On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Athens City Schools Foundation hosted its annual Gratitude Banquet at the Sandridge Student Center Ballroom — shining a spotlight on the nine educators chosen by their peers as the 2024 Teachers of the Year.

“We want to make this event as special as it can be for everyone who attends,” ACSF President Marcia Day told The News Courier. “This idea has evolved from many years ago, but the heart of service to these teachers remains the same. This is our opportunity to congratulate them, and thank them, for all the work they do to make our education system so special.”

The evening celebrated the years of dedication from the teachers, surrounded by their family, friends and colleagues. The nine teachers have combined to work more than 140 years as educators, and 100 of those years have been with Athens City Schools.

— Veronica Breakfiled, from iAcademy at Athens Elementary

— Melissa Penia, from FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary

— Hannah Buchanan, from SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary

— Brooke Humphries, from HEART Academy at Julian Newman

— Stuart Duncan, from Athens Intermediate School

— Beth Horn, from Athens Middle School

— Amanda Gudmundsson, from Athens High School

— Summer Neely, from Renaissance Virtual School

During the event, members of the ACSF Board — including Athens City Schools Superintendent Beth Patton and Limestone County Probate Judge Charles Woodroof — served dinner to the patrons of the banquet.

“Anytime that you can support people who are making a difference, like the teachers are, then you are doing the right thing,” Woodroof said after the nearly two-hour event concluded. “We are here to support the teachers who have limited funding from the state level. We have helped support them with special projects like 3-D printers and things that just help get students to the level of excellence that is expected from Athens City Schools.”

As the event neared a close, Duncan and Gudmundsson were honored and selected as the District Teachers of the Year for elementary and secondary education. The two will go on to represent Athens City Schools at the State Teacher of the Year competition in the near future.

“I didn’t expect this, it really was a tremendous surprise,” Gudmundsson said. “This is all about my students, I wouldn’t have done this without them. You come to school everyday because of the students, and even though it’s a hard job it’s also that much more fulfilling.”

Duncan echoed those sentiments, noting just how shocked he was to be selected for the prestigious achievement.

“It was a surprise to say the least, I think they made a big mistake,” Duncan jokingly said. “But seriously, there are so many other teachers that are a whole lot better than I am. Even though we are the ones getting highlighted — every teacher deserves to be recognized for what they do.”