Ms. Williams District Teacher of the Year
Billie Williams was excited to receive her award.
The buzz in Ms. William’s Room on Thursday was one of excitement and expectation. Amid the talk in the room were plans being made for Legacy Week, sending best wishes to the members of both the girls and boys soccer teams headed to the State Championship Game and congratulations to Ms. Williams who was awarded Lexington-Richland 5 District Teacher of the Year.
Williams celebrated the win with her family and Chapin’s Principal, Dr. Ross, but in her classroom last week, it was business as usual. She was assisting her Student Government Association students with the next big project.
“I think it more of a celebration for the students I teach. They are part of who am I,” Williams said. The process of being selected District Teacher of the Year included writing 5 essays, a video recording, interviews and an observation.
On a typical day in her SGA class, students are busy working on various projects. This past week, student’s involved in SGA remained busy planning the activities that will take place during Legacy Week. Legacy Week, created last year by seniors to leave their mark on school, includes several events including popular Mr. Chapin and Battle of the Bands.
Following her win, students dropped by her classroom moving in and among each other, while visitors popped in and out of the room to congratulate Ms. Williams. Her students say that Ms. Williams deserves the award and much more.
“I am so excited she deserves it so much. She always puts her students first and she cares about the community and has done a lot to increase our school spirit,” said Morgan Weaver, Student Body president. “I have learned from her, to just get involved and attend every event and give back,” said Weaver.
“I’m really proud of her and I’m pressed that she got it and I know that she deserved it for 100 percent. I feel blessed that I had her as a teacher,” said Kenely Green, a senior who has known Ms. Williams for more than 7 years.
Students of Ms. Williams, such as Mac Eason, say that she is the driving force behind all that the Student Government Association has been able to accomplish.
“She is the reason that people view [Chapin] as a fun place to be,” said Eason.
For her students, Ms. Williams has led by example.
“She’s the most deserving just because the importance she puts on us for selfless service,” said Elizabeth Tedder. “Nothing she does is for herself. Everything is to better our lives, to serve others. You can come to her whenever. She is never off the clock teaching.”
