The TowneLaker Magazine is proud to announce the 2001 TowneLaker Teacher of the Year, Carmel Elementary fifth grade teacher Mrs. Vina Evans.  For the first time ever we received 10 nominations from individual students all for Mrs. Evans.  The winning essay, written by Brooks Conway (printed at left) was both touching and humorous.

Evans, a 6 year teaching veteran began her career as an In School Suspension Teacher.  When she was assigned to her

current class the students were more than just a little concerned.  It didn't take long for the students to learn that they had more than a special teacher.

When asked what she loves most about teaching, Evans replied "seeing the light go off and you know they got it!"

Evans lives in Cobb County with her husband Chris and their three children Danny, 15, Mandy, 13 and Stacy 11.

Mrs. Evans is the best teacher ever!  She pushes us to succeed.  She gives us a lot of homework most of the time, especially before testing, but it all pays off.  Mrs. Evans' call always has the highest scores on the ITBS.  She gets us to do out very best.  She says anyone can be a Joe Schmo, but you guys need to aim higher than that.  Mrs. Evans expects everyone to succeed whether you're a straight "A" student or you are trying to bring your grades up.

Mrs. Evans makes everyone responsible.  She gives us lectures and tells us that we don't have a job, and that we don't have any other things to do.  She tells us schoolwork is the only thing we have to concentrate on.

Mrs. Evans is a good person in general.  She has strong Christian beliefs.  She cares about every student in her class.  If there were a problem between some friends, some teachers wouldn't take the time and find out what was wrong.  Mrs. Evans always helps us work it out.  Mrs. Evans is everything a great teacher should be.

Above -- Brooks (center) and his classmates pay close attention to Mrs. Evans in class.

Left -- Mrs. Evans at the board teaching fractions.

Honorable Mentions:

Mrs. Patterson, nominated by Kelli Cody.  "She really shows she loves to teach and loves kids."

Mrs. Reach, nominated by Kate Messerly.  "It is hard to remember all the great things because she does so many great things."

Mrs. Brackman, nominated by Daniel Burnett.  "I wanted to thank her for all the hard work she has put into her job."

Mr. Joseph Lemmo, nominated by Brittany Bailey.  "He tells us stories about his childhood and teenage years."

Ms. Duggan, nominated by Becky Flint.  "She is the one who believed in me and that I could make it into AIM."

Ms. Susie Throop, nominated by Jaime Loizzo.  "She has created a class website that even my Grandpa in Chicago looks at."

Mrs. Kelly Burleson, nominated by Colleen Manuel.  "She loves each kid in my class and loves teaching Kindergarten."

Mrs. Ramsey, nominated by Sarah Kinsman.  "She takes us above average in her class."

Mrs. Yvette Cooke, nominated by Katie Mahoney.  "She makes learning fun and easy."

Ms. Moore, nominated by her third grade class.  "She is fair and reasonable and encourages us to try different things."