Hoke county teacher wins prestigious award at WFU

Anna J. Garrison of Raeford, a long-time elementary school teacher in Robeson and Hoke counties, is one of two recipients of the 2003 Marcellus E. Waddill Excellence in Teaching Awards at Wake Forest University.

Garrison accepted the $20,000 award during the university’s Fall Convocation Oct. 9. The Rev. Timothy L. Auman, who was appointed chaplain at the university in July, was the keynote speaker for the convocation in Wait Chapel.

Wake Forest annually recognizes alumni who are outstanding teachers with Waddill awards. One primary school and one secondary school teacher are chosen each year.

Garrison, who was recognized on the elementary level, graduated from Wake Forest in 1975 with a bachelor of arts degree in history. She has taught at South Hoke Elementary School in Red Springs since 1988. Previously, she was a kindergarten teacher in St. Pauls in Robeson County.

She is nationally certified as an early childhood generalist, and she is a mentor for recently licensed teachers. Garrison has worked diligently to bring unique programs like the Outer Banks “Save the Turtles” program to her school.

David Waddill of Rye, N.Y., established the awards in 1994 to honor his father, Marcellus E. Waddill of Winston Salem, who retired in 1997 after teaching mathematics at Wake Forest for 35 years.

Forty nominees from across the country competed for this year’s awards. Nominees for the awards must submit lesson plans, letters of recommendation and essays. Finalists are interviewed and submit a videotape of their teaching.

Categories: Community, Recognition, Teacher-Scholar