FORT MYERS, Fla., March 12, 2014 – Last week, three teachers from Classical Christian Academy were named Finalists in the Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida’s Annual Golden Halo Awards. Two teachers were nominated in the elementary division, and one in the middle school division: Mrs. Rachel Norton who teaches a first/second grade split; Mrs. Tabitha Dillehay, who teaches fifth grade; and Mrs. Vicki Watson, who teaches upper school math and Spanish.
“I’m excited to see these women get recognized for the amazing people and teachers they are,” beamed Amy Davis, CCA’s principal and founder. “When I interview teachers, I look for people who have more than a degree and classroom experience. I look for teachers who have a heart for Jesus, who want to reach out to His children and fill them with love, and ignite in them a wonder about God’s world. These teachers certainly show that passion in their lives and their classrooms.”
This is CCA’s second year participating in the Golden Halo program, and the second time three of its teachers were chosen as award finalists. In 2012-2013, upper school teachers Mrs. Erica Childs and Mrs. Shannon Schram were named finalists; and Mrs. Jenna Richardson won the prestigious award in the elementary division.
The Chamber accepts nominations from students attending Christian schools in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. From the nominations received, the Chamber selects 12 finalists; four in each of the high school, middle school and elementary school divisions. The winners will be named at the Chamber’s eighth annual Golden Halo awards ceremony on Friday, April 25, 2014.
“Every teacher has the ability to permanently affect their students’ lives,” added Davis, who is a former teacher herself. “I love knowing that at CCA, our teachers are doing their best to instill a love of learning and that the students want to recognize them for their efforts. Being nominated for this award is a very special honor.”
Mrs. Rachel Norton graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education. She began teaching at CCA in 2011. Prior to that, she homeschooled for six years, and taught Kindergarten for six years in another private Christian school following college. She has been married for almost 19 years and is the proud mom of two daughters-Jillian and Claire. She and her family worship at McGregor Baptist Church, where she has been a member since 1991.
Mrs. Tabitha Dillehay graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has 11 years of classroom experience, and she and her husband Mark share nine years of homeschooling experience with their four children: Emily, Sarah, Ty and Katie. Mrs. Dillehay joined CCA in 2013. She and her family are members of Winkler Road Baptist Church.
Mrs. Vicki Watson began teaching at CCA in 2011. She graduated from Emory & Henry College with a Bachelor’s degree in education with minors in mathematics, music and Spanish. She began teaching in 1979, and has worked in public, private and parochial schools. Watson also has two years of homeschool teaching experience. She is a mom to three children; Leslie, Nicole and Caleb, and is married to Jon. She and her family attend First Assembly of God in Fort Myers. After God, her family and teaching, her other passions include music, cooking, drawing and photography, which she turned into a business: Visions Imaging Photography.
About Classical Christian Academy:
Classical Christian Academy is the premier hybrid school in Southwest Florida. For 10 years, we’ve offered families an academically rigorous and Christ-centered K-12 education option that blends the best aspects of private and home schooling. For more information, visit www.discovercca.org or like CCA on www.facebook.com/DiscoverCCA.
About the Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida
The Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida began in 1997. More than 200 members come together to network, develop their businesses and give God the glory. For more information, visit www.hischamber.org.