Table Rock Community Bank Celebrates January’s Teachers of the Month

Mr. Young has served 14 years of dedicated service as the Construction Technology Program Instructor at Gibson Technical Center. His classes compliment workplace simulations by completing various construction projects for the school and community. These projects include, but are not limited to, the construction of four homes, dozens of dock lockers, and the actual classroom and shop facility for his Construction Technology program at GTC. Mr. Young has a great ability to motivate his students during class time. He will do anything to help students succeed in the classroom, and in return, these same students become dedicated to meeting the program’s high expectations. On many occasions, the students work in extreme temperatures as they prepare for a career in the construction industry. Mr. Young is at the construction site nearly every day before and after school preparing for the days’ activities. Mr. Young’s students graduate from the program with valuable, job-ready skills and OSHA industry safety certifications that will allow them to be prepared as they enter the work force. It is my honor to nominate Mr. Young as Teacher of the Month for January 2022.

It is my pleasure to nominate Derwin McGownd for the Galena R-II School District Teacher of the Month for January. Derwin currently serves as PE and Health teacher for Galena High School. Coach McGownd is in his 4th year at Galena after having previously taught at Mountain Grove High School for a number of years. Derwin is a tremendous asset to our school district and our community. He has proven time and again to be a great role model for all of our students. Coach is able to relate to students from all walks of life and has worked diligently to make Galena High School a welcoming and inviting place. He also has been a great resource for our faculty as he mentors many of our younger teachers and coaches. Mr. McGownd is also the Head Varsity Baseball Coach for the Galena Bears where he has proven to be very successful as evidenced by the large number of wins throughout his baseball career including securing the SWCL Championship this past Fall Season. Galena High School is very fortunate to have Derwin McGownd as part of our Faculty and we are proud to nominate him as Teacher of the Month

Josh Parrish has been a valuable member of the Blue Eye school staff for 5 years. He currently teaches in the Special Education department and works with students from kindergarten through 12th grade. He is also the assistant high school baseball coach and helps with the archery program. Mr. Parrish earned his special education degree from Evangel and is also certified in music education. He is currently working with through Missouri State University to earn a master’s degree in Behavioral Analysis. When his students were asked what their favorite part of Mr. Parrish’s class was, they replied, “When he gives us free time!” He has established a sensory room for not only his students, but also for other students in the District. Mr. Parrish’s patience is endless and his caring nature and heart for students creates a safe and secure environment for students will special needs and he never fails to have a smile and kind word for all students.