reeves received the Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 2011, the
Professional Learning Community Award in 2011, the 3rd Grade Team Award in
2010, and the PASS Excellence Award in 2009. She serves at the Student Council
Sponsor, chairs the Engineering Committee, served on the Superintendent‟s Council,
and has supervised several student teachers from surrounding universities. In
addition, she has led multiple in-services on grading practices related to common
core standards and LEGO engineering education. She is a member of the
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Council for
the Social Studies, SC Council for the Social Studies, and is a former member of the
National Council of Teachers of Math, Palmetto State Teacher Association, and
SCIRA Foothills Council.
“To enter Melida‟s class is to enter a world of learning fueled by activity, energy,
technology and most of all, a love of students and learning,” said Mona Fleming,
principal at Mount Lebanon Elementary. “Students are encouraged to take risks and
celebrated for even the smallest growth as learners. At the end of last school year, a
student‟s father said to me that if he could select out Teacher of the Year he would
choose Ms. Reeves. He went on to describe how she loves students, looks for ways
to help them learn, and always keeps parents informed. This says it all!”
Teachers selected as their school's Teacher of the Year for 2012-13 include: La
France Elementary: Amy Fobear, 5th Grade Teacher; Mt. Lebanon: Melida Reeves,
Engineering Lab Teacher; Pendleton High: Wendy Brown, English Teacher;
Pendleton Elementary: Wade King, 5th Grade Teacher; Riverside Middle: Jennifer
McKibben, Language Arts Teacher; and Townville Elementary: Amy Howson, 5th
Grade Teacher.
Also recognized was the 2012-13 District Support Employee of the Year,
Transportation Associate Alton Jermaine Green. Finalists for this award included: La
France Elementary: Heidi McCaulley, School Nurse; Mount Lebanon: Kristi Martin,
School Nurse; Pendleton High: Shirley McClary, Teacher Assistant; Pendleton
Elementary: Fran James, Head Custodian; Riverside Middle: Joy Moats, Data
Coordinator; Townville Elementary: Debbie Mullinax, Administrative Assistant;
Central Office: Melanie Horton, Payroll & Benefits Coordinator; and Transportation:
Jermaine Green, Transportation Associate
All Teacher of the Year candidates completed an in-depth application essay in
accordance with state guidelines as well as a district interview conducted by a panel
comprised of a former South Carolina state teacher of the year and former district
teachers of the year from neighboring school districts.