2007 Cleveland County Schools AGAPE Finalists
Kathie Burgin has impacted the lives of countless drama students through the years as the technical theater/theater arts teacher at
Shelby
High School
. She can be found at Malcolm Brown Auditorium - early or late in the day, weekday or weekend - working with her students as well as with parents and community volunteers. Don’t be surprised to find her dressed in bib overalls with her hair in pig tails and the sounds of laughter, love, learning and power tools around. Students are welcomed and loved unconditionally; however, if one needs guidance, she steps up to the plate with a firm hand and guides with love and plenty of humor. Every student who works with Mrs. Burgin knows she has the biggest heart around. She is known to all as “Mama B.”
When her daughter was 6 years old, Mrs. Burgin recognized a need for local children. Fifteen years later almost 2,000 have benefited because of her efforts in establishing the Children’s Workshop Theatre. When Brown Auditorium needed a full-time manager, she answered the call. She has been the heart and soul of Shelby High Drama for more than 15 years.
Marc A. Brice, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at
Burns
Middle School
: A native of
Haiti
, Mr. Brice has taught seven years in the
United States
– the last six at Burns Middle. During this time he has embraced technology to support his curriculum, developed web-quest and assorted other unique, interesting lesson plans. He has mastered the art of teaching children – not just subject matter. He exemplifies the behaviors and characteristics of an Agape teacher in his day-to-day interactions with children; however, his contributions to educating children go far beyond Cleveland County.
Mr. Brice and his wife, Eveline, provide funding to operate a school in
Haiti
– paying the student tuition and the salaries of nine teachers. The Brices (who have two children of their own enrolled at UNC-Chapel Hill) live modestly in order to devote a portion of their monthly income educating children in Haiti. Their most recent project includes opening a medical clinic in Haiti. He and his family give as much as possible to better the quality of life for those in their homeland – a country where they fear to live but one in which the population desperately needs their help.
Danny Gantt, career technical teacher at
Burns
High School
: For 30 years Danny Gantt has been building character and producing top students – one brick at a time. Teaching skills that directly contribute to the economy of Cleveland County reflects only one facet of what Mr. Gantt has to offer students. The students who progress through his masonry program find purpose and commitment in learning. His high expectations instill in them a sense of respect and pride in themselves and their work. He works side by side with his students preparing them to develop the life skills they need to become productive citizens as well as caring, compassionate adults.
Almost every year, 100 percent of the graduates who complete Mr. Gantt’s program report that his influence is the main reason they stayed in school. When his students enter the workforce, many of them become entrepreneurs and work for themselves. In one survey it was determined that almost 90 percent of his students are employed in a masonry-related position within one year of graduating. Mr. Gantt’s care and compassion for all students – regardless of diversity – have directly impacted
Cleveland
County
for 30 years.
Traci Hoppes, third grade teacher at
Township
Three
Elementary School
: Mrs. Hoppes epitomizes what agape really means - in and out of the classroom. She knows that for some students, school time is not always enough. She gives of herself in many ways – doing research, meeting after school with parents, students and staff to share innovative ideas that bring learning alive in her classroom. Her efforts to help her students are endless – scheduling appointments for hair cuts, going to the FRC clothes closet, talking with the school social worker to get medical needs met, conferencing with counselors about emotional issues, paying for field trips and finding ways for all of her students to participate in helping others in the community. Mrs. Hoppes organizes and conducts Literacy Circles and academic award celebrations. Ninety-five to 100 percent of her students master local and state tests and more than 90 percent make the honor rolls. Her classes are typically recognized for having the highest Accelerated Reader participation and highest attendance average.
As one parent said: “I realize the importance of reaching and teaching every child, but it really comes full circle when you see your child growing and excelling…Thank God for caring teachers like Mrs. Hoppes.”
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