Smith named LCS Teacher of the Year

Lexington Senior High School teacher Trisha Smith is overcome with emotion as she was named the LCS Teacher of the Year for the upcoming school year. {Davidson Local/Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart}

When Trisha Smith relocated to Lexington in 2015, the thought of being publicly rewarded for operating within her passion wasn’t a part of her plan. On Friday morning, in a ceremony at Lexington Middle School, she was named Lexington City Schools [LCS] Teacher of the Year for the 2021-22 school year. Smith is a Math 1&2 teacher at Lexington Senior High School [LSHS].

Smith proudly displays her TOY plaque.
{Davidson Local/Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart}

Through tears, the Irwin, PA native, said that she never imagined this would be happening to her.

“I moved here six years ago,” said Smith. “Mrs. [Monique] Curry [then principal at LSHS and current principal of Southwest Elementary School] took a chance on me. I put my application out there and my husband [Scott] said ‘we can go wherever you want to go honey.’ I walked out of the interview yesterday feeling pretty good. I was up against some amazing people.”

Having a few minutes to reflect, Smith, a mother of one, recalled the life shifting moment that put her on this career path.

“In seventh grade, I had the most amazing math teacher of my life. She changed everything. My eight-grade year, she ended up passing away from a heart attack. I promised myself I would change the lives of others and come in her place. LCS is my home now.”

Gene Jones, principal of LSHS, is glad Smith has chosen to settle in Lexington.

“Mrs. Smith has been an integral part of the success at LSHS. She’s involved in many organizations and support programs we have. When you go in her class, you see students engaged and excited about learning. That’s what it’s all about at LSHS. She’s a fine example of all the things that make our school great.”

Before the announcement, there was a video presentation that featured the principals from each school sharing how their representative embodied what it means to be an educator. Assistant Superintendent Emy Garrett also showered the teachers with adoration and praise.

“I saw some of the most innovative, creative teaching this year,” Garrett said. “You all make a difference and you make sure folks are learning. The panel had a hard decision. They asked me to please tell each of you that if they could, they would make you all teacher of the year.”

In addition to the candidates being named teacher of the year at their respective schools, they also received a monetary donation from Bunce Buildings. Beth Bunce, whose mother was a teacher, was in attendance to present the gifts.

LCS TOY representatives, left to right - Smith, Bernard Sharkey [Lexington Middle School], Jessie DeLapp [Southwest Elementary School], Mary Kathryn Patterson [Charles England Elementary School], Sarah Worley [South Lexington School] and Tina Alexander [Pickett Elementary School]. Rebekah Mason, South Lexington Developmental Center was unable to attend the ceremony.
{Davidson Local/Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart}