Mr. Jim Morgan, Mathematic and Science teacher at Calhoun Middle School, has been named the 2010 Teacher of the Year for Calhoun County Schools. This is the 2nd time Mr. Morgan has been honored as Calhoun's Teacher of the Year, having also earned the award in 1997. He was also the nominee of Ravenswood Grade School for the Jackson County Teacher of the Year Award earlier in his career.
Mr. Morgan (pictured left) has been teaching for 30 years, 21 of them in Calhoun County. His philosophy is quite simple, he states, "I believe all teachers have the right to teach, all students have the right to learn, and no one has the right to interfere with either. He goes on to say, "Teachers must maintain high expectations and lead students with a firm but fair hand to be the absolute best they can be." He credits his father's sharing of his sense of humor and work ethic as invaluable in his classroom. Two of his elementary teachers, Alma Jo Hall and Mattie Carper-Vineyard were his inspiration for teaching. Mr. Morgan, a Marine veteran, also credits the GI Bill with being the financial resource he needed to become a teacher.
A colleague at CM/HS for whom Mr. Morgan had been her mentor teacher during student teaching added, "It is an honor to be able to teach along side Mr. Morgan and work with him. He deserves the highest praise for making a positive impact on the lives of many students on a daily basis".
Mr. Morgan is married to Joyce Morgan, the Calhoun County School Nurse. They are the parents of a son, James Todd, and two daughters, Sarah Limer and Jennifer McCumbers. The Morgans also have five grandchildren.
Mr. Loy Badgett, Chief Mechanic at the Bus Garage, has been named the 2010 Service Employee of the Year for Calhoun County Schools. Mr. Badgett retired at the end of the 2010 school year after 35 years of service.
Mr. Badgett (pictured left) began his career in March of 1975 as a mechanic in the Bus Garage where he continued until his retirement. He was promoted to Chief Mechanic in 2002. Loy commented, "I would like to say I have had good people to work for and with over the years. My philosophy was that I should strive to see that every bus was safe, and that I could feel comfortable with my own children or grandchildren riding on it."
Mr. Donald Pitts, Transportation Director for most of Loy's career had the following to say, "Loy is one of the most conscientious employees I have ever been associated with. He is meticulous in his work, honest and dependable, and always displays a positive attitude".
Loy and his wife Connie, who also is retired from the Calhoun School system after many years at Minnora and Arnoldsburg Elementary Schools, have been married for 41 years and are parents to two daughters, Melanie and Malinda. They have two grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. They plan to travel, but will continue to make Calhoun their home.
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