Two members of the Oak Mountain Elementary faculty and staff were recently recognized for their dedication, commitment, and service to the school.  Third grade teacher, Lori Lancaster, was named Teacher of the Year.  An educator for 21 year, 8 of those at Oak Mountain Elementary, Lancaster is known for building a warm community within her classroom, maintaining remarkable classroom management, and displaying leadership among her colleagues. 

Her students have described her as “smart, sweet, and loving.”  Not only does Lancaster instill the love of learning within her students, but she also encourages the love of teaching among her colleagues.  She spends a great amount of time mentoring first- and second-year teachers on best practices in education.   When asked about what prompted her to become a teacher, Lancaster stated “It is my desire to be one person, one influence in my students’ lives who demonstrates how much I truly care for them, their education, and their future.  In doing this, my students will hopefully become more confident, motivated to learn, and better equipped to navigate what their futures hold.”

 Willie Davis, a dedicated staff member and part of the custodial team at the school, was named Support Staff of the Year.  Davis, on staff for several years, is dedicated to providing a pristine school and is well-respected by his colleagues and the students he interacts with each day.  He is known for being a team player and always creating a positive atmosphere around the school.  Davis was born and raised in Shelby County, where he has lived his whole life.  He has said that he would not want to live anywhere else. 

When asked what he likes best about coming to work each day, he stated “I just love to work, and I love the people I work with.”  He further discussed the “family” he has gained with the Oak Mountain Elementary staff.  His colleagues share a love of him as well and describe him as “encouraging, hard-working, wise, always happy, a gentleman, and loyal.”  The school strongly believes both Lancaster and Davis are deserving of the honors they have been given and are thankful to work with such devoted, supportive, and encouraging colleagues.