Stacy Evans, a first grade teacher at S.L. Mason Elementary School was named the Valdosta City Schools District Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The banquet was held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center Thursday, September 19, 2024 and was full of family members and employees who came in support of their school's Teacher of the Year.

The program was coordinated by Director of Public Relations Jennifer Steedley and Communications Specialist Candacey Griffin. The evening's invocation was given by VCS Board of Education member of District 5, Mr. Jason DeLoach. VCS Board of Education member Mr. David Gilyard, Superward East introduced the VBOE members in attendance.

VCS District and S.L. Mason Elementary School 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Heather Dorsey, introduced all school level TOTYs for 2024-25. The award winners were given a plaque and floral arrangements and gift basket with cash, prizes and products courtesy of sponsors from across Valdosta and Lowndes County. During this time, videos of each nominee were shown sharing what they loved about teaching and their plans for the future. It also featured segments from their students as they shared what they loved most about their teacher. This class of Teachers of the Year included Mrs. Georgina Arnold, J.L. Lomax Elementary School; Mrs. Nicole Doss, Valdosta Middle School; Mrs. Stacy Evans, S.L. Mason Elementary School; Mr. Travis Kimber, Valdosta High School; Mr. Adrian Marsh, J.L. Newbern Middle School; Mrs. Christie Umpleby, Sallas Mahone Elementary School; Ms. Sara Unger, W.G. Nunn Elementary School; Mrs. Leah Williams, Pinevale Elementary School; and Mr. Timothy Williams, Valdosta Early College Academy.

Superintendent Dr. Craig Lockhart then announced Mrs. Stacy Evans as the system's Teacher of the Year. He said, "Beyond the classroom, this educator is passionate about developing strong relationships with students, families, and the community. Through several initiatives and parent-student conversation journals, she has fostered a sense of belonging and encouraged personal growth in all students.

Mrs. Evans graduated from Wesleyan College in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and later graduated with Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University.

She began teaching in 1990 at Lake Park Elementary School. She moved to Moulton-Branch Elementary School in 1993. During a hiatus to raise her children, Evans remained active in education through substituting, volunteering, and eventually taking a job in a school office. In 2020, motivated by the educational challenges posed by the pandemic, she returned to teaching, joining S.L. Mason Elementary where she taught first grade virtually. Thankfully, all of her first grade students are now in person!

"One of Mrs. Evans' most remarkable qualities is her commitment to mentoring and supporting aspiring educators," her recommendation letter said. "Mrs. Evans is an outstanding educator who embodies the values of our school community. Her leadership, dedication to her students, and commitment to professional growth make her an exceptional candidate for the Valdosta City Schools' 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.