Superintendent Schofield also announced this years HCSD Teacher of the Year for 2014.

He made the announcement to her yesterday while she was on the playground with her students.

Ms. DesPres is in her fourth year in education and teaches first grade at Lanier.

Ms. DesPres said it was not only a great honor, but unexpected.

Lanier Principal John Wiggins accompanied Superintendent Schofield to the playground and said “Ms. DesPres represents the very best in education and the epitome of excellence in teaching.  She makes learning authentic, engaging and fun as her students are challenged, loved and guided to do their very best each day.”

Despres said, “I have felt abundantly blessed to work in Hall County over the past four years, but to see Mr. Schofield walk across our Lanier Elementary playground was a real shock!  I could not be more honored nor excited to represent our county.”

Ashley DesPres will now compete with other system winners from across the state for the honor of being selected Georgia Teacher of the Year for 2014.