5 Knoxville-Area Teachers Earn Recognition from McAlister's Deli as Outstanding Educators

Knoxville, TN (May 11, 2018) — To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked you, our guests, to nominate educators who have made an impact on you or our local community. Today, we announce our winners at our Knoxville locations. Congratulations to Melanie Norsworthy  of Rocky Hill Elementary School, Melinda Webster of Farragut Primary School (with 4 nominations), Steve Hamer of Apostolic Christian School, Sandy Morris of Green Magnet Academy (with 7 nominations), and Roxanne Cabrera of Carter High School (with 13 nominations), who were chosen as Outstanding Educators in their communities.

Here's what some of the nominators had to say about the teachers:

"Ms. Norsworthy is a wonderful teacher who cares a great deal about her students. She has taught her class so much and you can tell she truly cares about them. She has made an impact for my child, [...] who has grown into a proficient reader because of her! She has shaped my child to have a love of learning, and every parent can appreciate that!" —Traci Clayton

​"Melinda Webster is an exceptionally talented teacher. She possesses the ability to recognize the various levels and talents each student may posses, inspiring them to work to their highest potential. She is very creative in her teaching methods. Her classroom is an atmosphere of  comfort and calming nature making learning fun for all her students. She hears from a lot of her former students, reminding her of things they remember while in her class and how special she made them feel.  She has a true passion for teaching, inspiring each student to make good choices in life and strive to do their best always." —Brenda Day

"[Steve Hamer] puts in countless hours as a teacher, coach, athletic director, mentor, and friend. He always makes every kid feel special and loved. He is a great motivator and always encourages every child to do their best in the classroom and in sports." —Cher Hamer

"Sandy [Morris] is the teacher who is in charge of the magnet program at GMA. [She] works tirelessly to bring her students STEAM education that will help them achieve." —Cheryl Burchett

​"Sandy does a wonderful job as a mentor for teachers and students alike." —Beverly Hall

​"[Roxanne Cabrera] is very hardworking and inspires me to be a better person. She helped me become a better version of myself and made me feel like I can be myself without being judged." —Emma Henderson

"Miss Cabrera is a first year teacher at our school, but she has already taught us so much. From putting on her first musical to overcoming many obstacles (breaking her foot, losing her mom to breast cancer), she has inspired us each and every day to be our best. We love this woman and want to show her that everything she's done for us means something. We can't do much for her, but we can do this." --DeeJay Hurst

Each teacher is awarded a $50 McAlister's gift card and a certificate as well as tea and cookies for the class. Thank you to all of the above educators for all you have done for the students in your communities.

We received many amazing nominations, and we want to recognize them all. Here are the Teacher Appreciation nominees in Knoxville: 

• ​Melissa Grose, Ballcamp Elementary
• Lauren Simpson, Bearded Middle School
• Amy Melendy, Cedar Bluff Middle
• Nicole Taylor, Farragut Intermediate
• Amanda Distin, Pride & Joy Children's Academy
• Katie Drakos, Saint Joesph School
• Drew Carpenter, West High School
• Brandi Shupe, Ball Camp Elementary
• Claire Adams, Carter high school 
• Randy Brock, Christ's Legacy Academy
• Matthew Stephens, Concord Christian School
• Katie Craze, Concord Christian School
• Hannah Scott, Farragut Primary School
• Lori Moore, Farragut Primary School
• Jessica Witt, Gap Creek
• Ginger Pritchard, Grace Christian Academy
• Shane Rewis, Heritage High schools
• Heather Story, Karns Middle School
• Steve Dunkin, Midtown Educational Center
• Phillip Lewis, Newport Grammar School
• Cheyenne Rust, Norshore Elementary 
• Lakin Wooliver, Oak Ridge Primary Preschool
• Jessica Dean, Pellissippi State Community College
• Rachel Shearer, The Goddard School
• Cammie Lawton, West High School 
• Becky Flanary, Apostolic Christian School  
• Barbara Cunningham, Brickey McCloud Elementary 
• Brittany Barnett, Brickey McCloud Elementary
• Jennifer Munsey, Brickey McCloud Elementary
• Sarah Postin, Fairview Elementary 
• Hannah Vickery, First Baptist Academy
• Mary Beth Crawford, Grace Christian Academy
• Amy McAfee, Grace Christian Academy 
• Lori McNutt, Karns Elementary 
• Joann LaPointe, Karns High School 
• Heather Story, Karns Middle School
• Lauren Olson, Powell KinderCare
• Lisa Reaves, LaFollette Elementary School
• Briana DuBose, Maynard Elementary 
• Shawntal Almeraz, Norwood Elementary School
• Heather Worley, Norwood Elementary School 
• Mrs. Hooyman, Powell Elementary
• Lindsay Kennedy, Powell High School
• Amy Brace, Sarah Moore Greene
• Michelle Ownby, West Haven
• Wendy Markwood, West View Elementary
• Leanne Butler, Adrian Burnett Elementary
• Kasey Powers, Beaumont Magnet Academy 
• Angela Patrick, Belle Morris elementary 
• Claire Adams, Carter High School
• Heather Wade, Carter High School
• Sarah Reece, East Knox Elementary 
• Katie Hayse, Freedom Christian Academy 
• Abby Farris, Gibbs Elementry
• William Sanders, Green Magnet Academy
• Rosemary Reed, Halls High School
• Jeff McMurray, Halls High School
• Julie Shinlever, Halls Middle school
• Jennifer Booth, Halls Middle School
• Lesley Dalton, Holston Middle School
• Bethany Hunt, Inskip Elementary 
• DeeDee McGill, Powell Elementary School
• David Evans, Powell Valley Elementary 
• Rachel Thompson, Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy 
• Bill Cameron, Shannondale Elementary School
• Bethanee LaBorg, Vine Magnet Middle School
• Gina Hodges, West High School
• Beth Belvins, West View Elementary