Teacher, Staff Members Of The Year Announced At Forsyth MECHS

CUMMING, GA — Three teachers at Mountain Education Charter High School- Forsyth were recently awarded "new titles" for their hard work and dedication to the field of education.

Dr. Andra Cruse has been named the "Forsyth MECHS Teacher of the Year," Stacy Jones was named as the "Forsyth Staff Member of the Year," and Becky Austin was named as the "District Staff Member of the Year."

“These individuals represent stability for our students. Their love for the students is off the
charts. I cannot say enough about the quality of people that they are. Both Andra and Stacy
have been with us from the start of our school,” Forsyth Site Administrator Kim Barnes said.

Dr. Andra Cruse bio—Forsyth Teacher of the Year

She has been an educator for the past 23 years. She has been at MECHS for 7 years. She has taught Math in high school, technical school, and college (LSU and Northwestern State University). Trigonometry is her favorite class. The thing that she enjoys most about being a teacher is knowing she is making a difference in the lives of her students. She shared how one of her students who graduated last year stopped by unexpectedly over the summer to bring her some figs and to thank her personally for helping him graduate. He told her that he would not have graduated without her.

Stacy Jones bio-Forsyth Staff Member of the Year
She has been an educator for 15 years. She has been at MECHS for 7 years. She has served as a parapro in Special Education in high school as well as elementary school. She has also served as a receptionist at MECHS. She is currently serving as a parapro for Math. The thing that she enjoys most about her job is working with the students.

“I enjoy just being with the kids; just taking 5 minutes to make sure that they are doing okay. I worry about them when they are not here. When they know someone cares, they will do anything for you," Jones said.

Becky Austin bio-District Staff Member of the Year
She has been an educator for 23 years where her primary role has been as a Science Teacher.
This is her fourth year at MECHS. She started as a Mentor and fell in love with the relationship building. She also served as an attendance coordinator and is currently serving as a check and connect interventionist. She first heard of MECHS when she was transcribing interviews in a dissertation for a friend. When she read how MECHS mentors change the lives of students, her heart was touched to the point that she decided to become a Mentor.

“Teaching feeds my brain while working at MECHS feeds my heart," Austin said.