When Lynne Parker was diagnosed with what she described as “stage four, nonsmokers cancer” last June, her colleagues at Dalton Middle School stepped up so valiantly that they deserve to be named “school of the year,” she said.
Parker, an eighth-grade language arts teacher, was named Dalton Public Schools’ teacher of the year on Friday at a district-wide awards ceremony at the Wink Theatre. Dalton Middle Principal Brian Suits described her as “the ever peppy, the ever professional, and now the every courageous Ms. Lynne Parker” as she walked up to the stage for her school award wearing a white top and red capri pants and carrying a homemade poster sign proudly proclaiming “I (HEART) DMS!”
Board of Education Chairman Steve Williams presented teacher of the year awards for each school and the district as a whole, and he read some of the comments Parker had written during the nomination process.
“Being a teacher is the best job in the world. Its rewards are so bountiful,” she said. “I love Dalton Middle School — my principal, assistant principals, my peers and everyone affiliated with DMS. Never has there been a more caring group of people. When I was diagnosed with stage four, nonsmokers cancer last June, my peers cleaned my house numerous times, brought me tons of food when I was taking chemo, let me park near the school because I could barely walk, and 20 of my fellow workers decorated my entire house at Christmas.
“To this day, the cards, e-mails and caring attitudes still continue. There has never been such a caring school. Dalton Middle School should be school of the year. They would easily win that award because at DMS we are family.”
Parker has been a teacher for 40 years and spent eight of those years in Dalton. She makes a difference, Williams said, through “quality teaching” and being heavily involved in extracurricular activities and sports events so she can be involved in her students’ lives outside the classroom.
“Throughout her career,” Williams said, “Lynne has made special efforts to reach out and encourage children who need an extra dose of compassion, protection, a little tough love or a second chance. Lynne says, and I quote, ‘I’m the teacher whose biggest accomplishments and contributions are centered on the fact that I make a difference in the lives of my students.’”
“Lynne, we’re glad you’re part of our family,” Williams said to her, “and our prayers are with you as you continue your treatment. Thanks for all you do, especially your love for students and learning that you model every day.”
Dalton Public Schools teachers of the year
Blue Ridge: Tara Marie
Brookwood: Karla Smedley
City Park: Josef Damasch
Park Creek: Pennie Lawson
Roan: Ashley Edwards
Westwood: Michelle Huch
Dalton Middle: Lynne Parker
Morris Innovative High: Julia Higgins
Dalton High: Renae Peppers
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