Lexington 2’s top teachers were recognized at a reception in their honor recently.

The 2018-19 Lexington 2 Teachers of the Year include an educator who’s been with the district 25 years, and one who arrived just last year.

In comments to family, friends, fellow educators and community members gathered at Thursday’s reception, District Teacher of the Year Kim Donovan, a music teacher at Wood Elementary, encouraged her fellow educators to celebrate the “wow” moments.

“Teaching is a matter of perspective, seeing what I call ‘wow moments’ all over our school and district,” Donovan said.

“As teachers, we are agents of the ‘wow factor,’ that moment of insight when the student’s eyes light up. We need to create the environment, recognize the moment of connection, and celebrate with students when it happens.”

Other Lexington 2 Teachers of the Year are:

• AIRPORT HIGH: Steve

Sisk

• BC GRAMMAR NO. 1 (now Riverbank): Chelsea Billings

• BROOKLAND-CAYCE HIGH: Sherry Jackson

• BUSBEE CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY: Beth Brooks

• CAYCE ELEMENTARY: Kim Addy

• CONGAREE ELEMENTARY: Bethany Bastedo

• CONGAREE/WOOD EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER: Sandy Best

• FULMER MIDDLE: Rachel Wyka

• NEW BRIDGE ACADEMY: Suzette Brunson

• NORTHSIDE MIDDLE: Anna Hassell

• PINE RIDGE MIDDLE: Kari Rikard

• PINEVIEW ELEMENTARY (now Riverbank): Melanie Yoder

• SALUDA RIVER ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS: Kayla Jennings

• SPRINGDALE ELEMENTARY: Kandi Grant Donovan will represent Lexington Two in the SC Teacher of the Year competition. That winner is announced in May.