The school districts of Hall County and Gainesville City gathered today at the Oaks at Lanier College and Career Academy to celebrate and recognize each system’s Teacher of the Year.

“There is no profession more noble than that of teaching,”said Superintendent Will Schofield. “To gather today and celebrate these two individuals is truly special. They represent what is good, what is true, and what is right in education.”

The HCSD teacher of the year is Steven McIntyre, an audio video teacher at Chestatee High School. The Gainesville City School Teacher of the year is Joy Holeman , an MPACT teacher at Fairstreet Elementary School.

The Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kaye Ivester Foundation was also present. Among so many other contributions to local education, the foundation also sponsors the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet; both the Hall County and Gainesville City School District teachers of the year receive a $10,000 check from the Ivester Foundation. Additionally, it provides each individual TOTY from each school in both districts a gift of $500. Classified team members of the year are awarded a $300.

“Doug and Kaye Ivester have always called the Hall County/ Gainesville area home,” said Lynn Darby, president of the Ivester Foundation. “And they have invested in its educational systems, doing all they can to provide young people with more opportunities. All you have to do is look around you and you will see the depth of their impact.”

We are grateful for the Ivester family generosity—for its vision and for partnering with both school systems in recognizing the important impact that teachers have on our children and our community.

Many thanks to LCCA for hosting the event and to the culinary students who helped prepare the incredible meal.
Finally, congratulations to Steven McIntyre and Joy Holeman for this recognition and thank you for exemplifying excellence in the classroom.