Columbus Municipal School District recently named its administrator and teacher of the year.

Toni Wise, English Language Arts teacher at Columbus Middle School, will represent the district as teacher of the year at the state level, while Melinda Robinson, Fairview Elementary School principal, will represent the district as administrator of the year.

Besides Wise, other district winners of teacher of the year awards include:

• Columbus High School — Leborian Troupe
• McKellar — Robin Cregeen
• Columbus Success Academy — Demetria Stewart
• Cook Elementary — Mitzi Mullins
• Fairview Elementary — April Harris
• Franklin Academy — Fernanda Windham
• Sale Elementary — Brenda Jones
• Stokes-Beard Elementary — Laura Phillips

CMSD has a three-way tie for its Noncertified Personnel of the Year:

• Fanjeffica Burgin — secretary, Columbus Middle School
• Clarence Porter— custodian, Columbus High School
• Tanyia Tackett — Accounts Payable Accountant, BCSC

Robinson has spent six years with CMSD and has 31 years of experience in education.

“To God be the glory, honor, and praise,” she said.  “I am surrounded by a group of people (CMSD district leaders, Fairview’s employees, students, parents, and community partners) who I give a portion of the honor of being administrator of the year. Thanks to everyone!”

Wise has been at Columbus Middle School for four years.

“How blessed I am,” Wise said. “I am both humbled and very grateful to be recognized for something I love to do.”

Both Robinson and Wise will represent the district at the state-level competition.

CMSD Superintendent Cherie Labat noted that during the pandemic, it is important to celebrate the excellent educators in the district.

“This is the time to celebrate every facet and it couldn’t be more meaningful to celebrate these two essential educators who have gone the extra mile who are valued by their peers,” she said. “CMSD also celebrates our non-certified employees who are front line educators and are a part of the key elements of educating the whole child.”