Milestones

Teachers of the year

The following Aiken County teachers have been named Teachers of the Year for the 2008-09 school year for their schools:

Traci Nelson , Aiken Elementary School; Jane DiTullio* , Chukker Creek Elementary School; Vanessa Stone , East Aiken Elementary School; Jodia Lintner , J.D. Lever Elementary School; Leah Lewis , Millbrook Elementary School; Loretta Childress* , North Aiken Elementary School; and Kim Stokes , Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School.

Also, Rita Bagwell , Aiken Middle School; Celeste Walton , Kennedy Middle School; Marie Faith Thompson , Schofield Middle School; Francesca Pataro , Aiken High School; Kacee Poppy* , South Aiken High School; Dr. Darlene Rittel , Pinecrest Center; and Wanda Coyle , Belvedere Elementary School.

Also, Hope Bussey , Hammond Hill Elementary School; Scott Chappell , Mossy Creek Elementary School; Sarah Beth Meyer , North Augusta Elementary School; Robin McGee , North Augusta Middle School; Gaye Pappas* , Paul Knox Middle School; Susan Davis , North Augusta High School; and Mary Lamback , Byrd Elementary School.

Also, Lori Rogers , Clearwater Elementary School; Alice Bruce , Gloverville Elementary School; Amy Spence , Jefferson Elementary School; Catherine Baker , Warrenville Elementary School; Mary Brooks , L-B-C Middle School; Carolyn Campbell , Leavelle Middle School; and Gary Ricketts , Midland Valley High School.

Also, Robert Molkenthin , Aiken County Career Center; Michael Truitt , Busbee Elementary School; Rebecca Hughes , Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary/Middle School; Kimberly Badger , A.L. Corbett Middle School; Josianna Rodgers , Ridge Spring-Monetta High School; Mary Mason , Wagener-Salley High School; and Monique Dawson , Greendale Elementary School.

Also, Gail Hunter , Redcliffe Elementary School; Celia Tasha Chancey , Jackson Middle School; Debra Rood , New Ellenton Middle School; Patricia Powell , Silver Bluff High School; Paula Scott , Midland Valley Preparatory School; and Amy Pizio-Moore , Aiken Performing Arts Academy.

*Finalists for Aiken County Teacher of the Year

Merit semifinalists

The following area students have been named semifinalists in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program:

Devin S. Kimmerly , Aiken High School; Elizabeth A. Coffin , home schooled; Chelsea N. Revell and Devin G. Staack , South Aiken High School; and Stephen A. Farrar and Erin E. Harris , North Augusta High School.