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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Valley Times-News is doing a Q&A with all of the teachers of the year in the Lanett City Schools. Today, we are writing about Trentavious McCants, a Physical Education teacher at Lanett High School. We asked him several questions and included some of our favorite responses below.

Trentavious McCants is a familiar face in Lanett, whether it is doing outreach for his church or on the sidelines coaching the Panther’s basketball team. For his impact in his role as a P.E. teacher at Lanett High School, McCants was named the LHS Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.

The coach has spent the entirety of his decade-long teaching career at LHS. He has been married to Breeana McCants for three years and has three children: Trenton (1), Taylin (2), and Triniti (17), a junior at Lanett High School.

McCants says his aspirations are to continue to grow as an educator and coach.

What inspired you to become an educator? (Or who?)

“The person who inspired me to become a coach is Coach Terrence Price. He allowed me to assist him with junior varsity basketball my first year coaching. While coaching under him for a year, I noticed that he had a positive impact on his student-athletes on and off the court. That’s something I wanted to have with future student-athletes at Lanett.”

Do you lead any school clubs or coach any athletic teams? If so, what do you enjoy about those roles?

“Yes, I am the Varsity boys basketball coach for Lanett High School. I enjoy my role as an athletic coach because I feel coaching is my ministry. I enjoy my responsibility and role in developing my student-athletes into young men, as well as teaching them life skills such as discipline, unity, and dedication.”

What community activities are you involved in, even outside of the school system? How long have you been involved in that activity?

“Through my church, Pilgrim Baptist in Lanett, I have the privilege of serving others through community outreach efforts.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career field would you be in?

“I would be a truck driver due to having the opportunity to see the country and the competitive pay.”

If you could invite any historical figure to speak to your class, who would you choose and why?

“Eric Thomas. He is known for his inspiring and motivational speeches, particularly his hustle and grind philosophy. I chose him because I feel that he could impact the lives of my students and motivate them to be the best version of themselves.”

What’s the most rewarding part about your job?

“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see the kids grow an interest in being physically active.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

“The most challenging part of my job is trying to keep the students motivated to participate in physical activities.”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year?

“It meant a lot to me to be named teacher of the year because it shows that I am making a positive impact on students.”

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite

activities?

“Spending time with my family and cooking. Family is everything to me so spending time with them is a top priority in my life. Also, cooking is a passion of mine, so I love doing that any chance I get.”

As your students transition to the next grade or graduate in May, what is one key takeaway you hope they carry forward from their time in your class? 

“I hope they remember everything that I’ve taught them over the years as they begin the next chapters of their lives.”