Congratulations to Thomas Jones, Mandy Hopkins, Joel Respess, and Lindell Dillon who are the November 2023 recipients of the Pursuit of Excellence Award for the Baldwin County School District.
Lindell Dillon
7th Grade Teacher and Georgia College Early College
Mr. Lindell Dillon is working in his 16th year for the Baldwin County School District. He currently works as a 7th Grade Teacher at Georgia College Early College. Mr. Dillon was nominated by his colleague, Dennis Holsey. Mr. Holsey had the following to say, “Mr. Dillon has been an Early College teacher for over 10 years. His love for math and dedication to the students make him the grandfather of our school. Students love to work with him and be around him as he tells stories in his ELA class about growing up in West Virginia. Outside of serving students at Georgia College Early College, he has also served our country. Mr. Dillon is beloved and one of the most important parts of our Early College family! The first one to show up at 6:00 am and the last one to leave.”
Mr. Dillon was also nominated by two former students, Kiersten Smith and Jaylen Brantley. They had the following to say, “Mr. Dillon has always been dedicated to helping his students find an interest of any kind. Although he has been teaching for years, he still finds genuine joy in helping students. It is cool to see from an outside perspective how he helps students while never leaving their side until they feel confident in themselves.”
Mr. Dillon, thank you for being a model of excellence!
Mandy Hopkins
Instructional Coach at Midway Hills Primary
Mrs. Mandy Hopkins is working in her 28th year for the Baldwin County School District. Mrs. Hopkins currently works as the Instructional Coach at Midway Hills Primary. She was nominated by her principal, Tara Burney. Mrs. Burney had the following to say, “Words cannot describe how proud I am of Mrs. Hopkins. She has truly walked into her calling as the new Instructional Coach: Teacher on Special Assignment. Mrs. Hopkins has worked tirelessly to support teachers and the mission and vision of Midway Hills Primary (MHP). High levels of learning for every student every day is possible because of her support. She has already provided MANY professional learning opportunities for teachers. Her response when asked is never, "I don't know!" It is always, "Let me find out and I’ll let you know!" As the principal of MHP, I have peace knowing our teachers are in good hands.”
Mrs. Hopkins, thank you for being a shining example of excellence!
Thomas Jones
Physical Education Teacher at Midway Hills Academy
Mr. Thomas Jones is working in his 17th year for the Baldwin County School District. Mr. Jones currently works as a Physical Education Teacher at Midway Hills Academy. He was nominated by his colleague, Lyndsey Hamby. Mrs. Hamby had the following to say, “Coach Jones is an incredibly dedicated and committed educator, and we are so lucky to have him at Midway Hills Academy! Even in the most challenging situations, he remains positive, calm, and collected, and he serves as an excellent role model for all of our students. He is patient, encouraging, respectful, and uplifting to all, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Coach Jones demonstrates kindness and compassion to all on a daily basis, and he serves as an irreplaceable member of our exploratory team and our staff as a whole. He strives to be the best teacher to all of our students, and they always look forward to going to his physical education class and leaving with smiles on their faces! When he speaks of his classes, you can tell that he has a passion for educating our students and showing them the importance of physical fitness. Due to Coach Jones's hard work and dedication to our school, Midway Hills Academy was recently awarded a Health and Physical Education Equipment Grant from the GaDOE to support our students' physical education instruction! Coach Jones is not a huge fan of the spotlight, but I feel that he is so deserving of appreciation and recognition for all that he does for our school. We are so thankful for Coach Jones's many years of hard work and dedication to Midway Hills Academy and to the Baldwin County Schools. I am so thankful to work with him! ”
Mr. Jones, thank you for being the epitome of excellence!
Joel Respess
Art Teacher at Lakeview Academy
Mr. Joel Respess is working in his 6th year for the Baldwin County School District. He currently works as the Art Teacher at Lakeview Academy. Mr. Respess was nominated by his colleague, Stephanie Holland. Ms. Holland had the following to say, “Mr. Respess is the perfect person for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Mr. Respess continually encourages all of the arts with our students. He creates opportunities for student artwork to be put on display. He has repeatedly brought art supplies for students who show an interest in art but may not have the means to get the supplies they desire at home. Several of my previous students frequently asked to go show their work to Mr. Respess so that he could see what they have created. My own child loves art and comes home telling me what Mr. Respess has said in class and wants to show me what she has learned. The hallways of Lakeview Academy are lined with art from Mr. Respass and his students. This art gives opportunities for other students to ask questions and investigate the work and thus create interest. Art is an opportunity to express emotions and creativity in ways beyond books and language. For encouraging our students to participate and excel in art, Mr. Respess deserves recognition and encouragement to continue his passion. ”
Mr. Respess, thank you for being a model of excellence!
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