Lanett school board names area teachers of the year

Published 10:37 am Friday, January 19, 2018

LANETT — At its first meeting of calendar year 2018, the Lanett Board of Education on Thursday honored two teachers with at least 15 years of experience in Lanett classrooms with its annual “Teacher of the Year” presentations.

Math teacher Jacquis Cofield received the award at the high school level, and science teacher Terrance Price received the award at the junior high level.

In introducing Cofield to the board, Lanett High School Principal Jennifer Boyd commended her for her longtime excellence as a teacher.

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“She currently teaches Geometry, Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Algebraic Connections and Pre-Calculus,” Boyd said. “She chairs the Math Department and sponsored both the Robotics and Math clubs.

Cofield graduated from Alabama A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in statistics.

“Outside the school, she enjoys volunteering her time in a Christian ministry,” Boyd said.

Price, the Lanett Junior High School Teacher of the Year, graduated from Lanett High and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University and a master’s degree from Troy University.

LJHS Principal Donna Bell said that Price teaches seventh grade Life Sciences and eighth grade Physical Science. He’s the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Club sponsor at the school. He also is involved heavily in athletics.

Price is the LJHS head football coach, LHS B-team head basketball coach and LHS head track and field coach.

“He’s the unofficial LJHS bus driver for field trips,” said Bell. “I am blessed to have him on my team. He is willing to do whatever it takes to help our children become successful citizens. Our students enjoy his class and look to him for leadership and guidance. Thank you, Coach Price, for all that you do for our students. This award is well deserved.”

The elementary level Teacher of the Year, Candy Crance, lives in Auburn and couldn’t make it to the meeting because of all the snow and ice on the roads. She teaches at W.O. Lance Elementary School.

W.O. Lance Principal Jamie Heard was congratulated by the board on his school having been chosen for an elite Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Award. The school was among only three in District 2 and 24 in the state to receive this award.

The other two schools selected in the district are Kinston School in Coffee County and Eufaula Primary School in Eufaula.

The CLAS program was created in 2001 to recognize Alabama schools that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. This year, a total of 107 schools or programs were nominated for this prestigious recognition.

The winning schools/programs will be honored at a luncheon Feb. 26 in Prattville. At that time, the CLAS Banner School from each district will be recognized.