BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education honored three Head Start employees during the August BOE meeting. Superintendent of Schools Larry James presented certificates to Stacy Morrison, Kathy Stacy and Lana Workman.

Morrison was selected Head Start family advocate of the year, while Stacy was recognized for having the Big Sandy top 20 Head Start classroom for 2022-2023 based on staff-child interaction. Stacy’s assistant, Elaine Workman, also received recognition.

Morrison stated Martin County Head Start also won the award out of five counties for having the highest percentage of parent activities. “We had an awesome group of parents this year,” Morrison said, noting that Stacy’s classroom had the most parents attending out of all six classrooms.

District 1 board member Mickey McCoy noted the advantage of getting parents involved early in the child’s career.

“That’s good stats right there,” McCoy said.

Following the meeting, James further commended the program.

“I can personally vouch for the caliber of students who enter kindergarten and who have attended Head Start,” he said. “These instructors are phenomenal. The students are advanced, and the transition to a regular classroom appears to be easier on them than those who enter kindergarten straight from home or a day care setting. Their social skills are also advanced, and that’s a huge plus.”

James added, “I applaud all the staff of the county’s Head Start program. You won’t find a more dedicated group anywhere. Our students are very fortunate to have the guidance of these ladies.”