Lexington Two’s top teachers were recognized at a reception in their honor last week.

The 2018-19 Lexington Two Teachers of the Year include an educator who’s been with the district 25 years, and one who arrived just last year. In comments to family, friends, fellow educators and community members gathered at Thursday’s reception, District Teacher of the Year Kim Donovan, a music teacher at Wood Elementary, encouraged her fellow educators to celebrate the “wow” moments.

“Teaching is a matter of perspective, seeing what I call ‘wow moments’ all over our school and district,” Donovan said. “As teachers, we are agents of the ‘wow factor,’ that moment of insight when the student’s eyes light up. We need to create the environment, recognize the moment of connection, and celebrate with students when it happens.”

Other Lexington Two Teachers of the Year are:

AIRPORT HIGH: Steve Sisk

BC GRAMMAR NO. 1 (now Riverbank): Chelsea Billings

BROOKLAND-CAYCE HIGH: Sherry Jackson

BUSBEE CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY: Beth Brooks

CAYCE ELEMENTARY: Kim Addy

CONGAREE ELEMENTARY: Bethany Bastedo

CONGAREE/WOOD EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER: Sandy Best

FULMER MIDDLE: Rachel Wyka

NEW BRIDGE ACADEMY: Suzette Brunson

NORTHSIDE MIDDLE: Anna Hassell

PINE RIDGE MIDDLE: Kari Rikard

PINEVIEW ELEMENTARY (now Riverbank): Melanie Yoder

SALUDA RIVER ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS: Kayla Jennings

SPRINGDALE ELEMENTARY: Kandi Grant

Donovan will represent Lexington Two in the SC Teacher of the Year competition. That winner is announced in May.