Forsyth County Schools Names Teacher of the Year

Natalie Kitchen, an English teacher at , is this year's recipient of Forsyth County Schools High School Teacher of the Year for 2011.

Kitchen, received her Bachelor of Science degree in English education from the University of Georgia and began her teaching career with Forsyth County Schools in 2005. Kitchen, who teaches 12th grade English, told Cumming Patch she is humbled and honored to be this year's teacher of the year.

"I feel so grateful to be part of this county and grateful to be at Lambert. Any recognition I am getting is so misplaced because of the support that I get in this school," Kitchen said.

Lesa Barnett, a teacher in Special Education at Matt ES, was awarded the 2011 Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Ally Brown, a math teacher at Piney Grove MS, was awarded the 2011 Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Monday's event entitled "A Celebration of Excellence" was held at Lambert High with more than 300 people in attendance from Forsyth County Schools (FCS), the  (CFCCC), , local government officials, members of the business community, family and friends. The event also acknowledged Partners in Education, Parent Leaders, and Teachers of the Year from various grade levels.

Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Superintendent of FCS, said he was pleased to have a great crowd from the community come out and support the event.

"Our business partners who were honored here today really do make a huge difference in our school system. Their support is felt by all of our teachers and our entire school district.

You know we really have recognized 35 outstanding teachers here today. With Natalie Kitchen being named Teacher of the Year--really embodies and exemplifies excellence," Evans said.

Rep. Mark Hamilton, HD 23 (R-Cumming) was in attendance and said it's a great annual event.

"As I talk with school systems all over the state of Georgia, how it's so wonderful to come back to Forsyth, cause we truly have one of the finest school systems not only in the state of Georgia, but in the whole southeastern United States," he said.

James McCoy, President of the CFCCC, chimed in on that sentiment.

"The school system is probably the most important part of why we are successful as a community, and a celebration, of the best of the best, helps us sort of take a stand back and recognize what makes us great, what makes them great, and it's just a good opportunity to really appreciate what we take for granted everyday," said McCoy.

In addition to the 34 teachers who were named 2011 school level Teachers of the Year, Gaynetta McClain was named 2011 Mentor of the Year, Lanierland Florist received the 2011 Friend of the Year award, Todd Jones and Steve Csuka, Dad's Club C0-Chairs, were awarded the 2011 Volunteers of the Year award.

The 2011 Silver Program of the Year Award went to LensCrafters at the Avenue Forsyth, Costco and Charlie Feehan of Shane's Rib Shack. The 2011 Gold Program of the Year award went to Automation Direct and the Don Hendricks Partnership Award was given to  a local non-profit organization.