Teachers Brent Ricks, Kristin Quarles and seniors Abigail Fernandez, Brady Smith, Samuel Payne and Joy Nelms received various awards from the Chamber of Commerce and Tyler Area Rotary Club. They were honored at the Chamber banquet on April 15.

“I was surprised,” Ricks said. “Ever since I found out that I was receiving the award, it has been a lot of fun. The baseball team gave me a standing ovation when I showed up for practice after receiving the award.”

Ricks has been teaching and coaching for eight years and was not aware he was nominated for the award at first. After exhibiting great coaching and superb teaching skills, he received the Chamber Educator of the Year from superintendent Stan Surratt.

“I love getting to try and help my students grow in school and in life,” Ricks said. “It’s awesome to see a student have that ‘ah-ha’ moment when they figure out a problem or the excitement on an athletes face when they make a great play.”

Quarles also accepted the award for outstanding accomplishments along with students Fernandez and Smith. Quarles received it for her outstanding teaching accomplishments.

“I was so excited and proud to have won this,” Quarles said. “I would never have imagined my accomplishments being outstanding, but I am glad.”

Payne and Nelms also were honored  Chamber Students of the Year. 

“It felt great to receive such an honor,” Payne said. “This opportunity will probably help with getting scholarships and help college officers notice me more than others.”